FAQs
Application
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Do babies need application forms?
Do babies need application forms?
- Yes, all applicants must use a completed, dated and signed electronic visa application form available at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv.
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Can relatives/friends accompany me to the Consular Office?
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?
Appointment
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How can I obtain an appointment?
How can I obtain an appointment?
- Nonimmigrant visa interviews are held by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, you must first complete the new online application DS-160 available at https://ceac.state.gov/GENNIV Then, you may request an appointment at http://yaounde.usembassy.gov/visas.html. We no longer accept request via telephone or e-mail.
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Can I come to the Embassy to book an appointment if I am unable obtain it online?
Can I come to the Embassy to book an appointment if I am unable obtain it online?
- No, only online appointment requests will be accepted. If you are experiencing difficulties with the online appointment system please send an e-mail to YaoundeNIV@state.gov . We will assist with the online appointment system; however, we will not schedule an appointment request based on an e-mail.
- There was a blackout and I was unable to print the confirmation page, what should I do?
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What can I do if I am given an appointment after the beginning of my urgent business/studies/humanitarian action in the United States?
What can I do if I am given an appointment after the beginning of my urgent business/studies/humanitarian action in the United States?
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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, the date of current interview, the date of requested interview, and the date of departure from Cameroon.
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- Is my appointment time the same as my interview time?
- What if for some reason I have booked but cannot attend my visa interview?
- Can I come in before my appointment time?
- What if I come late?
Students
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What forms should I use to apply?
What forms should I use to apply?
- The new online application form DS-160 available at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv.
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What should I submit as a returning student to the US after holidays spent at home?
What should I submit as a returning student to the US after holidays spent at home?
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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 United States. You need to submit only (1) the appointment confirmation and (2) an updated I-20 form. If your I-20 has not been updated, you will need to add 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 being refused entry by Customs and Border Protection at the U.S. port of entry.
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Visas
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I have obtained a six-month validity visa. Can I stay in the United States for six months?
I have obtained a six-month validity visa. Can I stay in the United States for six months?
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The Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry to the US will determine the visitor’s 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.
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Does obtaining a visa guarantee that I will enter the United States?
Does obtaining a visa guarantee that I will enter the United States?
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No, the visa issued by the U.S. Embassy does not entitle you to enter the United States of America. Rather, it allows you to travel to the United States in order to apply for entry. At the port of entry, a Customs and Border Protection officer will consider the nature of your travel before granting you entry.
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Visa Fees
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Why do I pay twice for one visa?
Why do I pay twice for one visa?
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The first fee paid is the $140 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. If approved, Cameroonian applicants will be required to pay an issuance or reciprocity fee of $60 or FCFA equivalent for a six-month visa or $240 or FCFA equivalent for a twelve-month visa.
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Why do some nationals of other countries not pay an issuance fee?
Why do some nationals of other countries not pay an issuance fee?
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Unlike the MRV fee, the issuance fee varies for nationals of different countries based on the principle of reciprocity. If 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.
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- Will my MRV fee be refunded if I am refused a visa?
Denial
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When can I reapply if I am denied a visa?
When can I reapply if I am denied a visa?
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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.
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- Can I appeal my refusal?
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Why did the Consular Officer deny/approve my application without seeing all my documents?
Why did the Consular Officer deny/approve my application without seeing all my documents?
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If the interview and other basic documents have provided enough information about your circumstances, ties to Cameroon, and the nature of your trip, the consular cfficer may make his/her decision to deny/approve your application without requesting any further documents.
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- Is there any secret reason why I have been denied a visa?
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Does a denial mean I can never travel to the United States?
Does a denial mean I can never travel to the United States?
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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. Please be aware that unless there is a significant change in your circumstances, it is unlikely that a second application will result in visa issuance.
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Fraud
- What is a fraudulent document?
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What happens to applicants presenting fraudulent documents?
What happens to applicants presenting fraudulent documents?
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If an applicant presents fraudulent documents, we will deny the application 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.
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- What should I do if some people offer me fraudulent documents?
Visa Scams
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What can I do if I suspect an e-mail/advertisement/phone call is actually a visa scam?
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.