Presione aquí para ver la Versión
en Español de Visas de No-Inmigrante
*** IMPORTANT NOTICE ***
for all VISITORS to the U.S. Embassy
regarding BANNED ITEMS
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Please remember that upon entering visitors
will have to pass through a metal detector and that guards are expected to examine any
item they are carrying. In addition,
CELL PHONES,
cameras,
walkmans,
CD players,
radios,
MP3 players,
Palm pilots,
laptop computers,
car keys with remote door openers
and all other types of electronic equipment
are NOT ALLOWED inside the Embassy.
WEAPONS of any kind are
PROHIBITED.
The Embassy thanks you in advance for your compliance with its security measures and we
regret any inconvenience this may cause. We will continue to allow parents with small
children to bring essential items such as diapers, bottles and blankets into the Embassy.
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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:
- there is an appointment delay of 3 days or more (
average
appointment wait time for visas);
- 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;
- 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.
Note that this procedure will only help you get an appointment; in no way does it guarantee
visa issuance. All businesspeople who use this procedure still must pay the required fee,
fill out the DS-156 and be interviewed by a consular officer.
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
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Documents required to apply for a visa
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Non-Immigrant Visa to travel to the United States
(its purpose, how to qualify, and steps to follow for requesting a
visa)
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Current Information on Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
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Suggestions about documentation
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Visa Appointment Wait Times and Visa Processing Times for Guatemala
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Lost or stolen passport with visa
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Non-Immigrant visa for children either younger than and older
than 18 years of age
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Visas for Medical Treatment (B-2)
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Applications for Student Visas
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H2 A/B Temporary Work Program
Press Release, 03/10/2004: USCIS Announces H-2B Procedures – Reaches CAP
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Delivery of the passport with the visa
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Diplomatic and Official Visas
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When a visa has been denied: Reapplication process
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DHS Cancellation of Non-Immigrant Visas at the Port of Entry
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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:
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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:
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That they have a well-established residence outside the U.S.
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That the purpose of their visit to the U.S. is specifically for business or pleasure.
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That they plan to stay in the U.S. for a specific, limited time.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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:
Andorra |
Finland |
Japan |
Norway |
Sweden |
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Australia |
France |
Liechtenstein |
Portugal |
Switzerland |
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Austria |
Germany |
Luxembourg |
San Marino |
United Kingdom of |
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Belgium |
Iceland |
Monaco |
Singapore |
Great Britain and |
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Brunei |
Ireland |
Netherlands |
Slovenia |
Northern Ireland |
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Denmark |
Italy |
New Zealand |
Spain |
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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):
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Your previous passports and visas and passports and visas of family members
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Letters of employment or professional identification
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Proof of enrollment in school
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Bank checking and savings accounts
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Automobile titles
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Business licenses
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Deeds to houses or land
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Receipts for business taxes
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Receipts for salaries or retirement benefits
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Marriage certificates and birth certificates for minor children
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Correspondence regarding the purpose of your visit
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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):
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
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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.
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To request an appointment, see step 1 under Steps to follow
for requesting a visa.
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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.
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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:
- 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.
- Current and previous passports. The current passport must have validity
of at least six months after the date you plan to leave Guatemala.
- 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.
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Male applicants form 16 to 45 years of age must complete supplementary
application form
DS-157.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Present to the officer at the interview the Form I-120 that you received from the
school where you plan to study.
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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.
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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.
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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:
-
USCIS will process all petitions received by the end of business on March 9,
2004.
- USCIS will return all petitions subject to the
annual cap (along with the filing fee and, if applicable, the premium processing fee)
that are filed after the end of business on March 9, 2004.
- Petitioners may re-submit or file new petitions
when they have received labor certification approval for work to start on or after
October 1, 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:
-
Extend the stay of a current H-2B worker in the United States.
- Change the terms of employment for current
H-2B workers.
- Allow current H-2B workers to change or add
employers.
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
-
Appointments cannot be scheduled until the Embassy has received an approved I-129
petition from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and company contact information.
Once the Call Center has verified the Embassy’s receipt of the approved I-129 petition
and company contact information, it will ask the company to email, fax, or call the Call
Center with a finalized list of prospective workers.
- The petitioning company may request appointments for substitute workers, as long as the total number of appointments does not exceed the
number approved on the original I-129 petition. In order to process substitute workers,
however, the Embassy must receive an email (
H2BGuate@State.gov) or fax authorizing the name substitutions at
least three business days before the appointments.
Your information must include the names (exactly as shown on the passport), gender and
date of birth of both the new substitute worker and the replaced worker. Likewise, the
petitioning companies must similarly inform the Embassy of the names of prospective workers
if no names are specifically cited on the approved I-129 petition.
- The Call Center has established multiple
options for submitting workers’ names for appointments. Please contact the special
group appointment number for more information 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.
- Today’s date
- Company name, and owner/manager name (indicate
if owner/manager is a U.S. Citizen: ____________________; or Legal Permanent Resident:
____________________)
- Company email, telephone number, fax number,
mailing address and central office physical address
- Date company was founded
- List countries where you or your company
have processed H-2B visas in the past
- Name of local representative for your previously
processed visas (specify country if other than Guatemala)
- Name, address, email, telephone and fax number
of current designated agent/s or representative/s in Guatemala
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:
- 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.
- Pay the Quetzal equivalent of $100.00 at any Banco Uno.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
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