Ask the Consul
Courier Service Expanding to Non-Immigrant visas
Beginning September 2007, the Non- Immigrant Visa (NIV)
Unit will begin using a courier service to deliver passports and visas issued to
its applicants.
1) Question: Do I need to pay the courier service
before arriving at the Consular Section?
Answer: No. After your interview with the consular
officer, you will be given a ticket that you must take to the designated courier
service that will be located on the Consular Section grounds.
2) Question: Do I need to fill out a form before
arriving at the Consular Section?
Answer: No. The courier service will put delivery
information (your name, address, phone number, etc.) directly into their
computer system.
3) Question: How much does the courier service cost?
Answer: Either $12 or $16 USD (or the equivalent in
Dominican pesos) depending where you live in the Dominican Republic. Please
bring at least $16 USD (or equivalent) to pay for the service on the day of your
scheduled appointment.
4) Question: Where will my document be delivered?
When?
Answer: Your document will be delivered to your home
(or other address of your choice, such as where you work) approximately one week
after the NIV Unit gives your document to the courier service. You may not
receive your passport for up to two weeks, so please plan your travel
accordingly. We almost always recommend that a plane ticket not be purchased
until you have the visa in your hands.
5) Question: What if I am not home at the time of
delivery…can someone else receive my documents?
Answer: Yes, you can authorize someone else to
receive your document at your address. You will let the courier service know
this information directly.
6) Question: I don’t want to use the courier
service. What can I do instead?
Answer: This service is mandatory for all NIV
applicants. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis and only in the
event of extreme emergency or extraordinary circumstance.
7) Question: Why is the Consular Section starting a
courier service? This will only cause further delays in me receiving my
documents.
Answer: The Bureau of Consular Affairs of the U.S.
Department of State has identified courier service as a key “best management”
practice. Courier service reduces crowds, enhances security, and promotes
customer service. The ACS and Immigrant visa units already use the courier
service, improving the customer experience.
8) Question: Is the courier service really going to
start in September?
Answer:
The ACS and IV Units are already using the courier service. Expanding the
courier service to NIV should require minimal effort and transition. If for
reasons beyond our control the service cannot start on that date, we will post
updated information on our website
www.embajadausa.gov.do. | 
