Nonimmigrant Visas

39 MINUTE READ

March 24, 2022

Notice

The U.S. Embassy has resumed routine nonimmigrant and immigrant visa services. Due to increased demand and mandatory biosecurity measures, wait times for appointments are longer than usual.

Nonimmigrant Visa Renewals by Mail

As of February 13,2021, the United States Embassy in La Paz has been accepting renewal applications (B1/B2, C1/D, F1 and F2 visas), elderly’s applications (80 years old and over) and minor’s applications (under 14 years old with at least one parent with a valid visa) by mail. The deadline for renewing your visa for the USA without the need for an interview has been extended from 12 to 48 months after its expiration.

The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

See our Directory of Visa Categories on usvisas.state.gov to determine which visa category might be appropriate for your purpose of travel to the United States.

Extension of Visa Fee Validity

The U.S. Department of State understands that many visa applicants have paid the visa application processing fee and are still waiting to schedule a visa appointment. We are working diligently to restore all routine visa operations as quickly and safely as possible. In the meantime, rest assured that U.S. Missions will extend the validity of your payment (known as the MRV fee) until September 30, 2023, to allow all applicants who were unable to schedule a visa appointment as a result of the suspension of routine consular operations an opportunity to schedule and/or attend a visa appointment with the already paid fee. Please continue to monitor this site for information on when we will return to routine visa operations.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia is responsible for providing visa services to those seeking to enter the United States for tourism, business, study, medical treatment, work or other temporary travel purposes.

Please visit our Visa Appointment Service website for complete information on applying for a nonimmigrant U.S. visa , including a directory of nonimmigrant visa categories

By U.S. Embassy La Paz

Regular Visa Application Process

Procedure

Most applicants who do not meet the requirements of the Visa Renewal Program (see options menu below), must complete the following steps in order to schedule an appointment:
To contact a customer service representative for assistance with any of the following, please visit the Visa Information and Appointment Service:

Account creation, including name errors
MRV fee payment/validation
Appointment scheduling/how to apply for a nonimmigrant visa
Document delivery

To contact the Consular Section for information about any of the following, please write to consularlapazniv@state.gov:

Visa application status *
Visa denials
Urgent passport pick up

When contacting the Consular Section, please include

Your full name.
The full name of the applicant and your relationship to him/her, if applicable.

* Before contacting the Consular Section, applicants should keep in mind that certain visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant’s interview. When further administrative processing is required, the timing of a final decision will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case, although most are resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. U.S. Embassy La Paz’s Consular Section recommends that visa applicants apply well in advance of their anticipated travel date and wait until they have received their passport with the U.S. visa before making travel plans or buying non-refundable tickets.

Before sending an email to the Consular Section, we encourage you to carefully read the information provided on this website and the visa appointment service’s website in order to find a quicker answer to your question. Emails for which an answer is not provided here or at the visa appointment service website are usually answered within 5 business days.

Step 1: Obtain one current printed and electronic 2×2 inches (5×5 cm) photograph. Further information regarding the photograph requirements may be found at Photo Requirements .

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 online application form and print the confirmation sheet (barcode) for each applicant.

Step 3: Go to the Visa Appointment Service website Welcome, U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants In order to complete this step: create an account (e-mail and password), choose the appropriate visa category, select the DHL branch where you want to pick up your passport and visa after the interview, pay the application fee (MRV fee) and schedule the appointment.

Current passport and previous passports (if any)
DS-160 form’s barcode for each applicant

By U.S. Embassy La Paz

Applicants younger than 14 years old

Certain young applicants may be able to apply without a visa interview. Qualified applicants can drop-off the required documentation at the selected DHL location.

Requirements

The applicant is younger than 14 years old.
You are a Bolivian citizen currently residing in Bolivia or a foreigner legally residing in Bolivia with a resident identity card.
The applicant’s last visa application was not refused.
At least one of the parents has a valid U.S. visa or is eligible to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Procedure Applicants who meet the requirements listed above can drop off/mail in their documents by following the steps below:

Procedure

Applicants who meet the requirements listed above can drop off/mail in their documents by following the steps below:

Step 1: Obtain one current printed and electronic 2″ x 2″ (5cm x 5cm) color photograph.
Further information regarding the photograph requirements may be found at Photo Requirements.

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 online application form and print the confirmation page (page with barcode) for each applicant.

Step 3: Go to the Visa Appointment Service website (https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-bo/niv ) In order to complete this step, you will need to have the items listed below, then create an account (e-mail and password), choose the appropriate visa category, select the DHL branch where you want to pick up your passport and visa, and pay the application fee (MRV fee).

Current passport and previous passports (if any) with previous valid/expired visa
DS-160 form’s barcode for each applicant

Step 4: ONLY send the following documents through any DHL location. DO NOT SEND documents that are not listed here. Additional documents will not be returned and will be destroyed.

Valid passport in good condition
Previous passports (if any) with previous valid or expired visa
Printed copy of Form DS-160 confirmation page with legible bar code. Do not print the entire application; you only need to send the confirmation page
2″ x 2″ (5cm x 5cm) color photograph

Copy of child’s birth certificate.
Copies of parents’ valid U.S. visas or a copy of bio info passport page if eligible to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The parental information submitted should be in the same name as the parental name that appears on the applicant’s birth certificate. DO NOT submit parents’ actual passports with visas.

Important

Please verify that you are submitting all the required documentation. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
The interviewing Consular Officer reserves the right to request an interview or to request that those exempted from the fingerprint requirement be fingerprinted in order to complete the interview process.
Passports with approved visas will be returned via DHL courier service to the DHL location chosen by the applicant when creating the account.
DHL can only hold your visaed passport for 30 days. After that time, the passport will be returned to the Embassy. Any passports left at the Embassy after 30 days will be considered abandoned and returned to the Bolivian Immigration Office with the visa cancelled.

By U.S. Embassy La Paz

Applicants 80 years old and older

Certain elderly applicants may be able to apply without a visa interview. Qualified applicants can drop-off the required documentation the selected DHL location.

Requirements

The applicant is 80 years old or older.
The applicant is a Bolivian citizen currently residing in Bolivia or a foreigner legally residing in Bolivia with a resident identity card.
The applicant’s last visa application was not refused.

Procedure

Applicants who meet the requirements listed above can drop off/mail in their documents by following the steps below:

Step 1: Obtain one current printed and electronic 2″ x 2″ (5cm x 5cm) color photograph.
Further information regarding the photograph requirements may be found at Photo Requirements.

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 online application form and print the confirmation page (page with barcode) for each applicant.

Current passport and previous passports (if any) with previous valid/expired visa
DS-160 form’s barcode for each applicant

Step 4: ONLY send the following documents through any DHL location. DO NOT SEND documents that are not listed here. Additional documents will not be returned and will be destroyed.

Valid passport in good condition
Previous passports (if any) with previous valid or expired visa
Printed copy of Form DS-160 confirmation page with legible bar code. Do not print the entire application; you only need to send the confirmation page
2″ x 2″ (5cm x 5cm) color photograph

Important

Please verify that you are submitting all the required documentation. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
The interviewing Consular Officer reserves the right to request an interview or to request that those exempted from the fingerprint requirement be fingerprinted in order to complete the interview process.
Passports with approved visas will be returned via DHL courier service to the DHL location chosen by the applicant when creating the account.
DHL can only hold your visaed passport for 30 days. After that time, the passport will be returned to the Embassy. Any passports left at the Embassy after 30 days will be considered abandoned and returned to the Bolivian Immigration Office with the visa cancelled.

By U.S. Embassy La Paz

Visa renewal process

Qualified applicants can send the required documentation through DHL.

Please note that previously holding a valid visa does not guarantee re-issuance. If any of the qualifications listed below are not met or if the applicant schedules a Visa Renewal (interview waived) appointment and does not qualify for one, the embassy will notify the applicant and he/she will have to schedule a regular visa appointment.

Requirements

To qualify to renew your visa through DHL, all of the following must be true:

The visa you wish to renew falls into one of the following categories: B1/B2, C1/D, F1, and F2.
You are applying for a visa of the same category as the visa you wish to renew.
You are a Bolivian citizen currently residing in Bolivia or a foreigner legally residing in Bolivia with a resident identity card.
You have a valid passport in good condition.
The visa you wish to renew was not reported as lost or stolen and was not revoked.

Applicants 13 years old or younger, or 80 years old or older, may send their documentation via DHL. See the menu items above.

Additional requirements (depending on the visa category)

B1/B2 visas:

The visa you wish to renew is a multiple-entry visitor visa that was issued for 5 or 10 years.
The visa is current or expired less than 12 months ago. The deadline for renewing your visa for the USA without the need for an interview has been extended from 12 to 48 months after its expiration. This extension is temporary.

F1 and F2 visas:

The applicant continues participation in the same major course of study even if at a different institution; or is attending the same institution even if in a different major course of study.
The visa is current or expired less than 12 months ago. The deadline for renewing your visa for the USA without the need for an interview has been extended from 12 to 48 months after its expiration. This extension is temporary.

C1/D visas:

The applicant has an original job certificate detailing the applicant’s current position

The visa is current or expired less than 12 months ago. The deadline for renewing your visa for the USA without the need for an interview has been extended from 12 to 48 months after its expiration. This extension is temporary.

Procedure

Applicants who meet the requirements listed above can drop off/mail in their documents by following the steps below:

Step 1: Obtain one current printed and electronic 2″ x 2″ (5cm x 5cm) color photograph.
Further information regarding the photograph requirements may be found at Photo Requirements.

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 online application form and print the confirmation page (page with barcode) for each applicant.

Current passport and previous passports (if any) with previous valid/expired visa
DS-160 form’s barcode for each applicant

Step 4: ONLY send the following documents through any DHL location. DO NOT SEND documents that are not listed here. Additional documents will not be returned and will be destroyed.

Valid passport in good condition
Previous passports (if any) with previous valid or expired visa
Printed copy of Form DS-160 confirmation page with legible bar code. Do not print the entire application; you only need to send the confirmation page
2″ x 2″ (5cm x 5cm) color photograph
For F visas include form I-20
For C1/D include the original work certificate indicating the applicant’s current position

Important

Please verify that you are submitting all the required documentation. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
The interviewing Consular Officer reserves the right to request an interview or to request that those exempted from the fingerprint requirement be fingerprinted in order to complete the interview process.
Passports with approved visas will be returned via DHL courier service to the DHL location chosen by the applicant when creating the account.
DHL can only hold your passport and visa for 30 days. After that time, the passport will be returned to the Embassy. Any passports left at the Embassy after 30 days will be considered abandoned and returned to the Bolivian Immigration Office with the visa cancelled.

By U.S. Embassy La Paz

Expedited Appointments

Emergencies Request for Expedited Nonimmigrant Visa Appointment

Travel for tourism does not qualify for an expedited appointment; however, an expedited appointment may be approved for the following purposes of travel in order of priority:

Medical Emergency:

Urgent medical care in the U.S.
Urgent medical care in the U.S. of an immediate family member (spouse, mother, father, brother, sister, or child)
Serious medical condition of an immediate family member who requires your presence in the U.S.
Funeral of an immediate family member

Students and Exchange Visitors:

Urgent travel of student or exchange visitor whose appointment date is after the beginning of classes or exchange program
Approved I-20 or DS-2019 with immediate start date

Business:

Unforeseen, urgent business travel that clearly benefits U.S.-based businesses

Important Note: An expedited appointment does not guarantee visa issuance.
If the Consular Officer determines during the visa interview that the reason for which the emergency request was approved is not consistent with the actual purpose of your trip, it may have a negative impact on the outcome of your current or future request(s).

How to request an expedited appointment

In order to request for emergency appointment, you must first apply for a regular appointment.

Sign in to your account at the Visa Appointment Service Welcome, U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants.
Select the option “request expedite” at the top of the site’s home page.
Follow the steps indicated and wait for the response sent to the e-mail address used when creating your account.

By U.S. Embassy La Paz

Administrative Processing

Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant’s interview by a consular officer. Applicants will be advised of this requirement. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview, but the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.

You may check your case status here, entering the following information:

Visa Application Type: NONIMMIGRANT VISA (NIV)
Select a location: BOLIVIA, LA PAZ
Application ID: The code on your Form DS-160 confirmation page
The Consular Section recommends that individuals apply for visas well in advance of their proposed date of travel, and not make final travel plans or purchase non-refundable tickets until the passport and visa have been received.

By U.S. Embassy La Paz

Lost\ Stolen visa

If your passport with a U.S. visa (valid or expired) is stolen or lost, even if you have no immediate travel plans, please report it immediately to the Embassy via email to ConsularLaPazNIV@state.gov

Please include the following information, as well as the words “Lost” or “Stolen” in the subject line:

Full name (as it appears on your stolen or lost passport)
Date of the robbery or date in which you believe your passport with the visa was lost.
Passport number of your lost or stolen passport.
Expiration date (if you have it)
Cedula de Identidad or Cédula de Extranjería number.
Phone number.
Scanned Police report (if available)

A visa cannot be transferred to a new passport and there are no replacements in case of loss or theft. To apply for a new visa, please follow the regular visa application process (https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/) . If you need to travel to the United States for a medical emergency/treatment, business or study purposes, you will find how to request an expedited appointment on the same Nonimmigrant Visas (https://bo.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/) page.

Please note that once a passport with a U.S. nonimmigrant visa has been reported as lost or stolen to the US Embassy, the visa is electronically cancelled. It means that, even if it is later found, the visa may not be used to travel to the United States.

IMPORTANT

IT IS MANDATORY TO SUBMIT THE INTERPOL REPORT ON THE LOSS / STOLEN PASSPORT WITH VISA AT THE MOMENT OF PRESENTING A NEW APPLICATION.

By U.S. Embassy La Paz

Contact Us

To contact a customer service representative for assistance with any of the following, please visit the Visa Information and Appointment Service:

Account creation, including name errors
MRV fee payment/validation
Appointment scheduling/how to apply for a nonimmigrant visa
Document delivery

To contact the Consular Section for information about any of the following, please write to consularlapazniv@state.gov:

Visa application status *
Visa denials
Urgent passport pick up

When contacting the Consular Section, please include

Your full name.
The full name of the applicant and your relationship to him/her, if applicable.

Before contacting the Consular Section, applicants should keep in mind that certain visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant’s interview. When further administrative processing is required, the timing of a final decision will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case, although most are resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. U.S. Embassy La Paz’s Consular Section recommends that visa applicants apply well in advance of their anticipated travel date and wait until they have received their passport with the U.S. visa before making travel plans or buying non-refundable tickets.

Before sending an email to the Consular Section, we encourage you to carefully read the information provided on this website and the visa appointment service’s one in order to find a quicker answer to your question. Emails for which an answer is not provided here or at the visa appointment service website are usually answered within 5 business days.

Nonimmigrant Visas

Visas