How to Apply

Please follow all instructions from 1-8 regarding How to Apply.

Prior to your arrival at the Consulate for your in-person interview, you must book an appointment on-line. Some appointment slots are reserved for certain visa categories. This allows us to accomodate priority and/or time sensitive appointments efficiently. Please do not book an appointment reserved for "Waivers for Criminal or other Ineligibilities". This appointment slot is reserved for applicants with criminal ineligibilities or other ineligibilities requiring special permission to travel to or via the United States. If you book your appointment incorrectly, you will not be allowed entry into the Consulate and any impending travel you may have scheduled may be jeopardized. Also, bring all original documents as they will be returned to you the same day.

If you are not ordinarily resident in Bermuda, please follow this link for Out-of District Applications which require approval from the Consulate Visa Section prior to arrival in Bermuda. IMPORTANT! The Consulate will not be accepting applications for Out of District Applicants  until further notice. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

You must have the following items/documents in hand when applying for your non-immigrant visa in person at the Consulate:

1. Form DS-160- Non-Immigrant Visa Application. This new on-line form is now replacing the DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158 forms and is mandatory as of June 1, 2009. Please allow yourself plenty of time to complete this lengthy form and save your work frequently to your computer to ensure no loss of data. This form also needs to be completed at least 3 days prior to your appointment date. Please ensure that you enter the correct Visa type when completing the form online. If you are having difficulty completing this form, certain travel agents can assist you for a fee. You will need a printed copy of the confirmation page with your digital photo intact when your appear for your interview.

2. One (1) digital U.S. passport sized photo uploaded to the DS-160 form. The Consulate requires that your photo be fully displayed on the confirmation sheet. The Consulate will not accept hard copies as stated in the DS-160. Photo studios and travel agents have been informed of the new procedures and requirements. For instructions about uploading photos, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa/guide/guide_3877.html. 

3. Proof of permission to reside in Bermuda, which may be proof of Bermuda status, working resident status, a spousal permit, or a work permit. Landing permits are no longer accepted.

4. A valid passport with at least six months remaining until the expiration date and one clear page to put the visa onto.  

5. $131 cash application fee, in either US or Bermuda dollars or a combination of both, no checks or credit cards please. This fee is non-refundable. There may be an additional fee (called a reciprocity fee) for certain nationalities and/or types of visas. If the visa is issued, this reciprocity fee can be paid by cash or credit card. This fee will be collected when you come in for the interview.

6. Birth certificates of applying minor children of visa applicants. In addition, if the applicant is your minor child you will also need to provide the child's birth certificate. 

7. Please follow these links for further information about student, employment, and crew visas. 

8. Once you have completed steps 1-7 (where applicable) you must now book an appointment online. Click here now. Again, some appointment slots are reserved for certain visa categories. This allows us to accomodate priority and/or time sensitive appointments efficiently. For example, if you are not a student, please do not book an appointment reserved for student visa applicants. You will be denied entry into the Consulate if you are not booked in the correct appointment time slot. Again, you will need to bring your DS-160 confirmation page with your digital photo intact at the time of your interview. Currently, it may take up to three (3) weeks to get an appointment.

9. If approved, visas are usually ready for pick up at the Guard Building in five (5) business days. Please click here to view pick up instructions.