Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-immigrant visas issued abroad require a machine-readable fee (MRV fee) that covers the U.S. costs associated with manufacturing, processing, and printing the visa. The 131 USD fee is the application fee. The fee is not refundable and non-transferable. This fee is the same for every U.S. non-immigrant visa application in every country in the world.

Announcements

October 23, 2007

The U.S. Embassy advises that, in order to assure the safety of our applicants and to streamline the entry process, visa applicants may not bring any electronic devices, including cellular phones, into the Embassy.  In addition, no weapons of any kind, backpacks, suitcases or glass containers are permitted.  We strongly recommend that these items be left at home or with a trusted individual since the U.S. Embassy cannot be held accountable for lost or stolen items.  The U.S. Embassy is not associated with, and does not endorse any specific vendor, who might seek to store such items.  We also recommend that applicants bring in only documents relevant to the visa and/or passport application.

October 18, 2007

The U.S. Embassy would like to notify all potential visa applicants of the importance of applying for a U.S. visitors’ visa well in advance of the dates of intended travel.  Our waiting period for a non-immigrant visa appointment is currently three weeks.  This waiting period is likely to grow during the holiday rush.  With early planning, individuals wishing to visit the U.S. during the Christmas holidays can avoid the inconvenience of being unable to secure a visa appointment before their planned travel date. 

Important Information about the Visa Application Process

• The U.S. Embassy Port of Spain accepts Non-Immigrant Visa applications from nationals of Trinidad and Tobago as well as third country nationals living in Trinidad and Tobago. 
• Individuals with valid visas in expired or non-machine readable passports do not need to apply for a new visa.  Individauls should travel with both the valid passport and expired passport containing their visa.  Visas will not be transferred to new passports. 
• The Embassy is issuing visas in non-machine readable passports.
• All applicants between the ages of 2 and 80 must appear in person for an interview.
• Applicants for visitor visas must make an appointment for an interview after completing the application form.  For information on the appointment system, please click here.
• Groups with 5 or more members must make a special appointment.  Groups should call or fax the Embassy to schedule their interviews.  Click here for the Embassy's contact information.  
• The application processing fee for all non-immigrant visa classes is US$131 or TT dollar equivalent, payable at any TT Post outlet.
• Applicants must complete the electronic visa application form (EVAF) online and bring it to their interview.  For more information on the EVAF, click here.
• During their interview applicants age 14 and younger must present the new computer-generated birth certificate issued by the Registrar General’s Office.  For children under the age of 2, the original report of birth will be accepted. 
• Only one parent will be allowed to accompany a minor child into the Embassy, but both parents' passports should be presented at the time of the child's interview.

For more information on the visa application process, please click here. 

General Information

Who Needs a Visa?

Any citizen and holder of a Trinidad and Tobago passport INCLUDING Landed Immigrants of Canada must apply for a visa to travel to the United States.

Citizens of all other countries who have been granted permanent residence in Trinidad and Tobago, except for Canadians and citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, must apply for a visa to travel to the United States.

In general, all persons must have a passport which is valid for at least six months before applying for a visa or traveling to the United States. However, some countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, have agreements with the United States that waive the six months requirement, allowing issuance of visas and travel to the United States up to the expiration date of the passport. Applicants need to be aware that admission to the United States will not be granted by immigration authorities for a period extending beyond the expiration date shown in the passport, and that an applicant's stay in the U.S. cannot be extended beyond that date until an extension of the validity of the passport has been obtained. For more information on which countries have passport validity extension agreements with United States, please click here (requires Adobe Acrobat).

Types of Non-Immigrant Visas

A non-immigrant is a foreign national seeking to enter the United States temporarily for a specific purpose. Non-immigrants enter the U.S. for a temporary period of time, and once in the U.S. are restricted to the activity or reason for which their visa was issued (i.e. student, visitor, worker). They may have more than one type of non-immigrant visa, but are admitted in only one status.

Click here is a list of the most common visa categories and links to detailed information about each category. A complete list of visa categories may be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website (www.uscis.gov).  

Visa Processing

If your visa is approved, please note that it takes at least 24 hours to process and finalize your visa. Your passport and visa will be sent through TT Post within 4-5 business days after your interview. Please be prepared to pay TT$23 at the TT Post desk located at the Embassy for courier delivery of your passport and visa. Due to increased secuirty requirements, under no circumstances can the Embassy guarantee same day visas, even for emergency travel. Average Visa Processing time, please click here. DISCLAIMER: All applicants should be aware that the time given above are AVERAGES, and that the processing time of a specific case can vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements.