Ask the Consul
Tips for Reducing Your Wait Time for a Nonimmigrant Visa
Many people complain about the long wait times at the
Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo. They show up early and
wait outside on the street. They wait to hand in their passport and DS-156
(Nonimmigrant Visa Application), and then wait for their interview. While we
continue to look for ways to reduce the wait time, there are also things that
every applicant can do to lessen the amount of time spent at the Consular
Section as well as make the process run more smoothly.
The first and best way to reduce your wait time is to have
all forms filled out fully and correctly before you arrive at the Consular
Section. Applicants using the DS-156 online will have a much shorter wait as
these forms can be scanned electronically, reducing the time for data entry. In
addition, if all questions are answered then the applicant will not have to
spend time filling out the form at the visa window.
Next is to arrive at the consulate no earlier then 30
minutes prior to your appointment time. Applicants will be allowed to enter the
Consular Section compound at their scheduled appointment time, so showing up
early will only increase your wait time outside. Also, make sure not to bring
prohibited items such as cell phones and cameras. You will not be allowed to
enter if you have these items and will need to exit the line to find somewhere
to store them.
Once inside the Consular Section compound, follow our
employees’ instructions. They will show you the correct line to stand in to
pass your paperwork to the visa clerks. Once again, follow the directions of
the staff and sit in the assigned area for nonimmigrant visas. Many times
applicants sit in the wrong waiting area and miss the call for their interview.
While in the waiting room, listen to the loudspeaker and
prepare for the interview. Have the most common documents - job letter, bank
letter and marriage/birth certificates - ready. This reduces time having to
search for them should you need them during the interview.
If everyone follows these simple steps, the process will
run more smoothly for everyone, and, working together, we can keep your wait
time to a minimum. | 
