Consular Section – United States Embassy Santiago, ChileNON IMMIGRANT VISAS
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WAITING TIMES FOR NON-IMMIGRANT VISA APPOINTMENTS IN SANTIAGOVisitors Visas (B1/B2), Student (F, M) and Exchange Visitor (J) Visas, and all other Nonimmigrant (including temporary work) Visas - click here HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: All nonimmigrant visa applicants must use the telephone-based Visa Information Service to schedule, reschedule or cancel appointments. Please click on Visa Information Service for more information and for the Visa Information Service phone numbers. VISA PROCESSING: The average time taken to process a visa and return it to the applicant following an interview is 2 to 3 working days NOTE : 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. |
Visit State Department Consular Affairs for more information.
What do I do if my visa is valid but my passport has expired?
You may travel with a valid passport and a valid unexpired visa in an expired passport. Please clip the two passports together.
You may apply for a visa renewal if there is less than one year remaining on your current visa.
I have an indefinite visa. Do I have to get a new one?
The former "indefinite" visa is now valid for ten years from the date of issuance. You may apply for a visa renewal if there is less than one year remaining on the indefinite visa.
What if there is an emergency and I can't wait?
Applicants facing an emergency travel situation should first call the Visa Information Service and be ready to describe their situation in detail. Operators will instruct these callers whether they later need to send a written explanation or supporting evidence to the Embassy by e-mailing SantiagoVisa@state.gov.
Due to workload constraints, U.S. Embassy Santiago's Consular Section can only expedite applications for medical emergencies, sudden family deaths or urgent travel for business or study.
What fees do I have to pay to apply for a visa?
Fee Increase for Non-Immigrant Visas
Effective January 1, 2008, the application fee for U.S. non-immigrant visas will increase. This fee increase applies to visa applicants worldwide and is due to new security-related costs and improvements in the technology of our visa processing systems.
Please carefully review the following important information:
If you have a visa interview scheduled at the Embassy on or before January 31, 2008 , you must pay by December 31, 2007 the peso equivalent of the US$ 100 non-refundable application fee at any branch of Chilexpress. If you do not pay your fee before December 31, 2007, you will have to pay US$ 131.
If you have a visa interview scheduled at the Embassy on or after February 1, 2008 , you must pay the peso equivalent of the US$ 131 non-refundable application fee at any branch of Chilexpress. If you have not yet paid any application fee, you may pay the full US$131 fee beginning January 1, 2008 at any branch of Chilexpress. If you have already paid US$100, you may pay the US$31 difference beginning January 1, 2008 ONLY at the EL Bosque office of Chilexpress (located within walking distance of the Embassy: El Bosque Norte 0124). Please pay this difference before arriving for your appointment at the Embassy.
What if I am not from Chile, will I have to pay additional costs for visa processing or reciprocity fees?
If you are from another country, additional visa issuance fees may be applied. To find out if they are applicable to you, click here
How long will it take for me to receive my visa?
Under normal circumstances the visa is returned two or three days after your interview.
Why should I present supporting documents with my visa application?
In order to approve an application for a visa, the consular officer must be satisfied that the applicant does not intend to immigrate to the United States and that the applicant is not ineligible for a U.S. visa under any other section of the law. The supporting documents assist the officer by showing the applicants’ ties to Chile that make it likely that they would return.
Can I bring a friend, family member or sponsoring American Citizen along to my personal interview?
No. Only the applicant can appear for the interview. However, a family member can attend with a minor, senior citizen or someone who is handicapped.
Where can I get information about temporary worker visa (H, L, O, P, Q visas)?
To apply for a temporary worker visa, please submit a copy of the petition as originally filed, a copy of the Labor Certificate, and the original of the notice of approval which you received from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) along with your visa application.
Where can I get information about Foreign Student Visas (F visas)?
All student visas requests must be submitted with supporting documentation (including the I-20 form completed by the American academic institution). See new requirements here.
Where can I get information about Exchange Visitor visas (J visas)?
All exchange visitors must submit their visa requests with supporting documentation (including the DS-2019 form completed by the exchange program sponsor). See new requirements here.
Where can I get information about Fiancé visas (K visas)?
Fiancé (e) visas requests are handled by the immigrant visa section and cannot be submitted via the Non-Immigrant Visa Section.
Where can I get information about Temporary Religious Worker visas (R visas)?
All temporary religious worker visa requests must be submitted with supporting documentation.
Where can I get information about Domestic Worker visas?
All domestic worker visas requests must be submitted with supporting documentation.
How do I submit a petition for a Temporary Work Visa (H1B)?
To apply for a temporary worker visa, please submit a copy of the petition as originally filed, a copy of the Labor Certificate, and the original of the notice of approval which you received from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) along with your visa application.
Applicants who were denied visas under section 214(b) may reapply for a non-immigrant visa, at their discretion, through the normal visa application process. However, a new application is suggested only if the applicant's family and economic situation has changed significantly since the time of the previous refusal. In the reapplication process, applicants must provide new and convincing evidence of family and economic ties to Chile, as well as any new evidence that they clearly intend to return to Chile after a temporary period in the United States. Please be reminded that the fee charged is a "processing" fee, which is non-refundable whether or not a visa is issued. Please read the following information carefully.
I'm temporarily in Chile, can I apply or renew my visa in Santiago?
If you are not a resident here, it will be very difficult for us to judge your ties to your country of residence. Generally, visa applicants should apply in their country of residence.
I'm not Chilean, but resident here. Can I apply or renew my visa?
Yes. You should apply for a visa where you are normally resident.
Can a Mexican citizen with a Border Crossing Card enter the U.S. from another country without a visa?
If the Border Crossing Card was issued after April 1, 1998, it is also a B1/B2 tourist visa and the Mexican citizen may travel on it even without a passport although the airline may not allow the traveler to board the plane. Cards issued before April 1, 1998 would need to be checked on an individual basis.
If I have a valid visa, but my passport is due to expire in less than six months, can I still travel without getting a new passport?
Yes, if you plan to enter the U.S. and return to Chile before the passport expires. If you are going to be in the U.S. when your passport is due to expire, you must either obtain a new passport before travelling or in emergencies, have the validity of your passport extended by the Chilean Embassy or Consulate in the U.S.
What can I do if my I-94 Departing Registration Form was not received by the airline upon my departure from the U.S.?
If you returned home with your I-94 or I-94W Departure Registration Form in your passport it means that your departure was not reported properly. It is your responsibility to correct this record. Further instructions.