FAQs

Q: I'm currently In the United States. Can I get my visa renewed/changed by mailing it to the Consulate or sending it with someone to act on my behalf?

A: All applicants must appear in person for an interview with a consular officer. Another person cannot act on your behalf. We cannot begin any of the processing steps on an application, including the required administrative processing, until a consular officer has interviewed the applicant in person. Because there can be significant delays in the visa issuance process, applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of any intended travel and to make allowances for a possible delay to their intended arrival date in the United States.

Q: How long is the waiting period for an appointment?

A: The waiting period for an appointment varies and depends in large part on seasonal demand. Applicants who apply in the summer months may have to wait several weeks for an appointment. For current visa appointment wait times for Casablanca, please visit the State Department's website.

Q: Can someone make an appointment for me?

A: Yes. A personal representative of your choosing can make an appointment for you through our online appointment system.

What type of visa do I need? The type of visa you need depends on your purpose of travel. Please visit www.travel.state.gov for more information on different types of visas.

When should I apply for my visa? You should apply as early as possible even if you will not go to the United States for several months to allow enough time for any additional processing. It may also take you a few weeks to get an appointment for an interview, particularly during the summer when demand for visas is at its peak.

How long will it take to get my visa? Each applicant’s case is different. If your visa is approved on the day of your interview, your visa should be ready the next day. However, many cases require additional processing, which can take three months or more.

I have an urgent need to travel to the US but there are no appointments available, what should I do? If your case involves a humanitarian issue, please send an email to nivcasablanca@state.gov and explain the full details of your situation and why you require an expedited appointment. If your case involves an urgent business issue, please send a detailed email to casablacncabusiness@state.gov. Your request will be reviewed to determine whether it merits an expedite request. Not all requests can be accommodated.

Does my minor child need to appear for an interview? Children under the age of 14 are not required to appear for an interview. However, an officer can request that a minor child appear.

I have a valid visa, but my passport has expired, do I need to re-apply? If you still have your old passport with the valid visa, you can travel to the US with your old passport and the valid visa and your new passport. However, if you no longer have your old passport, you will need to reapply for a visa.

I am a U.S. citizen, how can I help my friend or relative get a visa? You may provide a letter of invitation or support. However this cannot guarantee visa issuance to a foreign national friend, relative, or student. Visa applicants must qualify for the visa according to their circumstances, not on the visas of an American sponsor’s assurance.

I am a citizen of country in the Visa Waiver Program, do I need a visa? If you are a citizen or national of a Visa Waiver Program member country AND your passport meets VWP biometric requirements, you do not need a visa. You will need to fill out a travel notification, however, and can do so at www.cbp.gov/esta. For more information on the requirements for the VWP, please visit ww.travel.state.gov.