Visa Services

How to Apply

Do I Need a Visa?

Find the requirements for crossing US borders at: http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/index.shtm 
If you have a valid visa in your old passport you do not need a new visa! Simply present the still-valid visa in the expired passport along with your new passport. 

Visa Application Process:
The Consular Section of the American Embassy in Kigali accepts visa applications
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY on Monday and Thursday mornings.  (Diplomats and officials who have a note verbale / ordre de mission for official travel can bring in their applications at any time.) DO NOT e-mail the Embassy asking for an appointment! Applicants must schedule their own appointments at the link below.

Once applications are received, interviews are normally conducted that day, but may be later given unusually busy circumstances.

Applicants need to present ID at the Embassy Consular entrance, and may be asked to leave their cell phones at the guard post.

Most visa applicants will be fingerprinted electronically during their interview with the Consul.  All applicants above age 14 must complete the interview by themselves.

A visa issuance decision will usually (but not always) be given the day of the interview.  If issued, the passport with visa should typically be ready for pick-up by the end of the following day.  (E.g., passport pickup is typically on Tuesdays from 1700-1730 and Fridays 1200-1300.)

A few cases may require extended processing time and additional documentation may be requested.

Who is Qualified?
According to U.S. immigration law, every foreign national applying for a visa is assumed to be an intending immigrant, unless he or she proves that he or she has strong family, social, economic and professional ties to his or her home country.  These ties should be strong enough to compel the applicant to return home after a temporary stay in the U.S. The applicant him / herself has the burden of proof to satisfy the consular officer of their eligibility for a non-immigrant visa.

Who is NOT eligible for a US Visa? http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/ineligibilities/ineligibilities_1364.html

If the visa is refused, an applicant may re-apply by paying the fee and following these steps again.  However, unless there has been a significant change in circumstances, the response is not likely to be different!  Please find more information at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/denials/denials_1361.html

We encourage all applicants to start the process well in advance of their intended date of travel!!!  Long lines or system processing delays are outside of our control and
we will not expedite individual cases except at our discretion for officials, medical emergencies and those with referral forms from qualified US government officials!!!


Required Documents:
Each applicant, including children included on a parent's passport, must present the following documents when applying for a visa to the U.S.  Please bring all documents and invitation letters with you to your appointment rather than sending them to the Embassy separately. 

1. A completed visa application form (DS-156): https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp  Note: In order to be accepted, all application forms must be typed, printed, and signed!!!

2. A completed supplemental form DS-157 (Download Form)

3, A passport valid for at least 6 months after your projected return from the United States.

4. Two copies of a recent full-face, color photograph (5cm X 5cm) with a white background.

5. All old passports, if applicable.

For children less than 18 years old, at least one parent must be present with proof of parentage, plus written permission from parent who is not present.

For student visas: applicants for student visas must submit the following documents in addition to those listed above:

1. An original I-20 or IAP-66 form issued by the educational institution.

2. Proof of funds available to pay for one year of studies and travel.

3. Evidence of academic preparation and English language skills such as school diplomas, transcripts of grades, certificates of exams taken, and TOEFL exam score.

4. Proof of prior payment of the Statement and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) fee. (For additional information on the SEVIS fee, see: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/index.htm.

5. Completed DS-158 Form

For more information on studying in the U.S. go to: http://educationusa.state.gov/

For Interns / Trainees: applicants must present Forms DS-2019 and 7002, issued by the sponsoring organization.

For Medical treatment: please bring documents showing that a physician in the US has agreed to treat you, cost of treatment, and means of payment.

For the Spouse of a US Citizen (K3): You must have an immigrant petition (I-130) pending with USCIS, as well as a non-immigrant I-129F petition approval notice sent to Embassy Kigali. Please find instructions at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2993.html

Note: Submission of fraudulent documents may result in permanent ineligibility for a visa or criminal prosecution!!!

Fees:                                                                                                                
There is a USD $131.00 fee for most visa applications (all diplomats, as well as officials on official travel are exempt). This should be paid in Rwf at BCR Main Branch, and the receipt should be brought together with the application.  There may be an additional fee for non-Rwandan nationals who are granted a visa. You can see if your country has a reciprocity fee here. (Rwandans do not have an additional reciprocity fee above the $131 application fee.)

Appointments:
Appointments can be scheduled at the following website:                          https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=KGL&appcode=3

Press Releases:
The Consular section of the United States Embassy Kigali, announces a
- Change in the Process for Paying Nonimmigrant Visa Application fees (full text), and     
- Change in Visa Application Scheduling (Full announcement)
- Increase in Non-immigrant Visa Application fee: (full text) 

Validity of Visa:                                                                                          
Tourist and business visas issued to Rwandan nationals are normally valid for 3 months to 10 years.  During that period, the traveler can enter the United States multiple times.  Student and Diplomatic visas are normally valid for up to 5 years.

Length of Stay in the United States:
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will grant each traveler at the port of entry permission to remain in the United States for a specific length of time.  That time period is usually 6 months for tourism and business trips.  Students are usually permitted to remain in the United States during the time they are enrolled in an educational institution.  Travelers can request an extension of their stay at the closest DHS office.  Any traveler who remains in the United States even one day beyond the length of time granted by the DHS is considered to be in the United States illegally and may become subject to severe penalties, including exclusion from the United States.

Additional information on U.S. policy and procedures can be found online at: http://www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov