Non-Immigrant visas

Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Immigrant Visas

Application

Do babies need application forms?
Yes, all applicants must use a completed, dated and signed electronic visa application form.

Can relatives/friends accompany me to the Consular Office?
No, for the sake of space management and to safeguard the privacy of all applicants, ONLY visa applicants are allowed into the Consular Office. We allow one person to accompany children under 18 and people suffering from specific disabilities.

I have paid and submitted my application, but why must I wait so long to be interviewed?
While applications are submitted on a first-come-first-served basis, you need to make allowances for the time it may take to process your application. The waiting times may vary based on the day’s workload.

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Appointment

How can I obtain an appointment?
Appointments can be obtained by emailing a request to YaoundeNIV@state.gov providing your full name, telephone number and purpose of your visit.  We no longer accept appointment requests by telephone.

Can I come to the Embassy to book an appointment if I am unable obtain it by email?
No, only e-mail appointment requests will be accepted.

What can I do if my I am given an appointment after the beginning of my urgent business/studies/humanitarian action in the United States?

People traveling for business/studies/humanitarian reasons can request an expedited appointment by e-mailing: YaoundeNIV@state.gov, stating their name and date of birth, nationality, steps taken to make sufficient advance preparation and why they were not successful, the reasons why travel cannot be deferred, the reason for travel to the United States  and the date of requested interview.

Is my appointment time the same as my interview time?
No. Your appointment time is to submit your visa application. You will need to allow time from the submittal of your application to interview.

What if for some reason I have booked but cannot attend my visa interview?
Please e-mail YaoundeNIV@state.gov as soon as possible to have your appointment cancelled so someone else can be scheduled for that slot.

Can I come in before my appointment time?
No, although you are advised to arrive 20 minutes in advance to allow for security procedures, you will not be allowed into the Consular Office until your scheduled appointment time.

What if I come late?
Late arrivals will be forced to reschedule an appointment for another date and time unless they can show very compelling extenuating circumstances beyond their control.

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Students

What forms should I use to apply?
There are normally two forms all student applicants must use to apply for a visa. First the DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form, secondly the DS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Visa Applicants. In addition to these two forms, all male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 must also complete the DS -157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form.

What should I submit as a returning student to the US after holidays spent at home?
As a returning student, you must reapply through the normal system – and are encouraged to plan ahead and book an appointment before leaving the U.S. Students must submit a new application and obtain another visa prior to returning to the Unites States. As paperwork, you need to submit only (1) the forms mentioned in the previous question and (2) an updated I-20 form. If this has not been updated, you will need to add (3) a letter from your university. It is also CRITICAL that you verify with your school that you remain a student in good standing and that you return to school within the timeframe they provide.  Failure to do so can result in the termination of your SEVIS status — and result in students being refused entry at the U.S. border (airport) by immigration inspectors.

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Visas

I have obtained a six-month validity visa. Can I stay in the United States for six months?
The immigration inspectors in the US will determine the visitors’ length of stay.  Typically, tourist and business travelers will be allowed a stay of up to six months, and MUST request an extension of that period if they wish to remain longer.  Staying in the United States beyond the authorized time period without receiving written confirmation of an extension can make travelers ineligible to re-enter the United States for up to ten years.

Does obtaining a visa guarantee that I will enter the United States?
No, the visa issued by the US Embassy does not entitle you to enter the United States of America. Rather, it allows you to travel to the United States border in order to apply for entry. At the port of entry, an Immigration Officer will consider the nature of your travel before granting you entry.

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Visa Fees

Why do I pay twice for one visa?
The first fee paid is the $131 MRV (Machine Readable Visa) application fee and is paid by all nonimmigrant visa applicants, except diplomats traveling for official purpose.  Funds generated from this fee support border security enhancements in the US.  In the case that your application is approved, Cameroonian applicants will be required to pay an issuance fee of $60 USD or FCFA equivalent for a six-month valid visa or $240 USD or FCFA equivalent for a twelve-month valid visa. 

Why do some nationals of other countries not pay an issuance fee?
Unlike the MRV fee, the issuance fee varies for nationals of different countries based on the principle of reciprocity. If for instance American citizens are not required to pay any issuance fee or enjoy visa-free status to a certain country, nationals of that country are not required to pay the issuance fee for a US non-immigrant visa.

Will my MRV fee be refunded if I am refused a visa?
No. The MRV fee is non-refundable.

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Denial

When can I reapply if I am denied a visa?
There is no time restriction for re-application following visa denial. However, unless there has been a significant change in your circumstances it is unlikely that a second application will result in visa issuance.  Specifically, obtaining additional documentation following a visa denial does not alter the underlying facts, and is therefore unlikely to assist a re-application.

Can I appeal my refusal?
No, nonimmigrant visa denials cannot be appealed.  However, you may reapply provided that your circumstances have change.

Why did the Consular Officer deny/approve my application without seeing all my documents?
If the interview and other basic documents have provided enough information about your circumstances, ties and the nature of your trip, the Consular Officer may make his/her decision to deny/approve your application without requesting any further documents.

Is there any secret reason why I have been denied a visa?
No. Consular Officers base their decision on the account provided at interview and supporting documents produced on the day of your application.

Does a denial mean I can never travel to the United States?
No, it is not a permanent decision, and will not adversely affect future visa applications. If you reapply, a different Consular Officer will consider your application afresh and make his/her own decision.

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Fraud

What is a fraudulent document?
A fraudulent document is any document that does not give a truthful account of your circumstances or position.  

What happens to applicants presenting fraudulent documents?
If an applicant presents fraudulent documents, we will deny the application, confiscate the fraudulent documents and we will cooperate with local law enforcement in the event we believe a violation of Cameroonian law may have occurred.  Additionally, committing fraud can render applicants permanently ineligible to visit or live in the United States.

What should I do if some people offer me fraudulent documents?
We highly recommend that you reject such offers and if possible, please report them to the Consular Section and/or local authorities. Any report will be handled with the strictest confidentiality.

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Visa Scams

What can I do if I suspect an e-mail/advertisement/phone call is actually a visa scam?
Please email all details to us via consularyaounde@state.gov and we will authenticate the information for you.