The New Nonimmigrant Visa Process for Applicants
1. Schedule the Interview
- As of June 14, 2007, the only authorized method to schedule an interview for a nonimmigrant visa is by calling the Visa Information Service (telephone number from Chile 188-800-420057 or 1230 020 1764 for callers using Entel's network and from the United States at 1-888-850-5472). Spanish and English speaking operators are available from 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, except on Chilean holidays.
- Applicants must use a “PIN” to access the service. A PIN may be purchased at any Chilexpress office for the peso equivalent of US$14. Applicants may also purchase their PIN for US$14 by calling the Visa Information Service with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard only). Please note: applicants may find it convenient to pay for both the PIN and the MRV fee at the same time at their local Chilexpress office.
- Applicants should have pen and paper handy when they call the Visa Information Service, to note down the date and time of their interview and other relevant information.
- An individual PIN may be used to schedule appointment for the applicant and up to four immediate family members (spouses, parents, children) living in the same household.
- Those applicants who might qualify for an exemption from the interview requirement (children under 14 and adults over 79 years of age) should still call the Visa Information Service. Operators will determine if the applicant qualifies for the exemption and instruct them how to proceed.
- Each PIN can be used to make multiple calls to the Visa Information Service, for up to 8 minutes of total call time.
- Applicants can use their PIN not only to schedule their appointments, but also to seek information about different categories of visas and visa requirements. Operators will fully explain the next steps in the application process.
2. Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) Fee
- As under the previous system, all applicants must pay a nonimmigrant visa processing fee of US$100 at any office of Chilexpress.
- At Chilexpress, applicants will be given a receipt which serves as proof of payment of the MRV fee. Applicants must retain this receipt and present it at their scheduled Embassy appointment in order to proceed with the interview. The receipts are non-refundable – applicants should take care not to lose their receipts.
3. Assemble the Application Package
- Operators at the Visa Information Service will explain to applicants what supporting documentation they must bring with them to their interview.
- Applicants must fill out the DS-156 Visa Application Form electronically and print all three pages, including the bar code. Applicants will bring this form, any additional required forms, and supporting documentation with them to the Embassy on the day of their scheduled appointment.
- Unlike the previous system, applicants WILL NOT send their application forms and supporting documentation to the Embassy prior to their interview date.
4. Present themselves at the Embassy for the Personal Interview
- Applicants will present themselves at the Embassy, with their application package, at their scheduled interview date/time.
- Applicants who are unable to make their scheduled appointment must call the Visa Information Service to cancel and reschedule.
5. If the Visa is Approved, Arrange for Delivery of Applicant’s Passport/Visa
- Applicants who do not qualify for a visa will be given back their passport after their interview.
- Applicants with approved visas will be instructed to arrange for delivery of their passport through DHL after the visa is printed and affixed therein (usually within two to three working days).
- For the immediate future, a DHL representative will be present at the Embassy.
- Applicants may chose to have their passports delivered to their home or business address, or, for “express service,” may decide to pick up their passports at a local DHL office. The regular passport delivery charges are: 6.500 CHP for delivery within Santiago, 9.500 CHP for delivery outside