I AM NOT AN URUGUAYAN
CITIZEN. I NEED INFORMATION ABOUT US VISAS AND HOW TO APPLY
FOR ONE
Information about US visas. There is detailed
information in Spanish about US visas at http://visas.com.uy.
There is additional information in English at http://travel.state.gov/visa_services.html.
Where to apply for a visa.
· If you are a permanent resident
of Uruguay, you should apply for your visa at the US Embassy
in Montevideo.
· If you are not a permanent resident of Uruguay,
you should apply at the US Embassy in the country of your
permanent residence. US immigration law does permit you
to apply for a visa at any US Embassy; however, you should
be aware that it is more difficult for consular officers
to make informed decisions about your eligibility for a
visa if you apply in an Embassy outside your country of
permanent residence. We strongly recommend you do not apply
for a visa in Montevideo if you do not live in Uruguay.
How to apply for a visa.
· 1st Step. Schedule a visa interview
on-line at http://visas.com.uy. If you do not have access
to a computer, many travel agencies in Uruguay will help
you to make the appointment. Do not call the US Embassy
to schedule an appointment. When you make the appointment,
you will print out an appointment letter and can also print
all application forms required.
· 2nd Step. Pay
the visa application fee at any branch of Indumex (a money
exchange firm) in Montevideo. These are located at Rincón
473, two locations in the Tres Cruces Shopping Center, and
in the Portones Shopping Center next to the movies. You
will need to bring your receipt for this payment to your
interview at the Embassy. Please note that this fee is for
the visa application and is not refunded if your application
is rejected.
· 3rd Step. Obtain
one 5cm x 5cm photo of yourself (color or black-and-white)
with a white or light background. This size is larger than
the typical “carnet” photo used for most purposes
in Uruguay. Several photo studios in Montevideo can take
this type of photo, including one across the street from
the main entrance to the Embassy. For more details about
requirements for the photo, see http://travel.state.gov/photorequirements.html.
· 4th Step. Come
for your interview at the appointed date and time. Please
ensure you bring all the items listed on the appointment
letter that you printed out. You will be informed at the
time of your interview whether or not your visa is approved.
· 5th Step. If your
visa was approved, pick up your passport with the visa at
Consorcio Postal, a courier business located at the corner
of Miguelete and Piedra Alta. There is a 15-peso fee for
picking up each passport. Most visas are available two business
days after the interview. Some visas can require up to several
weeks for processing.
