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Non-Immigrant Visas

Form and Photo Requirements

All applicants need to complete and present the following non-immigrant visa application forms: DS-156, DS-157, DS-158 and the Kabul or Islamabad supplemental forms.  These forms are available on the Internet using the links on the menu on the right hand side of this page. The DS-156 form must be completed on-line using the electronic visa application form (EVAF) and then printed. Handwritten DS-156 forms will not be accepted.  The EVAF can be found on the Internet at: http://evisaforms.state.gov.

Please use the following guidance in completing the EVAF:

  • All answers must be typed in English using English characters.
  • The information in the passport must match the information on the application.
  • All questions must be answered -- if the question does not apply to you please enter "Not Applicable". Do not leave any fields blank.
  • For additional family members use the "Generate Family Duplicate" function.
  • Click "Continue" after completing the online DS-156 form -- it will be generated in Adobe Acrobat format and must be printed.
  • You must submit all three pages of the DS-156 form for each applicant.
  • Do not fold the application -- especially the bar-code third page.

Photograph requirements:

  • The photograph must measure 2 inches by 2 inches (approximately 5cm or 50mm square) with no border.
  • The photograph must be taken within the last six months.
  • The photo may be either in color or black and white but the background must be white or off-white.
  • The face should cover about 50 percent of the photo and measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 (25mm to 35mm).
  • The eyes should be between 1 1/8 and 1 3/8 (28mm to 35mm) from the bottom of the photo.
  • The photo must be full face with the applicant looking straight into the camera.
  • Religious head coverings may be worn but the hair from the crown should be visible and the ears should be exposed.
  • These requirements will be strictly enforced, and applicants who do not submit the correct photos will encounter delays.