Visa Services

How to apply

Who must apply for a United States Visa?

We strongly encourage people eligible to travel under the FREE Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to do so.

Am I eligible for the visa waiver program?

You must apply in person to apply for a United States visa if you:

• Have failed to comply with the conditions of any previous admission under the visa waiver program. This would include overstaying the period of stay granted on arrival, which may not be more than 90 days in any case, and may be less.
• Intend to accept paid or unpaid employment in the U.S. (also applies to au-pairs and interns, working journalists, and government representatives on official business, among others).
• Wish to travel to the United States for more than 90 days or in order to attend secondary school, vocational school or university.
• Have been denied entry on a previous occasion or have been expelled/deported from the U.S. during the last five years.
• Have a criminal record or suffer from a serious transmittable disease or mental disorder.
• Are a drug addict, drug trafficker, or were involved in Nazi persecutions, and if you were or still are a member of a subversive or terrorist organization.

The following categories are exempt from a personal interview:

• Diplomatic and official visas:A1, A2, G1, G2, G3, G4, C3 and NATO.
• Interviews for all applicants under 14 years and above 79 years of age is normally waived.

For additional information on U.S. visa policy and procedures: visit UnitedStatesVisas.gov

Making an appointment for a personal interview:

You will be required to appear at the Consulate General in Auckland (only) for a personal interview.All non-immigrant visa applicants aged 14 to 79 must appear for a personal interview.  (Unless otherwise exempt, see above).
Please phone the U.S. Visa Information Service on 0900 US VISA (0900 878 472) to make an appointment.

Expedited Appointments:

The call centre expedites appointments for the following situations:

1. To attend the funeral of an immediate family member.
2. Medical Emergency.
3. Fulbright scholars.
4. Member of a cultural group replacing an orginal member due to illness/unforeseen contingency.
5. J1 and F1 visa applicants who have received DS 2019 or I-20 forms less than 14 days before their programme/course is due to commence.
6. Unexpected, time sensitive business travel significant to U.S. economic interest.
7. Journalists traveling to cover fast-breaking news.
   
    

U.S. Visa Information Service: Hours of operation and call costs information.

Visa applications requiring additional special clearance or administrative processing will require additional time. Most special clearances are resolved within 30 days of application.

When additional administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Once the interview is completed the processing of a visa and return of a passport to the applicant takes approximately 3 working days.