To watch the video of Apply the Right Way, Apply the Smart Way!  please click here.

Published on May 4, 2016

Our amazing animated video about the U.S. Embassy Visa Process -how to avoid visa pitfalls!

Make your appointment through www.ustraveldocs.com/bd website or by contacting our call center. Create a user account to make an appointment for visa interview at the Embassy.

A passport valid for six months beyond the period of your intended stay in the United States. Children must have an individually issued visa, even if placed in a parent’s passport. Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly classifiable as visitors under U.S. law.

The presumption in the law is that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating:

• That the purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment;
• That they plan to remain for a specific, limited period;
• Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States;
• Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad; and
• That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties that will ensure their return abroad at the end of the visit.

Carry with you to the Interview:

• Your valid passport and previously issued passports
• The DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
• Appointment letter
• H, L, and other petition-based visa applicants may bring copies of the I-797, I-129 and other petition-related documents
• F, M students must bring their original I-20
• J exchange visitors must bring their DS-2019 form

Due to security concerns and space limitations, U.S. Embassy-Dhaka does not permit interested parties such as friends, relatives, attorneys or business contacts to attend the visa interview with the applicant. Applicants must come prepared to interview without in-person assistance.

ON YOUR INTERVIEW DAY AT THE EMBASSY

Intake:

• On your interview day, please come to the Consular Section according to the entry date and time mentioned on your appointment letter.
• Check in with the greeters as you enter the Consular waiting room and follow their directions to the window where you will have your application and fingerprints intake.
• Please be ready to hand over your current passport, original DS-160 confirmation page, appointment letter, and CGI cash deposit slip to the fingerprint intake window.
• If you have more than one passport, please separate them before coming in for your scheduled interview. You will still need to bring all your previous passports to the interview since you may need to present them to the interviewing Consular Officer.But never staple them together.
• For fingerprinting, please be sure to keep your hands dry and clean.After your fingerprints are scanned, sit down, and wait until it is your turn to interview.
• If you are unable to come for a visa interview on the scheduled date, you will need to reschedule your appointment. You can reschedule your appointment within 12 months from the date of fee payment. If you do not come to interview within 12 months, the visa fee payment record will expire. Click here to learn more about rescheduling an appointment.

Interview:

• Prepare your passport and DS-160 confirmation page to hand directly to the Consular Officer. If you are applying with multiple people, hand all passport packets together.
• To save time, only give documents to the Officer if asked.  If the Officer asks for a specific document, please give him/her that specific document and only that document.
• Do not submit documents that you know to be fraudulent.  Applicants are responsible for knowing whether the documents they submit are genuine and authentic.  If an agent tells you to present documents, you are responsible for knowing if they are authentic and genuine.  If they are not, you will be held responsible and not any third party.  If the Consular Officer suspects your documents to be fake, you will be refused a visa and possibly receive a permanent ban from travel to the U.S.
• Be as detailed as possible when answering interview questions.
• If you do not agree with the Consular Officer’s decision, please do not argue with them.  You are always welcome to apply again, but you should seriously assess if the circumstances that lead to your refusal have improved.
• English competency is not a requirement for getting a visa.  All of the Consular Officers speak and understand Bangla and would be happy to take your interview in either language.

After The Interview:

If you are issued a visa, , the Consular Officer will instruct you on how and when to collect the visaed passport. Normally the passport and visa can be collected from the pickup location you selected when you scheduled for interview appointment. When your passport is available at the selected location you will receive an email that your passport is “Ready for Pick Up”. If you have applied as a family, only one family member needs to collect passports Visa Collection Center.

Some qualified applicants require additional administrative processing.  It is impossible to predict how much time will be required for additional processing.  Click here to check the status of your case.

If you are refused for a visa, the Consular Officer will return your passport immediately.  You may reapply at any time by scheduling a new appointment. However, we recommend that you wait until your circumstances have changed.

IMPORTANT:

• If you are unable to appear in person to collect your passport from Visa Collection Center, an authorized person may do so on your behalf. You must provide a signed authorization form (PDF 60.2 KB) .
• Follow the passport drop-off/pick-up instructions (for both visaed and non-visaed) available here .

Each person applying for a U.S. visa come to their interview with their

• Passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended stay in the  U.S.
• CGI Cash deposit slip (MRV Fee payment receipt)
• DS-160 application confirmation page
• Appointment confirmation letter

Please note that children must have their own passports.

Applicants for nonimmigrant visas must prove that they qualify for a visa under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.  Under this law, every applicant is presumed to be an intending immigrant.  Therefore, the majority of applicants for nonimmigrant visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:

• they have a valid, temporary purpose of travel
• they plan to remain for a specific, limited period
• they have a residence outside the United States (in most cases, in Bangladesh) as well as other family, social and economic ties that will ensure their return at the end of their visit. Even applicants who wish to visit the United States for business or official travel will need to demonstrate their personal ties to Bangladesh.

Each applicant is unique, so it is not possible to provide a list of required documents.  Applicants should present whatever evidence will prove to the officer that they intend to return to Bangladesh or other residence outside of the United States.  Applicants are encouraged to come prepared to discuss their family, social, and economic ties to Bangladesh. Supporting documents are not strictly necessary.

Examples of useful supporting documents include, but are not limited to:

• all previous passports
• grades, transcripts, and standardized test scores for student visa applicants
• three to twelve months of bank statements for student visa applicants
• seaman’s books if applying for a crew visa
• wedding photos if applying for a derivative spouse visa
  all previous passports

Remember!

Each applicant is different. You should present evidence relevant to YOUR case. Applicants may present evidence that will show their own ties to Bangladesh, but should be aware that in many cases, supporting documents will not be reviewed. Supporting documents may help an officer evaluate the applicant’s ties to Bangladesh, but supporting documents do not guarantee that a visa will be issued. In most cases, the information contained in the DS-160 application and answers to questions in your interview will be sufficient to determine your eligibility.

Foreign Government Officials (A1/A2)

Foreign diplomats, official government, and military travelers going to the U.S. on official government business may apply for an A visa at the U.S. Embassy. To qualify for an A visa, you must be traveling to the U.S. on behalf of your national government to engage solely in official activities. Officials traveling to the United States to perform non-governmental functions of a commercial or competitive nature would fall into other visa categories and are not eligible for A visas.  The local government or provincial level officials of Bangladesh traveling to the United States to perform official duties do not qualify for A2 visa.

Employees of an International Organization (G1/G2/G4) 

International Organization (G) visas are issued to diplomats and other government officials for travel to the United States (U.S.). With the exception of a Head of State or Government who qualifies for an A visa regardless of the purpose of his or her visit to the U.S., the type of visa required by a diplomat or other government official depends upon their purpose of travel to the U.S. Applicants must meet specific requirements to qualify for an employee of International Organization (G) visa under immigration law. The consular officer will determine whether you qualify for the visa once we receive application package. The purpose of your intended travel to the U.S. must be pursuant to official duties.

G-1: Permanent mission members of a recognized foreign government to a designated international organization are eligible to apply for a G-1 visa.

NOTE: In order to be eligible to apply for a “G1” category nonimmigrant visa, an applicant must be an individual officially representing foreign government and posted to a permanent foreign mission to an international organization in the United States.

G-2: Representatives of a recognized foreign government traveling to the U.S. temporarily to attend meetings of a designated international organization (where the United States Government is a member) are eligible to apply for a G-2 visa.

G-4: Individuals who are proceeding to the U.S. to take up an appointment/assignment at a designated international organization (where the United States Government is a member), including the United Nations are eligible for G-4 visas.

Application Requirement

Official A and G visas will be issued upon receipt of a properly executed application package and a Diplomatic Note Verbale from foreign government offices/international organizations.  The International Organization/Foreign Mission/Ministry’s Note Verbal requesting visa issuance should include the name, title and position of the traveler, the passport number and the purpose of travel.  For applications in advance of specific reasons for travel, please state anticipated government business in the Note Verbale.

A Government Order (GO) from the esteemed ministry where applicant works should also be included if the application package comes from Bangladesh Government.

In addition, names of a spouse or minor children who will accompany the official should be listed on the Note Verbale. We do not accept soft copy of any note verbale. Therefore, please do not email us your official note verbale. Each non-immigrant visa applicant must complete online DS-160.

A designated representative from the esteemed Foreign Mission/Ministry/International Organization may deliver the application package which should include the following mandatory items:

1. A diplomatic note verbale. The note issued by the foreign government office/international organization should clearly state the following:

• • Name and date of birth
  • Position and title
  • Place of assignment or visit
  • Purpose of travel
  • Brief description of duties
  • Travel date
  • Anticipated length of stay or tour of duty in the United States

Information in the Note Verbale, GO and DS-160 application form regarding the travel purpose, intended travel dates, etc. should be consistent.

1. An original Government Order (GO) from the relevant Ministry explaining that the applicant will be on official government duty during the trip, as well as other terms and conditions. The Ministry should provide both original Bangla and English-translated versions of GO. The Government Order (GO) is NOT required for “G4” visa applications.
2. DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application confirmation page

• • The information provided in DS-160 should be true and correct
  • The DS-160 online visa application should include the full version of the applicant’s initials if not fully spelled out in the passport
  • If the full version of the applicant’s name initialsis not fully spelled in the DS-160 online visa application, the name initials should be spelled-out and written on the DS-160 confirmation page 
  • A valid photo must be uploaded into the DS-160 form
  • Failure to provide complete information in DS-160 online application may impact timely processing of official A and G visa application

1. A machine-readable passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in the U.S. Only recent passport needs to be submitted.
2. One photo (instruction for U.S. visa photo requirements available at ustraveldocs.com/bd)

For family members, please submit

1. A passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in the U.S.)
2. DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application confirmation page.  A valid photo must be uploaded into the DS-160 form
3. A photo taken within the 6 months before the application date. U.S. visa photo requirement can be found at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/bd)
4. A letter of introduction (LOI)/Note Verbale issued by the Foreign Government/Foreign Mission/International Organization stating

• • Name and date of birth of the derivatives;
  • Position and title of the principal applicant;
  • Relationship with the principal applicant
  • Place of assignment or visit;
  • Purpose of travel;
  • Brief description of duties;
  • Travel date;
  • PA’s anticipated length of stay or tour of duty in the United States
  • A copy of principal applicant’s note verbale, GO, and associated supporting documents (when family is travelling separately) 

Application package submission  

In order to submit the official visa application package, the designated representative of foreign government/international organization needs to come to the Consular Section of the United States Embassy located at Madani Avenue, Baridhara on any Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 02:00 p.m. and 02:30 p.m. The designated representative must present the Diplomatic Note/Note Verbal and his/her valid photo ID to the guard on Madani Avenue to gain access to the consular gate 2.  Once the security formalities have been completed, the designated representative should proceed to the consular waiting room.

All diplomatic/official visa applications must be submitted 30 days prior to the intended departure date.

The courier will receive a letter and a copy of DS-160 with barcode number to check the application status online. The letter and copy of DS-160 with barcode number confirms receipt of complete nonimmigrant A and G official visa applications.

Passport collection

The official/diplomatic visas will normally be ready for pick up in thirty days of receiving the application package in consular section. When the application status changes to “Issued,” the visa is ready for pick-up. The applicants/foreign government office/international organization may send their authorized courier and collect it.

When:    Three (3) Embassy workdays after the application status changes to “Issued”
Where:   Consular Section, U.S. Embassy, Baridhara, Dhaka
Time:     Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 02:00 p.m. sharp
What to Bring: DS-160 Confirmation page and an authorization letter from the applicant along with the authorized person’s valid photo ID.

In some cases, a personal interview is required. If so, the designated representative will receive a letter with instructions on how to schedule an interview appointment. Please note that some cases may be subjected to additional processing, which can affect the timing of the issuance.  Cases that require additional processing will certainly take longer than thirty days.  Please continue to check the status of your application daily. Use the barcode number found on your DS-160 form to search the status.

Passport Withdrawal for emergency travel 

While an application is under processing, applicants may withdraw their passports subject to personal/official travel plans. In such cases, the applicant is required to email us the name, national ID number and/or official ID badge information of the authorized courier to collect the passports. The passports will be returned from the consular section. The designated courier should come to the Consular Section on the scheduled date along with a valid photo ID, DS-160 confirmation page, an authorization letter, and a copy of the appointment confirmation email.  Applicants need to submit their passports as soon as their travel is complete. Please bear in mind that withdrawal of a passport normally postpones the completion of application processing. 

Personal Appearance and Visa Fees 

Personal appearance is generally not required for A and G visa applicants traveling to the United States on official business.  With respect to the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fees to be paid, all persons eligible for category “A” or “G” non-immigrant visas are exempt from the payment of the US $160 nonimmigrant visa processing fee.

Domestic Employees of A and G visa Applicants 

Personal employees, attendants, or domestic employees of individuals who hold a valid A1, G1, G4 visa may be issued an A-3 or G5 visa. Biometric fingerprints and interviews are required for these applicants.

Visa Fees & Tourist Travel for Diplomats 

Individuals who qualify for an A or G visa are exempt from paying visa fees. Additionally, individuals holding diplomatic passports may also be exempt from machine-readable visa (MRV) fees regardless of visa classification and purpose of travel, including tourist travel. If you hold a diplomatic (i.e., not a regular, official, or special) passport and are applying for a tourist visa, please do not pay the visa fee unless a Consular Officer tells you to do so.

However, bearers of diplomatic passports must still appear for a personal interview and fingerprints. For your convenience, we ask that you notify us via email and confirm with the Consular Section if you intend to apply for a tourist visa before you pay the MRV fee.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) – The VWP allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet all requirements. Travelers must be eligible to use the VWP and have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. Applicants from 38 countries may travel to the United States without a visa.  Bangladesh is not one of these countries.  Residence in a VWP country does not qualify an individual for the VWP.  More information about VWP is available at  Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

ESTA –  This is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, though it is recommended that travelers apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets. ESTA registration is not required of Bangladesh passport holders, since Bangladesh is not a VWP country.  More information about ESTA is available at  Electronic System For Travel Authorization.

Global Entry Program –  Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.  Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.  More information on this program is available at Global Entry Program.

The U.S. Government allows certain nonimmigrant visa applicants to renew their visas without an interview. This program is not for first-time applicants. In general, qualified applicants are those who are renewing a visa, which expired within the past 48 months, while resident in Bangladesh.

The requirements for interview waivers have recently expanded to enable more applicants to obtain an interview waiver.  Information on the expansion is available on the Department of State travel website.

If you choose to renew your nonimmigrant visa through the visa interview waiver program, it can take up to twenty-one (21) days to process your application. Case that may require additional administrative processing may also take much longer. Once you submit your passport and visa application for adjudication, be prepared to be without your passport until your case is finalized.

Urgent or emergency passport withdraw requests will be evaluated on a case by case basis, and it may take up to one week for passports to be returned. If you withdraw your passport before processing is complete, this will disrupt your visa adjudication and additional time will be necessary to complete your dropbox application.  Please email support-bangladesh@ustraveldocs.com to request to withdraw your passport.

• Determine your eligibility by reviewing the interview waiver criteria.
• Submit the visa application package at your pre-selected document drop-off location.

The visa interview waiver application package must include:

• confirmation page of online DS-160 form,
• drop-box confirmation letter,
• CGI cash deposit slip (MRV fee receipt),
• a passport valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in the United States,
• a photo should be uploaded to the online DS-160 form. Please see the photo requirements here, and
• any documents relevant to the visa categories as listed here.

Depending on the type of visa being applied for, other materials may be required.

Please review the requirements by visa category.

Direct questions to support-bangladesh@ustraveldocs.com.

Note:  crew members who only possess a C1/D visa and have never held a B1/B2 visa must schedule an in-person interview if they wish to receive a B1/B2 visa.

For more information, including eligibility criteria for children under 14 years of age, visit the visa renewal page on our website.

Lost/Stolen Passport with valid U.S. Visa

What should I do if my passport with valid U.S. visa is lost or stolen?

If your passport containing a valid U.S visa has been lost or stolen, you need to report the incident to the consular section of the U.S embassy, Dhaka immediately.  You must report the loss of your passport to the local Police station and obtain a police report (general diary, if the document is in Bangla language, then please provide us an English translated copy).  Then you are required to send an email to support-bangladesh@ustraveldocs.com for your loss of the visa including the following documents:

1. Completed Lost and Stolen form (lost/stolen form – PDF 166 KB)

2. Copy of your police report.

Your lost visa will be cancelled immediately.  It can no longer be used for travel to the United States even if your passport is ever recovered.

Lost or stolen U.S. visas cannot be replaced. Once you have obtained a new passport, you may apply for a new visa, if required.  You will need to schedule an interview through our website www.ustraveldocs.com/bd. For additional information about applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa click here.

Scammers Sending Fraudulent Messages!

U.S. Embassy staff has identified an increase in fraudulent phone calls, emails, and letters requesting individuals to pay “visa fees” through unauthorized mechanisms in an attempt to extort money from their targets. Our main line phone number can be spoofed so that calls and messages appear to be official correspondence.  Government email addresses end in “.gov,” and any visa-related correspondence coming from an address that does not end with “.gov” should be considered suspect. The scammers behind these calls and messages are posing as U.S. government officials in an attempt to extract payment.

U.S. Embassy, Dhaka will never email or call you to request a visa payment.  Visa interviews always take place in person, not over the phone, at the U.S. Embassy, and the Consular Section never processes visa fees via bKash, Nagad, Rocket, or similar platforms.  Nonimmigrant visa applicants may only pay their fees at a branch of Eastern Bank Limited (EBL) after completing their DS-160 online.

More program information can be verified at www.travel.state.gov and https://bd.usembassy.gov/visas/.

More information about visa fees is available at our websites https://bd.usembassy.gov/visas/ and https://bd.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/fees/