Non-Immigrant Visas

How to Apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV)

**IMPORTANT NOTE:  Effective March 28, 2008, appointments must be made online through the U.S. Embassy Hanoi website. Applicants will no longer be able to book their appointments at Citibank**

* FILL OUT AND PRINT A DS-156 APPLICATION FORM

- You must complete and print a DS-156 application form (also known as the Electronic Visa Application Form or EVAF) for each applicant prior to making the appointment. The form is available at http://evisaforms.state.gov and all three pages must be printed on a laser-jet printer.  Please note:  Persons with handwritten DS-156 forms will not be permitted to submit applications.  Click here to see an example of a properly prepared EVAF DS-156 (PDF file).

- Be sure you have the correct photo attached to the DS-156. Click here for photo requirements.

- When filling out the DS-156, please answer all questions fully. You are responsible for the accuracy of all information on the form. If someone completes this form on your behalf, he/she should print and sign his/her name at the bottom of item # 40.

- The DS-157 and DS-158, if required, may be downloaded here. These forms are also available free of charge at the entrance to the Consular Section.

• DS-157 is for all male applicants between ages 16-45.
• DS-158 is for students and exchange visitors.

* MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
- In order to make your appointment online, you must first complete and print the DS-156.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

* PAY THE APPLICATION FEE AT CITIBANK

- Applicants need to show a valid passport and pay the non-refundable application fee of US $131 in cash (only US dollars accepted) at the Citibank office located at 17 Ngo Quyen St, Ground floor, Hanoi. Citibank is open from 8:30 – 11:30 in the morning and 1:00 – 3:30 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. Each applicant, including children traveling on a parent's passport, must pay the fee and have a separate fee receipt.

- The application fee is a one-time, non-refundable fee.

* COME TO THE U.S. EMBASSY FOR YOUR SCHEDULED INTERVIEW

- On the date of their scheduled interview, applicants must arrive 15 minutes prior to their appointment time with a completed application, their appointment confirmation letter (printed at the time the appointment is made online), Citibank fee receipt, current passport, and any documentation they wish to provide which demonstrates their ties to Vietnam and purpose of travel to the U.S. Please note: Applicants without the confirmation letter, fee receipt, application and passport will not admitted into the Embassy. Applicants who arrive more than 30 minutes after their scheduled appointment time will not be admitted into the Embassy and have to get another appointment online.

- A passport with at least six months’ validity remaining and sufficient blank pages as well as all previous and other current passports should be submitted. Students and exchange visitors must also present their I-20 or DS-2019 and proof that the SEVIS fee is paid.

- If your visa is approved, you will be asked to come back and pick up your passport and visa on the next working day after the interview. Passport collection is at 4:00 p.m. on business days, Monday through Friday. If your visa application is not approved, your passport will be returned to you at the end of the interview.