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Visa Services
Non-Immigrant Visa Services:
In order to minimize customer waiting times and
ensure staff availability, all routine visa services will be provided by
appointment only. Applicants are requested to contact the Consulate by
telephone (296-282-216) or email (ConsPontaDelgada@state.gov)
at least 2 working days in advance to schedule the time of their visit. Walk-ins
will be accepted in emergency cases only.
Application Instructions:
Individuals applying for a non-immigrant visa
are required to present a completed DS-156 application form, a valid passport,
one recent passport-size photograph for each applicant, including children, and
proof of lawful status in Portugal.
The DS-156 application form can be obtained from the Consulate, at
http://evisaforms.state.gov/ or at
local travel agencies if you are in the Azores.
Each application for a non-immigrant visa
requires a non-refundable application fee payable in Euros,
except applications for official or US government-sponsored exchange visas. This
fee must be paid in cash at any branch of Banco Millennium BCP. The original
receipt, which must be presented to the consular section at the time of
application, must include the name of the person applying for the visa. Please
note that the Consulate cannot accept bank transfers, personal or bank checks,
or cash.
Visas for some nationalities also require a
reciprocal visa fee, based on the fees charged to Americans by their countries.
The consular officer will notify applicants of potential reciprocity fees at the
conclusion of the interview.
All applicants must present evidence showing
they possess strong economic and family ties to Portugal that compel their
return from the United States. Those employed should submit a letter from their
employer showing salary and length of employment, or other proof of your
financial resources. Those studying should present current registration and
proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses. Those visiting Portugal
must present evidence of these same ties to their home country.
Please note that U.S. Immigration officials at
the port of entry have the final authority to permit or deny entry to the U.S. A
visa entitles the bearer to apply for admission, but does not guarantee entry.
Most approved visas will be ready between 4:00
p.m. and 4:30 p.m. the day of the interview. Certain applications may require
additional time for processing. The consular officer will advise you of any
additional requirements at the time of the interview.
Additional information on non-immigrant visas
can be found at:
http://www.travel.state.gov/
Immigrant Visa Services:
Filing Instructions
Immigrant visa services are provided by
appointment only. Immigrant visa applicants are requested to contact the
Consulate by telephone (296-282-216) or email (ConsPontaDelgada@state.gov)
at least 2 working days in advance to schedule the time of their visit.
General Information
In general, any applicant for an immigrant visa
must be the beneficiary of an approved petition. American citizens may file a petition for their
spouse, children, or parents.
Applicants who believe they are entitled to
immigrant status based on a relationship to a United States citizen or lawful
permanent resident should request their relatives to a file Form I-130 with the
nearest Immigration and Naturalization Service office in the United States. In
some cases, if the American Citizen is abroad, he or she may file the petition
with the American Embassy or Consulate.
Applicants for employment based immigrant
visas, who believe they are entitled to immigrant status based on proposed
employment in the United States, must have an approved Form I-140 from the
Immigration and Naturalization Service. Prior to receiving such approval,
applicants must obtain Department of Labor certification that there are no
qualified workers available in the United States to perform the proposed type of
employment.
Immigrant Visa Categories
U.S. law divides immigrants into two general
categories:
1. Immigrants not subject to numerical
limitations:
- Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens-
including spouses, unmarried children and parents;
- Returning Residents- those Legal Permanent
Residents who lived abroad for more than one year.
2. Immigrants subject to numerical limitations:
- Unmarried sons or daughters over 21;
- Spouses and children of Legal Permanent
Residents;
- Married sons or daughters of U.S. Citizens;
- Brothers and sisters of U.S. Citizens; and
- Employment based immigrants.
Applicants with further questions may contact
the consular section for additional information about the specific categories of
immigrant visas.
Additional information on immigrant visas can
also be found at:
http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/immigrants_1340.html
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