Ask the Consul
Save Time by Completing your Application on the Internet
If you would like to apply for a U.S. visitor’s visa, did
you know that you can get a faster appointment through the Visa Information
Center, as well as reduce your wait time the day of your interview, by filling
out your nonimmigrant visa application on the Internet? The Electronic Visa
Application Form (EVAF) is easy to complete, and can be accessed at
http://www.usemb.gov.do/index.htm or
http://evisaforms.state.gov. Once you have all of the required information,
it should only take about 15-20 minutes to complete the form - and it is a free
service. It is important to remember the following tips for this process to
work without a hitch.
First, please ensure that all of the questions are
completed, and then press “continue” at the end of the electronic form.
Afterwards, the computer will generate a form for you to print. The computer
must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in order for the process to work
properly. It is very important to remember to bring all three pages of the
application to the Consular Section, including the page with the bar code, and
that the bar code is printed in a dark and clear manner. Please make sure
before printing that your printer has enough ink to make a legible copy.
Contrary to what some think, we do not receive your information through the
Internet directly. Therefore, if you notice a mistake after printing the form,
simply complete and print a new application and discard the old one.
Second, on the day of your interview, bring the printed
application, including the page with the bar code. We then retrieve your data
with a scanner that electronically reads the information stored in the bar
code. Please note that if you make an appointment to use an electronic
application through the Visa Information Center, and you arrive at the Consular
Section without the three pages, including the bar code, you will be asked to
return once you have your electronic application.
Third, remember that this service is available through the
Internet, and is free. Services have already sprung up around the Consular
Section and elsewhere that charge applicants a variety of fees to complete these
electronic applications. Please do not fall victim to the buscones who
charge exorbitant prices.
Fourth, all members of group appointments must use the EVAF
applications. We can no longer accept group member applications that are
completed by hand. This way, we can register your group more efficiently, with
the result that your group may be interviewed in less time.
Finally, remember that the EVAF process is intended to
lessen your wait time, both in obtaining an appointment through the Visa
Information Center and on the day of your interview. We appreciate your
willingness to help us make our process more convenient for all of our
applicants. |
