CONSULAR NOTICE

The U.S. Embassy announces a change in nonimmigrant visa interview requirements for children under the age of 14

December 27, 2007

The U.S. Embassy announces a change in nonimmigrant visa interview requirements for children under the age of 14.

Effective immediately children under the age of 14 applying for a non-immigrant visa do not need to appear in person.  The child may be represented at the visa interview by one or both parents or a duly appointed legal guardian. Any applicant whose 14th birthday has occurred on or prior to the date of his/her visa interview must attend the visa interview. 

In addition, applicants who are 80 years old or older, and have not been previously found ineligible for a U.S. visa, are not required to come to the U.S. Embassy to apply for nonimmigrant visas. 

All other rules, requirements and fees for both a child's visa interview and for those 80 or older remain in effect.   Application procedures for a nonimmigrant visa interview may be found online at the U.S. Embassy's website (http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov).

Note: Visa issuance for those not appearing in person is not guaranteed.  The Embassy may in some cases, after reviewing an application, require a person to appear in person for a visa interview at the Embassy.