Non-Immigrant Visas

Scheduling a Visa Interview

Who Must Schedule an Interview?

With limited exceptions, nonimmigrant visa applicants aged 14 to 79 are required to have a personal interview with a U.S. consular officer.

Personal appearance is not required if the applicant is:

• 80 years of age or older. Their visa application can be submitted by a representative; or
• 13 years of age or under. Their visa application must be submitted by one of the parents.

Visa Processing Times

Applicants should schedule their visa interview well in advance of the expected travel date. Applicants should allow for at least two weeks of processing time between the time they call to schedule an appointment and the time the visa is delivered.

Please refer to the Visa Wait Times page to see the current wait time for a visa interview. Once a visa has been approved, applicants should expect to wait an additional 2-3 days to receive the visa via the courier service.

How to Schedule an Interview

Individuals may apply by one of the following ways:

1. By Appointment

Hungarian citizens and third country nationals with Hungarian residence permit may use the appointment system by calling 06-90-603-703. The appointment line is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Each call costs HUF 400 + VAT per minute.

When scheduling a visa interview for a work visa, please give your case number from your I-797 form. (This only applies to applicants with the work permit, and not to their family members.)

If an individual needs an appointment to address an urgent travel need, including business or personal travel, expedited appointments are made available on a limited basis. Under normal circumstances, however, applicants must plan well in advance of their travel and schedule a regular appointment.

2. Via the "Walk-In” System - Without Appointment

Hungarian citizens who are eligible as specified below, and eligible third country nationals with Hungarian residence permits may use the “walk-in” system during designated times:

1. Applicants for a student visa or for an exchange visitor visa.
   Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
   
   
2. Applicants over 65 years old.
   Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
   
   
3. Anyone who has previously received a crew visa at the American Embassy in Budapest and is applying for a renewal of the visa. The previous visas must be attached to the visa application. 
   Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Last updated: 06/04/2008