Ask the Consul
Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) now required for Nonimmigrant Visas
to the United States
As of November 1, 2006, all applicants worldwide who wish
to apply for nonimmigrant visas - including tourist, student, temporary workers,
diplomats and officials - must complete the visa application form on the
Internet using the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF). Applicants who
submit handwritten or typewriter-typed application forms will be asked to
complete and print out the new EVAF. Visa application forms printed from the
Internet and then filled out will no longer be accepted.
The EVAF process allows you to fill out your application
from any Internet-connected computer. This service is available on the Internet
and is completely free. The format and questions are identical to the paper
version of the nonimmigrant visa application form. The online applications and
instructions are available in Spanish, but your responses must be written in
English.
The EVAF can be found at
http://evisaforms.state.gov. A link to this site and complete instructions
are also available on the website of the Embassy in Santo Domingo at
http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/
Please be sure to complete all three pages of the application form and push the
“continue” button at the end of the form. This will confirm your entries and
allow you to print the complete application form with the barcode on the last
page. Bring your printed copy of the application with the barcode printed at
the bottom on the day you come for your visa interview.
Remember to answer each and every question. If someone else assists you with
the application, read it carefully before you sign the application, as you are
accountable for the truth in each response.
Despite what some people might tell you, luck has nothing
to do with whether you receive an immigrant visa or not. Remember that consular
officers base their decisions solely on the law. If you come to the Consular
Section prepared and follow the consular officer’s directions completely, you
will be much more likely to receive your immigrant visa. | 
