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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Non-Immigrant Visas

Question: When I called the U.S. Embassy to ask why my mother was refused a visa, the Consular office said that she could not release specific information about the case. Why not?
Answer: Under the Privacy Act of 1974, the Embassy is barred from releasing personal information to third parties.

Question: How can I register for an interview?

Answer: To schedule an appointment applicants must obtain a calling card from a Café Informatique distributor for 8.500 CFA. To find a distributor, please go to http://togo.usembassy.gov/distlist.html . The calling card will enable applicants to schedule up to five family members living at the same address. You can reach the Visa Information Service at: 2225-3982 between Monday and Friday from 8am – 6pm.

Question: Which documents should I present at my interview to prove I have solid ties to Togo?

Answer: Applicants are encouraged to present documents that show the applicant intends to return to Togo. The burden of proof is on the applicant, not the interviewer. Documents may include bank statements, a letter from the applicant’s employer, papers showing land ownership, marriage and birth certificates of family members, and academic / vocational degrees. Please note that the presentation of any or all of the aforementioned documents does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a visa. In addition, please be aware that any fraudulent documents may bar an applicant permanently from receiving a visa to travel to the U.S.
 
Question: How much money do I need to have in my bank account if I am going to the U.S. for tourist purposes?

Answer: There is no minimum balance required to travel although the burden is on the applicant to prove that he / she is financially stable and plans to return to Togo. Other documents that may be helpful include monthly salary stubs, an official letter of employment, and a notarized affidavit of support from a sponsor in the U.S.

Question: After my interview the Consular Officer said I was refused a visa under 221(g). What does that mean?

Answer: If a case is marked as 221(g), it means that additional information needs to be collected before a final decision can be made. The Consular Officer will indicate what additional documentation, if any, the applicant will need to provide.

Question: After my interview the Consular Officer said I was refused a visa under 214(b). What does that mean?

Answer: A standard 214(b) refusal indicates that the applicant was unable to convince the Consular Officer that he/she is not an intending immigrant to the U.S.
 
Question: Where can I get more information on the different types of visas available and the corresponding documentation?

Answer: We recommend the following websites:

 

Immigrant Visas

Question: How do I find out the status of my file? Has my IV / Asylee petition arrived at Post? When will my petition become current?

Answer: Depending on when a petition was filed with the Department of Homeland Security, and what stage of the process it is currently in, there are varying degrees of information to be shared with prospective immigrant visa beneficiaries. Other factors include the age of the applicant, the type of immigrant visa applied for, and the relationship between the beneficiary (the individual who filed the original petition) and the beneficiary (the individual applying for the visa). If your petition has not yet arrived at post, you can check for status updates at the USCIS website address by entering your case number electronically at www.uscis.gov.

Question: How can I immigrate to the U.S.?

Answer:  An individual is eligible for immigration to the U.S. through the following ways: the Diversity Visa program, a petition filed by an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident, or through employment sponsorship.

Question: I have not received my DV appointment letter yet; how do I find out when my interview will be?

Answer: You may send an email to KCC to inquiry about your file status at KCCDV@state.gov. 

Question: How can I re-schedule my DV / IV / Asylee interview date?

Answer: Please call the Consular Section at 2261-5470 to reschedule between 7:30am – 5:00 Mondays through Thursdays, and 7:30am – 12:00pm on Fridays.

Question: Why do I need to get DNA tests?

Answer: When a Consular Officers seeks additional proof of the relationship between a petitioner and a beneficiary, DNA tests may be requested. These medical fees are borne by the applicant, not the U.S. Embassy.

Question: How do I know if my work experience for the DV lottery qualifies for a visa?

Answer: All DV applicants should consult the U.S. Department of Labor’s online site http://onetcenter.org before their interview to see if their work experience or expertise qualifies them for a visa.

American Citizen Services

Question: How can I register with the local Embassy?

Answer: American Citizens are highly recommended to register on-line at https://travelregistration.state.gov or in person at their local Embassy during normal American Citizen Service hours.