Embassy of the United States

Visas to the U.S.

The American Embassy in Kabul is now authorized to issue visas for students who have previously traveled to the United States for (F-1 visa) Academic Studies, (M-1 visa) Non-Academic Studies and (J-1 visa) Exchange Visitor programs and are now returning to the U.S. to continue their studies through the same or a different program.  These students should contact the Consular Section of the Embassy in Kabul through the numbers below.  Please be prepared to provide both your previous visa number and your full name as it appears on the visa. 
+93-700-10-8377
+93-700-10-8410

Interest in travel to America continues to grow, and we expect an extraordinary peak application period this summer.  We look forward to welcoming qualified visitors to our country for tourism, business, study, cultural and other purposes.  As you plan for your trips to the United States, we encourage you to plan ahead to allow us enough time to process your visa before your trip.  This summer, we recommend that travelers begin the visa application process at least ten weeks before they plan to travel.  This will ensure that we have plenty of time to schedule your appointment, conduct your interview, review your application, and determine whether we can issue a visa. Thank you for your cooperation, and for your interest in visiting our country. 

Welcome to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Kabul.  At this time, the Consular Section can only process certain categories of non-immigrant visas. All applications for immigrant visas must be filed at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad (http://usembassy.state.gov/
pakistan/consular.html)

The Diversity Visa (DV) 2009 Lottery (for Immigrant Visas) online entry begins at Noon EDT on October 3, 2007, and ends at Noon EST on December 2, 2007.  For more information about eligibility and instructions on how to apply, please see the travel.state.gov web site at: http://www.travel.state.gov/
visa/immigrants/types/types_1318.html.

NOTE: Approved Diversity Visas are processed at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.

You are eligible to apply for a non-immigrant visa in Kabul if:

1) You are an official with the national government of Afghanistan AND you are traveling to the United States on official national government business (i.e. U.S. government sponsored training or meeting with U.S. government officials). Immediate family members (spouses and children) are also eligible. All applications must be accompanied by the appropriate Diplomatic Note from the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

2) You are an employee of an international governmental organization (IGO), such as the United Nations, World Bank, or International Monetary Fund, AND you are traveling to the United States on official organization business, including to attend training or conferences organized by the organization.  Immediate family members (spouses and children) are also eligible. All applications must be accompanied by the appropriate letter from the individual's employer.

Please note, Most Afghan government and international organization officials who are traveling to the United States for non-official purposes -- study, tourism, family visits -- or on U.S. government exchange programs must follow the regular procedures and apply in person in Islamabad if applying for tourist, exchange, or student visas.

Applicants for all other categories of visas, including visas for students, businessmen, exchange visitors, workers, tourists, and immigrant visas, must continue to apply in person at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.

U.S. Embassy in Pakistan
Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-208-2700 or +92-51-208-2121
Email: paknivinfo@state.gov
Public Inquiry Hours: 1-5PM, Monday-Friday
http://usembassy.state.gov/pakistan/consular.html

The nonimmigrant visa section at U.S. Embassy Islamabad is closed the last Friday of each month to perform administrative duties.  Please plan accordingly.

Note: The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan does not require Afghan nationals, or other nationals living in Afghanistan, to make an appointment for a nonimmigrant visa interview.  Afghans must drop off their completed application documents and pay the application fee at a designated fee payment office by 10:00 AM on any working day, Monday-Friday, and, with the receipt, proceed directly to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy the following day before 11:00 AM for an interview. 

Please also note that if the application fee is paid after 10:00 AM, the applicant will have to wait two days before appearing for an interview at the Embassy.  Incomplete application forms will likewise lead to delays in appearing for an interview.