How to Apply

For detailed information about each STEP, click on the specific highlighted STEP or simply scroll down.

Step 1: Pay the application (MRV) fee

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Online Application

Step 3: Schedule your appointment

Step 4: Appear at the Embassy for interview

Step 5: Delivery of Visas via Courier (IF APPROVED)

Step 1: Pay the application (MRV) fee

For information about schedule fee changes effective on April 13, 2012 please visit the following website:

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/03/187114.htm

For information about fees paid on or before April 12, 2012 please visit the following website:

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1263.html

Applicants must pay the non refundable MRV fee in advanced at any branch of Cibi Bank in El Salvador or online using a credit card at time of registration in the following website www.ustraveldocs.com/sv

Important Notice: After paying a Non-Immigrant visa application fee, you must wait to schedule your appointment. You can schedule your interview the following business day after making payment at Citibank. If you make payment on a Saturday, schedule your interview anytime after 7 a.m. the following Tuesday.

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Online Application

Electronic Application form (DS-160) is available free of charge at the CEAC website: http://ceac.state.gov/genniv.

Notice: Visa applicants only need to print out the confirmation page containing the bar code to bring to the interview. It is no longer necessary to bring a complete printed application form to the Consular Officer during the visa interview.

Complete all fields of the application, photo must not be included; failure to do so will result in a cancellation of your appointment. Applicants will be rescheduled after they correctly complete the DS-160.

Step 3: Schedule your appointment

Begining April 3, 2012 visa applicants can register at www.ustraveldocs.com/sv and schedule Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visa appointments free of charge. They may also schedule appointments by calling 2113-3122 at no additional charge. Visa applicants do not need a calling card to access the service.

The customer service representative will require the applicant to provide information such as the passport number and the name as it appears on the applicant's passport.

Step 4: Appear at the Embassy for interview

Please note that applicants must bring the following documents to be admitted to the Embassy.

A valid passport and ALL prior passports.
DS-160 Confirmation sheet with application barcode
One photograph
Payment receipt for the application fee.

Student and exchange visa applicants must bring either their I-20 or DS 2019 issued by the educational institution.

We collect electronic fingerprints of all applicants, aged 14 through 79.

The applicant will be interviewed by a bilingual American Consular Official. The short interview will clarify and add to the information on the visa application, so the application should be completed carefully.

Documents which may be requested during the interview to support claims on the application include, but are not limited to job letters, birth and marriage certificates, other family members' passports with valid visas, bank documents, tax documents (Declaración de Renta y de IVA) and titles to property such as cars or houses. This is not an exclusive list nor does it guarantee that the visa will be approved.

Step 5: Pick up your Visa at the Courier Office (IF APPROVED)

All passports will be delivered to the Cargo Expreso branch that you select when you registered, you may pick up your passport 5 to 7 days after your interview.