If you have been accepted into the SWT Program and issued a J1 visa, please take a minute to review the requirements of the SWT Program before you travel. The program begin and end dates on the DS-2019 indicate when you may begin work and when you must stop working.  You may enter the United …

As of June 17, 2023, the application fee for U.S. visitor visas and other non-petition based NIVs will increase from $160 to $185. Petition-based (H, L, O, P, Q, and R) visa fees will increase from $190 to $205. E visa application fees will increase from $205 to $315.   Applicants who have already paid the application …

The number of visas available every year in some categories, such as F2As, is established by U.S. law, and we cannot issue more visas than are available.  Because the current demand for F2A visas worldwide exceeds the availability of visas in this category, the Department of State will not be able to issue as many …

Are you a U.S. citizen living in the Dominican Republic who wants to help the Embassy engage with the U.S. citizen community in the DR by responding to emergencies when they emerge? The Embassy in Santo Domingo is looking for Citizen Liaison Volunteers (CLVs).  CLVs are private citizens that assist the Embassy in communicating with …

When filling out your DS-260 form for an immigrant visa, the information you enter on the form must match the information in your passport.  Make sure you thoroughly and correctly complete the form. When consular officers review your visa application, they use the information on your DS-260 form to process your case.  For this reason, …

The J-1 Summer Work and Travel program increases collaboration between the United States and the Dominican Republic by allowing Dominican students who are enrolled full time and pursuing studies at post-secondary colleges and universities to come to the United States during their summer vacation to share their culture and ideas with people of the United …

Each person has the responsibility to comply with the terms of their visa class. Every kind of visa has its correct use; therefore, the activities allowed according to the visa class must be respected. It is also your responsibility to comply with federal and local laws in the United States, including traffic and good conduct …

Every kind of visa has its correct use; therefore, the activities allowed according to the visa class must be respected. The visa allows you to travel to the US for the reason you explained in your application, but only the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer determines if you are eligible to enter the US …

The American Citizen Services Section wants to remind all U.S. citizens not to travel outside the United States without a valid U.S. passport.  While dual citizens may be able to travel abroad with alternative documentation, all U.S. citizens are required to present a U.S. passport to re-enter the United States.  We have seen many individuals …

Sham divorces, sadly, are a common type of immigration fraud.  A “sham divorce” occurs when a couple enters divorce proceedings for the sole purpose of circumventing the visa preference system.  Motivated by a desire to immigrate as an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. resident or a U.S. citizen, the spouses in a sham …

The United States is committed to safe, orderly, and humane migration. It is never safe to come to the United States through irregular channels, and crossing the southern border irregularly is not only prohibited, it is dangerous.  The Dominican Republic is not included within the new parole program, which seeks to grant 30,000 visas to …

A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is a formal document certifying the acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth for a person born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent(s).  The eCRBA is the Department of State’s new online application for a CRBA that allows eligible U.S. citizen parents to complete an online application, upload all required documents, and submit payment …

Summer Work Travel Season is here! The Summer Work and Travel program provides foreign students with an opportunity to live and work in the United States during their summer vacation from college or university to experience and to be exposed to the people and way of life in the United States. Sound like something you …

Sometimes the medical results of immigrant visa cases are not ready before the appointment date, so appointments are often canceled to be rescheduled later. When this happens, it is recommended that the immigrant visa applicant continue to follow up on their exams through the panel of physicians they selected.  Once the panel physician informs them …

When submitting the Affidavit of Support, include the sponsor’s Tax Record (Transcript) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  A tax record is just one document to upload, rather than having to upload both the IRS 1040 Form and Form W-2.  If you upload the Tax Record to your case, then you do not need to …

When you receive an H2 visa, you should follow all of the terms of the visa to avoid any problems with future applications. – When you arrive at the Port of Entry in the United States, your passport will be stamped with an “Admit Until Date.” Make sure to leave the US before this date …

Most immigrant visa cases, from 2020 onwards, are electronic, and their required documents must be scanned and uploaded through https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/. To upload the required documents, in your case, you must press Documents, and then select the little tab corresponding to the type of documentation: Affidavit of Support or Civil Documents. The documents must be uploaded …

This time we will be talking about H-2 visas for temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers.  It is important to remember that an H-2 visa allows you to work exclusively with the company, position, and timeframe established in your employment contract.  It is your responsibility to always comply with the terms of the H-2 visa during …

If you would like to accelerate your immigrant visa (IV) interview due to emergency circumstances, you may request an expedited appointment.  First, please check ceac.state.gov, and under “Immigrant Visa,” click, “Check My Visa Application Status,” and enter your case number and the verification code.  If your case is still at the National Visa Center, please …

On October 19, 2022, the Embassy began opening new interview appointments for tourist visas (B1/B2) every other Wednesday for two-week increments.  Please see the announcement for further details (New appointments for tourist visas – U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic (usembassy.gov)). For our tourist visa applicants with existing appointments, you may wish to reschedule to …

In order to issue a U.S. passport to any minor child under the age of 16 (first time or renewal), U.S. law stipulates all parents listed on the child’s birth certificate must provide written consent.  We acknowledge family situations where this may prove difficult, and so we offer the following options.  Parents who are not …

Sham marriages, sadly, are a common type of immigration fraud.  A “sham marriage” is one that is entered for the sole purpose of circumventing the immigration laws.  Often motivated by financial gain or misguided efforts to do someone “a favor,” sham marriages occur when two parties – who have no intent to create a life …

To be eligible for an interview waiver, children who are 13 years old or younger must: Have been born in the Dominican Republic and hold a Dominican passport Have at least one parent who holds a valid 10-year B1/B2 visa or is renewing his/her visa at the same time as the child Submit an original, …

The Consular Section has different channels to provide the status of an immigrant visa case. The main and fastest channel is our Consular Electronic Application Center platform.  In that site, you select Check My Visa Application Status under Immigrant and then insert the case number that begins with three letters (usually SDO) followed by 10 …

Avoid delays! Make sure you have all the required documents for your U.S. citizenship consular service. The following steps may prevent your case from requiring administrative processing: We strongly remind you that electronic devices, including cell phones, are not allowed in the Embassy. Therefore, if your processing requires photographs (family, as evidence of relationship, or …

If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) who has been outside of the United States for less than a year, but your resident card (“green card”) is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to apply for a travel document, also known as a “boarding foil.”  If your 10-year LPR card is expired, you …

We understand that applying for a travel visa to the United States can seem complicated.  Many people incorrectly believe that hiring a visa consultant is necessary, and that obtaining false documents will help their chances of getting an approval.  Nothing could be farther from the truth. The U.S. Embassy recommends that you always fill out …

Most applicants applying to renew their visa do not require an interview at the embassy by an embassy official. If qualified, these applicants complete a non-immigrant visa application online and schedule an appointment at the Visa Service Center (VAC) to take their biometrics and leave their passport.  Embassy officials then adjudicate the applications.  Each passport …

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic has different official mechanisms for applicants to obtain general as well as specific information about their cases.  The most used form for visa inquiries is our Information Service Center, which can be contacted from the Dominican Republic at 1-829-956-5144 or from the United States …

Each person has the responsibility to comply with the terms of their visa class. Every kind of visa has its correct use; therefore, the activities allowed according to the visa class must be respected. It is also your responsibility to comply with federal and local laws in the United States, including traffic and good conduct …

Immigrant Visa applicants should attend their appointment with the Panel Physician 7 to 10 days before their immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy. Completing your medical exam 7 to 10 days before your interview will help to minimize any wait time that may occur because we do not have your medical results. Please also …

Applying for a travel visa to the United States can seem complicated and difficult, and we understand that many people seek the services of immigration consultants; however, to avoid being victim to irregularities, always fill out your forms yourself. There is no private organization and/or individual that offers immigration advice that has a direct connection …

Every kind of visa has its correct use; therefore, the activities allowed according to the visa class must be respected. The visa allows you to travel to the US for the reason you explained in your application, but only the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer determines if you are eligible to enter the US …

To better serve our immigrant visa applicants and maintain social distance, the Immigrant Visa Section suggests that applicants not bring children under the age of 14 to the interview unless specifically requested. The only time a child under age 14 must attend the interview is if he or she is the only applicant on the …

The American Citizen Services unit at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo now accepts ten-year passport renewal applications for eligible adults by mail.  You can renew your passport at any Domex location today! You may renew your passport by mail if your ten-year passport is undamaged, issued when you were 16 years of age or …

It is important to remember that an H-2 visa allows you to travel and work in the US exclusively with the company, position, and time established in your employment contract.  It is your responsibility to always comply with the terms of the H-2 visa throughout your permitted stay and return to the Dominican Republic on …

Scammers know that millions of people use online dating apps and they are on the apps as well.  They are experts at what they do and will seem genuine, caring, and believable, but they have hidden motives that can cause you harm and put you in dangerous situations.  Tourists can often be targeted through location-based …

The Immigrant Visa Section at the U.S. Embassy would like to remind all of our visa applicants to bring their Birth Certificate Inextensa with them for their interview.  All applicants, including applicants that will travel on the same petition in the future, must present their Birth Certificates Inextensa.  Do not bring the extract of your …

Individuals traveling to the United States or to other international destinations from the Dominican Republic should not travel with pork products due to the country’s ongoing African Swine Fever outbreak.  Products such as chicharrón, longaniza, jamón, salami, jamoneta, and sancocho should not be taken on international trips.  Individuals who travel to the United States with …

In order to issue a U.S. passport to any minor child under the age of 16 (first time or renewal), U.S. law stipulates that all parents listed on the child’s birth certificate must provide written consent.  We acknowledge family situations where this may prove difficult, which is why we are sharing the following options. Parents …

Applying for a travel visa to the United States can seem complicated and difficult, and we understand that many people seek the services of immigration consultants; however, to avoid being victim to irregularities, always fill out your forms yourself. There is no private organization and/or individual that offers immigration advice that has a direct connection …

An important notice to immigrant visa applicants: Please remember that it is essential to scan and upload all the required documents to the web portal indicated below before your interview appointment at the Embassy.  In order to serve as many applicants as possible on a daily basis, the Consular Section will no longer scan and …

On May 24, 2021, as a result of COVID-19 delays, a measure was enacted permitting, under limited circumstances, the direct return of U.S. citizens overseas who had U.S. passports that expired on or after January 1, 2020.  This temporary measure was extended through June 30, 2022.   Because the Department and the U.S. Embassy in Santo …

The month of June is celebrated around the world as Pride Month and the U.S. Embassy stands with the LGBTQI+ community in the Dominican Republic and around the world.  Since 2013, U.S. Embassies and Consulates have adjudicated same-sex marriage visa applications the same way in which we adjudicate applications for opposite gender spouses.  All same-sex …

The health and safety of both our personnel and those we serve is our priority. For this reason, if you have an appointment for a consular service at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo and are feeling sick, we urge you to reschedule your appointment.   Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough or fever, …

The Department of State has reached another milestone in our work to better serve all U.S. citizens, regardless of their gender identity.  You can select the gender marker you would like printed on your U.S. passport.  The gender you select does not need to match the gender on your supporting documentation such as a birth certificate, …

U.S. citizen adults renewing their passports now have the ability to pay renewal fees online.  Beginning Monday, April 25, 2022, U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo will begin accepting online fee payments for adult U.S. passport renewal applications.  Paying online allows you to mail your application through Domex to the U.S. Embassy without the need to apply …

Expired Cards: Residents who have a 10-year Permanent Resident card in their possession may board a U.S.-bound flight even if their card is expired.  They need no additional travel document.  Arrive at the airport 3 to 4 hours before your flight departs, however, to allow your airline time to address the issue.  A Resident with …

The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo operates Consular Agencies in Punta Cana and Puerto Plata.  The U.S. Consular Agencies provide U.S. Citizen-focused services, which include emergency assistance, acceptance of applications for non-emergency U.S. passports, and notarial services for U.S. citizens residing in or visiting the northern and eastern coasts of the Dominican Republic.  Having Consular …

Your visa your responsibility means that each individual has the responsibility to comply with the terms of their visa. For example, someone who travels on a tourist visa (B1/B2) cannot study full time or engage in any type of work. It is also their responsibility to follow all laws in the US. For instance, it …

In order to better serve our Immigrant visa applicants, while keeping our social distance protocols in place, the Immigrant Visa Unit requires that all applicants do not bring minors under 14 years old to the interview, unless previously required.  The only time a minor is required to be present during an interview is if he/she …

To be eligible for an interview waiver, children who are 13 years old or younger must: Have been born in the Dominican Republic and hold a Dominican passport Have at least one parent who holds a valid 10-year B1/B2 visa or is renewing his/her visa at the same time as the child Submit an original, …

The Immigration and Naturalization Act prohibits the issuance of a visa to a person who has entered into a marriage for the sole purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit.  The Embassy takes marriage fraud very seriously.  Consequences can be severe; apart from having your visa denied, each applicant, meaning principal applicant and their children, may …

Effective December 6, 2021 all air travelers 2 years and older are required to show a negative pre-departure COVID-19 viral test taken the day before they board their flight to the United States, regardless of vaccination status or nationality.  You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight. If you …

Ready to travel? We remind you to verify the expiration date on your U.S. passport.  Although the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has authorized U.S. citizens to use passports that expired after January 1 2020 to enter the United States until December 31, 2021, individual airlines have ultimate discretion over who may board their flights.  …

Effective November 8, 2021, vaccinated U.S. citizens and LPRs returning to the United States will be required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days of departure and non-vaccinated U.S. citizens and LPRs will need to present a negative COVID-19 test within one day of departure.  All non-immigrant, non-U.S. citizen air travelers …

The Embassy continues to provide emergency and limited routine consular services as resources and local conditions allow. U.S. citizens can renew passports by mail and limited passport appointments are now available.  Appointments for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad and notarial services can be made online.  We are processing limited non-immigrant visa appointments for student and …

The Embassy of the United States of America will never ask for payment through wire or money transfer services (Western Union, Paypal, etc) or attempt to communicate with you about a process through informal means (Whatsapp, Facebook). To prevent fraudulent schemes, we remind you of the only authorized points to make payments for our consular …

The Embassy of the United States of America will never ask for payment through wire or money transfer services (Western Union, Paypal, etc) or attempt to communicate with you about a process through informal means (Whatsapp, Facebook). To prevent fraudulent schemes, we remind you of the only authorized points to make payments for our consular …

The American Citizen Services Unit continues to provide limited routine services to American citizens and the local community. Notarial services are only available with a scheduled appointment,  which can be scheduled  through our website:  https://do.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/notaries-public/     What to bring to your appointment? Document to be notarized Official and Valid photo identification Personal appearance of the person …

As we reach the peak of hurricane season, the U.S. Embassy would like to share some preparedness tips relating to your safety and documents. We encourage all U.S. citizens travelling to or residing in the Dominican Republic to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest …

When will the Embassy start sending out notifications to applicants?  The U.S.Embassy Immigrant Visa unit has already started sending out notifications, it is important for applicants covered under the categories mentioned to frequently monitor the email addresses they have provided to NVC and/or the Immigrant Visa Unit for updates and scheduling purposes.  Do I have …

Effective January 26, 2021 all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. …

While the Embassy remains closed for routine visa services, the Consular Section has expanded the criteria for nonimmigrant interview waiver eligible cases to include first time minor applicants.   How do minors qualify for interview waiver?  To be eligible for the interview waiver, children who are 13 years old or younger must: Have been born in …