Presione aquí para ver la Versión en Español de Visas de No-Inmigrante

At the time of the interview, all Non-Immigrant visa applicants (except officials traveling on diplomatic visas) will be fingerprinted with electronic images of their two index fingers.

US-VISIT Program:
New Procedures for Visitors Entering and Leaving the United States
as of January 5, 2004

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires the non-immigrant visa application form DS-156. The form may be filled out on-line with the information entered into a
2-D barcode format at the following address:

In Spanish:   http://evisaforms.state.gov/instructions_spanish.asp

In English:   http://evisaforms.state.gov

Applicants with the DS-156 and barcode will have their own line at the Embassy to speed their application process. They should bring all three printed pages of the completed form to the interview. For those applicants whose computers do not support the requirements for creating the barcode, the non-electronic DS-156 form in English may be filled out and printed from the Internet at: http://evisaforms.state.gov/DS156_English.pdf. Applicants may also request the form at Banco Uno branches, travel agents and Cargo Expreso offices.

As of February 4, 2002, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires all male applicants for a non-immigrant visa between the age of 16 and 45 to complete a form DS-157. The form is available from Cargo Expreso, Banco Uno branch offices, and most travel agents. It can also be filled in and printed from the Internet at the following address: http://travel.state.gov/visa/DS-0157.pdf

Expedited/Priority Appointments for Businesspeople: When the NIV appointment schedule is delayed by 3 days or more, and a businessperson has an emergency reason to travel on business, he or she should notify the call center of the emergency. He or she can then receive an immediate appointment. In order to get an expedited appointment, the following requirements must be met:

1. there is an appointment delay of 3 days or more ( average appointment wait time for visas);
2. the applicant is applying for a visa for business purposes only - and only the individual applicant can use this procedure, he or she cannot get an expedited appointment for family members;
3. the business emergency must be a specific event such as a conference, business meeting, the beginning of a training period; an event that will take place in the near future and will be missed unless an immediate appointment is obtained.

Priority Appointments for Students: If you have an emergency (if your program or course of study begins soon and you need an appointment as soon as possible in order to start school on time), you need to explain this to the call center at the time you call to make an appointment. They will do their best to obtain a priority appointment for you. The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires all applicants requesting student visa types F1, F2, F3, J1, J2, M1, M2 or M3 to complete a form DS-158. The form is available from Cargo Expreso, Banco Uno branch offices, and most travel agents. It can also be filled in and printed from the Internet at the following address: http://travel.state.gov/visa/DS-0158.pdf

1. Documents required to apply for a visa
   
   
2. Non-Immigrant Visa to travel to the United States
   (its purpose, how to qualify, and steps to follow for requesting a visa)
   
   
3. Current Information on Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
   
   
4. Suggestions about documentation
   
   
5. Visa Appointment Wait Times and Visa Processing Times for Guatemala
   
   
6. Lost or stolen passport with visa
   
   
7. Non-Immigrant visa for children either younger than and older than 18 years of age
   
   
8. Visas for Medical Treatment (B-2)
   
   
9. Applications for Student Visas
   
   
10. H2 A/B Temporary Work Program
    Press Release, 03/10/2004:  USCIS Announces H-2B Procedures – Reaches CAP
    
    
11. Delivery of the passport with the visa
    
    
12. Diplomatic and Official Visas
    
    
13. When a visa has been denied: Reapplication process
    
    
14. DHS Cancellation of Non-Immigrant Visas at the Port of Entry
    
    

• Anyone who applies for a visa should understand that holding a visa does not guarantee entrance into the United States. Only the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the authority to allow you into the U.S. and to determine the length of your visit. At the port of entry, a DHS official must validate your Record of Arrival- Departure (Form I-94), which tells you how long you may stay. If you want to extend your visit, you must file an Application to Extend Status (Form I-539) with DHS. The decision to grant or deny the extension rests solely with the DHS. The Consulate can answer questions only about visa applications and qualifications.

I. Documents required to apply for a visa

Every visa applicant (tourist, work, student, and all other nonimmigrant visa types) must bring the following documents to the interview:

1. Banco Uno Receipt. Pay the current application fee in cash at any Banco Uno branch. This payment covers the cost of processing the application. The receipt is good for one year from the date of purchase. It is non-refundable in the event of loss, theft, or expiration. Write your name and passport number on this receipt.
   
   
2. Current and previous passports. The current passport must have a validity of at least six months after the date you plan to leave Guatemala. If your previous passport has been lost or stolen, refer to: Lost or stolen passport with visa
   
   
3. Visa application form DS-156. The form must be filled out completely (answering all 41 questions) in print and signed by the applicant. The applicant must attach a recent, color or black and white photo (2" in height by 2" in width, face 50% of photo, white background, ears and forehead uncovered, without earrings or hat). Click here for more detailed information about photo requirements. Copies of the form are free and are available at the entrance of the Consular Section in the US Embassy, in the Cargo Expreso office at zone 10, Banco Uno branches, on the Internet and at many travel agencies.
   
   
4. Male applicants from 16 to 45 years of age must complete supplementary application form DS-157.

II. Non-Immigrant Visa to travel to the United States
     (its purpose, how to qualify, and steps to follow for requesting a visa)

For more information on classifications of non-immigrant visas, please refer to: http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_types.html

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires the non-immigrant visa application form DS-156. The form may be filled out on-line with the information entered into a 2-D barcode format at the following address:

In Spanish:   http://evisaforms.state.gov/instructions_spanish.asp

In English:   http://evisaforms.state.gov

Applicants with the DS-156 and barcode will have their own line at the Embassy to speed their application process. They should bring all three printed pages of the completed form to the interview. For those applicants whose computers do not support the requirements for creating the barcode, the non-electronic DS-156 form in English may be filled out and printed from the Internet at: http://evisaforms.state.gov/DS156_English.pdf. Applicants may also request the form at Banco Uno branches, travel agents and Cargo Expreso offices.

As of February 4, 2002, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires all male applicants for a non-immigrant visa between the age of 16 and 45 to complete a form DS-157. The form is available from Cargo Expreso, Banco Uno branch offices, and most travel agents. It can also be filled in and printed from the Internet at the following address: http://travel.state.gov/visa/DS-0157.pdf

How do I use a non-immigrant visa?

Citizens of Guatemala who want to visit the U.S. for a short time for business or pleasure must apply for a VISA (B1/B2), which can be granted with a validity of up to ten years. If you have a valid visa in an expired passport, you can continue to use the visa in conjunction with your new passport.

Do I qualify for a visa?

U.S. law assumes that every applicant wants to immigrate. Therefore, applicants must try to disprove that assumption by demonstrating:

• That they have a well-established residence outside the U.S.
• That the purpose of their visit to the U.S. is specifically for business or pleasure.
• That they plan to stay in the U.S. for a specific, limited time.
• That they have sufficient resources of their own to cover the cost of the trip, whether or not a friend or relative wants to help with the expenses.

Steps to follow for requesting a visa:

• Call to request an appointment.
  
  If you want to request information or arrange an appointment to apply for a non-immigrant visa, please call the Information Center for the United States Embassy. The hours for this center are 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday.
  
  To call this Information Center from Guatemala, you need to purchase a "Telepunto" card from Telefónica marked with the words "Visas U.S.A." and follow the instructions indicated on the card. The Telepunto International card is sold in all Telefónica locations, travel agencies, Banco Uno and sales offices identified with the Telefónica logo. This card can also be used for international calls.
  
  To make an appointment from the United States, you may use a credit card and follow these steps:
  • Dial 1-818-755-8425 in the United States.
  • Press 1 to be transferred to the United States Embassy in Guatemala.
  • Select the type of credit card you are using (1=Visa 2=MasterCard).
  • Enter the 16 digits of your credit card.
  • Enter the 4 digits of your credit card's expiration date.
  • The charge of approximately US$5.00, depending on the exchange rate of the Mexican Peso, will appear on your next billing statement.
  • Your call will be transferred to an agent who will provide you with all the necessary information to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa and will give you an appointment, if requested.
  
  
• Pay the current application fee in cash at any Banco Uno branch for each application to be processed. Write your name and passport number on this receipt.
  
  
• Complete and sign the non-immigrant visa application form.
  
  

THE CONSULAR SECTION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY; CLOSED FRIDAY AND OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS OF THE UNITED STATES AND GUATEMALA.

III. Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

For the most current information on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and the machine readable passport (MRP), see the following website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_novisa_waiver.html

08/10/04    Extension of Requirement for Biometric Passport Issuance by VWP Countries

This Program enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Starting October 26, 2004, each Visa Waiver Program traveler must present a machine-readable passport (MRP) at the U.S. port of entry to enter the U.S. without a visa. Those without MRPs must obtain a nonimmigrant visa. This change includes all categories of passports -- regular, diplomatic, and official, when the traveler is seeking to enter the U.S. for B-1/B-2 purposes. Citizens of Belgium have been required to present a MRP since May 15, 2003, and citizens of Andorra, Brunei, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Slovenia since October 1, 2003. Families and groups seeking to enter the U.S. under the VWP will need to obtain an individual passport for each traveler, including infants. Machine-readable passports typically have biodata for only one traveler in the machine-readable zone. Based on this, families may be denied visa-free entry into the U.S. if the biodata for only one traveler is machine-readable. Following is a list of nations exempt from U.S. visa requirement:

IV. Suggestions about documentation

The following are suggestions for the type of documents you may wish to present. There is no standard formula. Documents from the United States, such as letters of invitation and business contracts, are useful in defining the purpose of your visit, but are less important than documents from Guatemala that demonstrate your economic situation and your family and professional ties. Successful applicants show that they have specific travel plans and that they have strong commitments to Guatemala that obligate them to return. The following documents can be helpful (originals preferred):

• Your previous passports and visas and passports and visas of family members
• Letters of employment or professional identification
• Proof of enrollment in school
• Bank checking and savings accounts
• Automobile titles
• Business licenses
• Deeds to houses or land
• Receipts for business taxes
• Receipts for salaries or retirement benefits
• Marriage certificates and birth certificates for minor children
• Correspondence regarding the purpose of your visit
• Detailed information about your travel plans

WARNING: APPLICANTS USING FALSE DOCUMENTS CAN BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE U.S. FOR LIFE.

V. Visa Appointment Wait Times and Visa Processing Times for Guatemala

Visa Appointments (the following average times are updated weekly):

• Average appointment wait time for visitor (B1/B2) visas
• Average appointment wait time for student (F, M) or exchange visitor (J) visas
• Average appointment wait time – all other nonimmigrant visas

Click here for more information about requesting an appointment

Visa Processing Time

Disclaimer: All applicants should be aware that the times given above are AVERAGES, and that the processing time of a specific case can vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements.

VI. Lost or stolen passport with visa

If your passport with a previous U.S. visa has been lost or stolen, please bring a copy of the denuncia and a Movimiento Migratorio to the Non-Immigrant Visa interview. The Movimiento Migratorio can be obtained at the following address: 4a. Calle 4-55, Zona 9, Guatemala City.

VII. Non-Immigrant Visas for children under 18
       (when both parents do not have valid visas)
      and for children over the age of 18

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires the non-immigrant visa application form DS-156. The form may be filled out on-line with the information entered into a 2-D barcode format at the following address:

In Spanish:   http://evisaforms.state.gov/instructions_spanish.asp

In English:   http://evisaforms.state.gov

Applicants with the DS-156 and barcode will have their own line at the Embassy to speed their application process. They should bring all three printed pages of the completed form to the interview. For those applicants whose computers do not support the requirements for creating the barcode, the non-electronic DS-156 form in English may be filled out and printed from the Internet at: http://evisaforms.state.gov/DS156_English.pdf. Applicants may also request the form at Banco Uno branches, travel agents and Cargo Expreso offices.

As of February 4, 2002, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires all male applicants for a non-immigrant visa between the age of 16 and 45 to complete a form DS-157. The form is available from Cargo Expreso, Banco Uno branch offices, and most travel agents. It can also be filled in and printed from the Internet at the following address: http://travel.state.gov/visa/DS-0157.pdf

1. Pay the current application fee in cash at any Banco Uno branch. This payment covers the cost of processing the application. Write your name and passport number on this receipt.
   
   
2. To request an appointment, see step 1 under Steps to follow for requesting a visa.
   
   
3. Both parents, accompanied by the minor applicants, must appear for the interview, bearing their passports and one other official form of photographic identification. They should arrive at the Consulate with all supporting documents fifteen minutes before their appointment time.
   
   
4. They must present an original birth certificate obtained recently, as well as evidence of economic and family ties to Guatemala.

Children over the age of 18 must qualify for a visa independent of their parents. If they are full time students, they must present evidence of enrollment and other ties to Guatemala. Single children over 18 who live with their parents may qualify on their parents' documentation. Adoptive parents should present a legal copy of the adoption papers, when requesting visas for adopted children.

VIII. Visas for Medical Treatment (B-2)

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires the non-immigrant visa application form DS-156. The form may be filled out on-line with the information entered into a 2-D barcode format at the following address:

In Spanish:   http://evisaforms.state.gov/instructions_spanish.asp

In English:   http://evisaforms.state.gov

Applicants with the DS-156 and barcode will have their own line at the Embassy to speed their application process. They should bring all three printed pages of the completed form to the interview. For those applicants whose computers do not support the requirements for creating the barcode, the non-electronic DS-156 form in English may be filled out and printed from the Internet at: http://evisaforms.state.gov/DS156_English.pdf. Applicants may also request the form at Banco Uno branches, travel agents and Cargo Expreso offices.

As of February 4, 2002, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires all male applicants for a non-immigrant visa between the age of 16 and 45 to complete a form DS-157. The form is available from Cargo Expreso, Banco Uno branch offices, and most travel agents. It can also be filled in and printed from the Internet at the following address: http://travel.state.gov/visa/DS-0157.pdf

Urgent Medical Treatment Case:

Applicants need to apply at Window #9 of the Consular Section between 8:00 and 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. (The Non-immigrant Visa Unit is closed to the public on Fridays).

The Embassy will accept applicants without appointments only in the following cases:

• in the event of the death of parent, child, or spouse in the United States;
• if urgent medical treatment is needed either for an applicant or an applicant’s parent, child or spouse who is in the United States.

NOTE: Though applicants for urgent medical treatment cases may apply without an appointment, they still must fulfill all the requirements listed below.

Non-Urgent Medical Treatment Case:

Call the Information Center of the American Embassy and request a visa appointment. To contact the Information Center, you must purchase a "Telepunto" phone card from Telefónica, marked with the words "Visas U.S.A." Follow the instructions indicated on the card. The Telepunto International cards are available at numerous Telefónica locations, Banco Uno branches and travel agencies. This card can also be used for international calls.

Requirements for ALL Medical Treatment Cases:

1. Pay the current application fee in cash at any Banco Uno branch. This payment covers the cost of processing the application. The receipt is good for one year from the date of purchase. It is non-refundable in the event of loss, theft or expiration.Write your name and passport number on this receipt.
   
   
2. Current and previous passports. The current passport must have validity of at least six months after the date you plan to leave Guatemala.
   
   
3. Visa application form DS-156. The form must be filled out completely (answering all 41 questions), in print and signed by the applicant. The applicant must attach a recent, color or black and white photo (2" in height by 2" in width, face 50% of photo, white background, ears and forehead uncovered, without earrings or hat). Click here for more detailed information about photo requirements. Copies of the form are free and are available at the entrance of the Consular Section in the US Embassy, in Cargo Expreso Office at zone 10, Banco Uno branches and at many travel agencies.
   
   
4. Male applicants form 16 to 45 years of age must complete supplementary application form DS-157.
   
   
5. Present a letter from a Guatemalan medical specialist containing specific details of the medical problem and stating that there is no medical treatment available in Guatemala. It must include complete information in writing from the hospital or doctor explaining why the medical treatment in the US is recommended or suggested.
   
   
6. Original letter or fax from the doctor or hospital in the USA, confirming the appointment, specific details of treatment (hospitalization treatment and out-patient treatment), time, and approximate range of costs of treatment. The letter must state that no US government public assistance programs (Medicare/Medical/etc.) will pay for the medical treatment. In addition, the letter should indicate the total projected cost of treatment and of recovery in the US, and include the projected date when the patient may return to Guatemala.
   
   
7. If you have an international medical treatment insurance policy, a letter from the insurance company should be included. The letter will confirm that the insurance company will cover the total cost of medical expenses in the US, or the specific percentage of costs covered.
   
   
8. 8. In addition to the above mentioned requirements, you must include the normal evidence required for a Non-Immigrant Visa (B-2).

IX. Applications for Student Visas

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires the non-immigrant visa application form DS-156. The form may be filled out on-line with the information entered into a 2-D barcode format at the following address:

In Spanish:   http://evisaforms.state.gov/instructions_spanish.asp

In English:   http://evisaforms.state.gov

Applicants with the DS-156 and barcode will have their own line at the Embassy to speed their application process. They should bring all three printed pages of the completed form to the interview. For those applicants whose computers do not support the requirements for creating the barcode, the non-electronic DS-156 form in English may be filled out and printed from the Internet at: http://evisaforms.state.gov/DS156_English.pdf. Applicants may also request the form at Banco Uno branches, travel agents and Cargo Expreso offices.

As of February 4, 2002, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires all male applicants for a non-immigrant visa between the age of 16 and 45 to complete a form DS-157. The form is available from Cargo Expreso, Banco Uno branch offices, and most travel agents. It can also be filled in and printed from the Internet at the following address: http://travel.state.gov/visa/DS-0157.pdf

Requirements

1. You must make an appointment and appear for an interview. Bring your passport, a recent color or black and white photo (2" in height by 2" in width, face 50% of photo, white background, ears and forehead uncovered, without earrings or hat). Click here for more detailed information about photo requirements. Complete the visa application form DS-156 (answering all 41 questions) and the contact information and work history form DS-158. Men between the ages of 16 and 45 must also fill out the supplementary application, DS-157.
   
   
2. Pay the current application fee in cash at any Banco Uno branch, and attach the receipt to your application. This payment covers the cost of processing the application. Write your name and passport number on this receipt.
   
   
3. Present to the officer at the interview the Form I-120 that you received from the school where you plan to study.
   
   
4. At the interview, you must also show that you have adequate financial support to cover the expenses of your education, and that you personally have strong social, economic, and family ties to Guatemala.
   
   
5. SEVIS fee: Beginning September 1, 2004, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will collect a Congressionally-mandated fee to be paid by certain aliens who are applying for F-1, F-3, M-1, M-3 or J-1 visas. You will need to present a receipt at the interview. If you do not present a SEVIS fee receipt at the interview, you will not be issued a visa even if you otherwise qualify. For more information, please see www.dhs.gov, and www.FMJfee.com or www.ice.gov/graphics/news/factsheets/SEVISFactSheet.htm.
   
   
6. Besides these requirements, the same information to qualify for a non-immigrant visa is necessary.

Priority Appointments for Students: If you have an emergency (if your program or course of study begins soon and you need an appointment as soon as possible in order to start school on time), you need to explain this to the call center at the time you call to make an appointment. They will do their best to obtain a priority appointment for you.

X. H2 A/B Temporary Work Program

Press Release, 03/10/2004:
USCIS Announces H-2B Procedures – Reaches CAP

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced March 10, 2004 that it has received enough H-2B petitions to meet this year’s congressionally mandated cap of 66,000 new workers. After March 9, 2004, USCIS will not accept any new H-2B petitions subject to the FY 2004 annual cap.

USCIS will use the following procedure for the remainder of FY 2004:

Petitions for current H-2B workers do not count towards the congressionally mandated H-2B cap. Accordingly, USCIS will continue to process petitions filed to:

H2 A/B VISA CLASSIFICATION

The H2 A/B classification of visa applies to temporary agricultural (A classification) or nonagricultural (B classification) seasonal workers. Companies wishing to participate in the Guatemala H2 A/B Program should be aware of the following procedures and guidelines:

FORM I-129 FOR PETITIONING COMPANIES

Companies must file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Once approved, the company or designated agent is sent a notice of approval, Form I-797. For additional information on the Form I-129 petition, including the form itself, please refer to the following link:

http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-129.htm

COMPANY CONTACT INFORMATION

Visa processing time is often delayed when the Embassy is unable to contact your company or agent. To process your prospective workers’ visas as quickly as possible, information we could need to contact the company or agent is suggested below at the end of this current H2B section. You may send the information to our email: H2BGuate@State.gov or Guatemala international fax number 502-2331-0564.

SCHEDULING INTERVIEWS

All prospective workers are required to have a visa interview with a Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City. Please note that applicants must bring to the interview their application forms along with a valid passport and visa fee receipt (see section below “Application Forms for Prospective Workers”).

In order to begin scheduling appointments for a visa interview with a U.S. Consular Officer, the petitioning company in the United States must contact the CSC Teletech Call Center at: 1-877-277-0095

APPLICATION FORMS FOR PROSPECTIVE WORKERS

In addition to a valid passport and visa fee receipt, prospective workers are required to complete all questions and sign the visa application form DS-156. The DS-156 can be accessed through one of the following links:

Instructions in English: http://evisaforms.state.gov
Application Form (DS-156) in English: https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp?lang=1
Instrucciones en Español: http://evisaforms.state.gov/instructions_spanish.asp
Formulario DS-156 en Español: https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp?lang=3

The applicant must also attach a recent, color or black and white photo (2" in height by 2" in width, face 50% of photo, white background, ears and forehead uncovered, without earrings or hat). For additional guidance access:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_info_photo.html

Male applicants between the age of 16 and 45 years must also complete the DS-157 form:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/DS-0157.pdf

COMPLIANCE WITH IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT

Please note that the approval of an I-129 petition and a scheduled appointment date do not guarantee visa issuance. Every prospective worker has to qualify under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This law states that all applicants are assumed to be intending immigrants until they can prove otherwise during their interview with a U.S. Consular Officer. In making their decision, Consular Officers can and do consider such factors as previous work experience, the proper use of any prior visas, economic and family ties to Guatemala including the applicant's financial debt burden, and the extent to which previous H2 workers employed by the petitioner have returned to Guatemala following successful completion of the work contract.

FRAUD PREVENTION MANAGEMENT

As part of visa accountability validation studies, companies may be asked to cooperate with Embassy requests for agents to present workers’ passports or, if requested, for the workers themselves to show-back to the Embassy upon their return from the U.S.

Additionally, companies should always inform the DHS (BCIS) of any workers who do not return to Guatemala or who leave your employment without notice. Workers who have received an extension of stay from the DHS should have a copy of the I-797 extension approval stapled into the back of their passport. For more information on the extension process, please see:

http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/extendstay.htm#when
http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-129.htm

Companies should also contact the Embassy through the H2B email address, H2BGuate@State.gov, with any known instances of applicant or agent fraud. Please note, the Embassy is unable to provide companies with agent referrals.

COMPANY CONTACT INFORMATION

By responding to the following questions before the prospective workers’ appointments, petitioning companies will speed the processing of the visa applications. You may email your responses to H2BGuate@State.gov or fax your responses to Guatemala international number 502-2331-0564 prior to your interview date.

XI. Delivery of the passport with the visa

Cargo Expreso will deliver the passport and the approved visa to your home or business.

When an applicant receives a visa after an interview at the embassy, he or she will be directed to the Cargo Expreso desk in the waiting room. The applicant should bring enough cash to the embassy to cover the cost of delivery. Cargo Expreso does not accept checks or credit cards.

Questions and Answers about Delivery of Non-Immigrant Visas

Q. What happens if my passport is lost?

A.  Cargo Expreso will reimburse the client an appropriate amount to cover the expense of replacing the passport and visa.

Q. My flight leaves tomorrow morning. How can I get my passport with visa today?

A.  The applicant who legitimately cannot wait for delivery should tell the consular officer at the time of the interview. The official will determine if it is possible for you to pick up your visa after 5 p.m. the same day at the Cargo Expreso Office located at 18 Calle 16-80, Zone 11, Anillo Periférico.

XII. Diplomatic and Official Visas

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires the non-immigrant visa application form DS-156. The form may be filled out on-line with the information entered into a 2-D barcode format at the following address:

In Spanish:   http://evisaforms.state.gov/instructions_spanish.asp

In English:   http://evisaforms.state.gov

Applicants with the DS-156 and barcode will have their own line at the Embassy to speed their application process. They should bring all three printed pages of the completed form to the interview. For those applicants whose computers do not support the requirements for creating the barcode, the non-electronic DS-156 form in English may be filled out and printed from the Internet at: http://evisaforms.state.gov/DS156_English.pdf. Applicants may also request the form at Banco Uno branches, travel agents and Cargo Expreso offices.

As of February 4, 2002, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires all male applicants for a non-immigrant visa between the age of 16 and 45 to complete a form DS-157. The form is available from Cargo Expreso, Banco Uno branch offices, and most travel agents. It can also be filled in and printed from the Internet at the following address: http://travel.state.gov/visa/DS-0157.pdf

Government officials traveling on official visas (A, G, C-2/3 and NATO visas) remain excempt from the interview and fingerprint requirement. Government officials and their family members traveling for tourism, as students, or other non-official purposes, are required to have an interview and have electronic images of fingerprints made. If they have a diplomatic note, they may come to Window 9 at 2:00 pm.

Guatemalan officials should request that the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Relations assist them with their visa applications.

Guatemalan Members of Congress may apply for their visas at 2:00 pm at Window 9 if they have a letter from the Congressional Protocol Office.

Diplomats on official travel whose country has an embassy in Guatemala should request their embassy send the U.S. Embassy their passport, application form, and a diplomatic note. Diplomats on personal travel should also present a diplomatic note, and they may apply at Window 9 at 2:00 pm.

Officials of international organizations who are assigned to Guatemala and will be on official travel for their organization should request the organization send the passport, application, and official letter to the U.S. Embassy. Applicants not on official travel must come to Window 9 at 2:00 pm and must submit a letter from the organization.

Officials of international organizations who hold passports other than Guatemalan and are not assigned to Guatemala should follow the instructions for non-immigrant visa applicants, making an appointment with the Telepunto card and coming in person for the visa interview.

Immediate relatives (spouses and minor, unmarried children) as well as household family members may submit their applications to accompany diplomats and officials listed above who are on official assignments (A, G, C-2/3 and NATO visas). Other family members and household staff must make an appointment and have a personal interview with a Consular Officer.

XIII. When a visa has been denied: Reapplication process

The immigration law of the United States requires that each applicant for a non-immigrant visa (tourist, student, medical, business, transit, etc.) must prove strong family and economic ties to their nation of residence. The applicant must show on his own account that these ties are strong enough to obligate him or her to leave the U.S. at the end of the authorized stay. The applicant himself must convince the consular officer of his/her qualifications and not rely on the guarantees of a relative or a friend no matter how sincere.

Under section 214(b) of the immigration law, every applicant is presumed to want to immigrate to the U.S. until the applicant proves otherwise to a Consular Officer in the interview. The Officer bases his/her decision not only on the interview, but also on the documents the applicant presents regarding his/her family ties, age, marital status, employment, income, family and business expenses.

If during his or her personal interview, an applicant does not qualify for a visa under section 214(b), he or she cannot return in person to request a new non-immigrant visa until one year later.

Please do not call or send faxes requesting re-consideration of a visa, since the decision to issue or not is made at the time of the interview.

The only avenue for reapplying during the year after a visa is denied is to submit a new application to a Consular Officer with an appointment. To do so, please follow these instructions:

1. Make a new appointment by obtaining a Telepunto phone card marked with the words "Visas USA" and follow the instructions on how to make a new interview date.
   
   
2. Pay the Quetzal equivalent of $100.00 at any Banco Uno.
   
   
3. Fill out a DS-156 non-immigrant visa application with a 2"x2" photo. Male applicants from 16 to 45 years of age must complete supplementary application form DS-157.
   
   
4. Write a letter to the Consulate explaining the reasons that you need a visa and a description of the ties that you have in Guatemala.
   
   
5. Arrive at the Embassy 15 minutes before the time of your appointment, along with your passport and any documents that will show your economic and family ties to Guatemala. Please limit the weight of the documents to 250 grams per application. You should inform the Consular Officer that you are requesting a written reapplication.
   
   
6. At the time of the interview, a Consular Officer will take your fingerprints and place the application and documents in an envelope that will be passed onto the adjudicating officer. The new application will be left with the Consular Officer for a later decision by a Supervisory Officer. The passport and case documents will be returned to you by Cargo Expreso.

After taking the fingerprints, the Consular Officer will instruct the applicant to go to Cargo Express located in the Embassy to pay for the shipment of the passport and documents to the applicant. Cargo Express will return the passport and documents to the applicant.

The written reapplication process can take up to 2 to 4 weeks.

XIV. DHS Cancellation of Non-Immigrant Visas at the Port of Entry

Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. Only the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), previously known as Immigration and Naturalization Services of the United States (INS), has the authority to approve or refuse your admission. Similarly, the period of time that the holder of a Non-Immigrant visa can stay in the United States is determined by DHS, not by a consular official or by the visa.

At the port of entry, an official of DHS will authorize admission for the visa holder to the US, registering the permitted stay on the Immigration I-94 form, (Registration of Entrance and Departure). This form indicates the amount of time that the traveler is permitted to stay in the United States for this trip. Those visitors that would like to stay in the United States longer than the time indicated on their I-94 form should contact the Office of Homeland Security in order to apply for an Extension of Stay (Form I-539). Only DHS can decide whether or not to grant the Extension of Stay in the United States.

If you have been refused admission to the United States by DHS (INS) and your visa has been cancelled, you can return to apply for a new visa as explained below:

• Carefully follow the reapplication process: http://usembassy.state.gov/guatemala/wwwhnive.html#Denied_visa
  
  
• (or) Wait for 12 months and later call the Call Center using a Telepunto International phone card (“Visas USA”) in order to make an appointment for a new personal interview: http://usembassy.state.gov/guatemala/wwwhnive.html#Tourist_visa
  
  
• For additional information about Non-Immigrant Visas: http://usembassy.state.gov/guatemala/wwwhnive.html