Embassy of the United States San Jose, Costa Rica

How to Apply for a Visa

 Procedures and Instructions

Temporary visitors to the United States must apply for and obtain a nonimmigrant visa before beginning their journey.  The information in this website is designed to help you to understand the process and to come to the interview prepared.  Simply click on one of the links below or on the left side of the page to begin.

1. U.S. Visa Categories
2. Complete Online DS-160 Online Application 
3. Pay the application fee
4. Schedule your appointment
5. Arrive at the Embassy for your scheduled interview 
6. Delivery of Visas to Courier (IF VISA IS APPROVED)

NOTE: Please DO NOT bring any personal electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, blackberries, iPods, etc.) with you to the Embassy.  Such items are prohibited from the premises.

STEP 1: Determine the type of visa you require. 

The requirements, qualifications, and fees for each visa type vary by category.

STEP 2: Complete the DS-160 Online Application.

Fill out the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160) and print only the “Confirmation Page.”  Bring the confirmation page with the bar code to your visa interview.  It is not necessary to bring a complete printed application form.  If your DS-160 does not provide complete and accurate information, we will not be able to process the application.  You will be required to update or correct your DS-160 and return at a later time to finish the application process. 

NOTE: We do not recommend working with third party businesses and websites that charge a fee to: (a) fill out the DS-160; and/or (b) prepare other application documents on your behalf.  Such businesses are not endorsed by, associated with, or affiliated in any way with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the State Department, or any agency of the United States Government. 

STEP 3: Pay the application fee (MRV).

New Application Fees: Nonimmigrant and immigrant visa application fees change on April 13, 2012. The fees for most nonimmigrant visa applications will increase, while all immigrant visa application fees will decrease. All visa applicants must pay the fee amounts in effect on the day they pay, including immigrant visa applicants who pay fees to the National Visa Center (NVC).

Fees that will decrease are not refundable - If you paid a visa fee before April 13, 2012 and that fee decreased, it is not refundable.

Fees that will increase (only nonimmigrant fees) - If you paid your visa fee before April 13, 2012, you do not have to pay the difference between the new and old fee amounts as long as your visa interview is on or before July 12, 2012. Starting July 13, 2012, you will be required to pay the difference between the old and new fee amounts.

Applicants have two options to pay the non-refundable application fee (MRV):

1. Online by credit or debit card; or
2. In-person at any branch of Banco Citibank de Costa Rica S.A.(effective immediately) or Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (effective June 1st, 2012).  Applicants who want to take this option must access their online account to print out a payment slip to bring with them to the bank.

Important Notice: After paying a Non-Immigrant Visa application fee, you must wait one business day before scheduling your appointment.

STEP 4:  Schedule an appointment either online or via the Call Center.

Beginning April 20, 2012, visa applicants can register online and schedule both immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Alternatively, applicants who prefer to call the Call Center may also schedule appointments by calling 506-4000-1976 (within Costa Rica) or 646-259-0557 (for callers from the US) at no additional charge.

STEP 5: Arrive at the US Embassy for your scheduled interview.

The following documents are required:

• DS-160 confirmation sheet with bar code (DO NOT PRINT the entire form; only the confirmation sheet is needed);
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of proposed travel and ALL prior passports;
• Photograph;
• Payment receipt for the application fee; and
• Appointment confirmation sheet. 

Student and exchange visa applicants must bring either their I-20 or DS 2019 issued by the educational institution.

Applicants should not arrive at the Embassy more than 30 minutes ahead of their scheduled appointment.  All persons entering the premises must pass through a security checkpoint. 

Due to space limitations in our waiting room, the applicant will be the only person allowed into the building unless the applicant is a minor child accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or has a medical condition necessitating assistance.  Other parties (including relatives, friends, employers, lawyers, etc.) will not be allowed into the building unless requested by a consular official.

The applicant will be interviewed by a bilingual American Consular Officer.  During the interview, each applicant should be prepared to provide convincing, original evidence of his or her (and his or her immediate family’s) long-term economic, family, academic and personal ties that would compel the applicant to return home after a short visit to the United States. This evidence could include, but is not limited to: evidence of property ownership, bank account statements for the prior three months, proof of employment and salary, proof of pension, proof of enrollment in a university, etc. 

Please note we do not accept certificates of income prepared by accountants or attorneys. 

Note regarding minor applicants: Children ages 9 and below are generally not required to appear in person for an interview.  However, a consular officer may require a personal appearance by any child if there are doubts about the child’s present location, identity and/or legal custody.   Both parents and/or the legal guardian should attend the interview for all minor applicants. .  Parents should also bring the child’s birth certificate, along with their own passport or ID card.  Legal guardians must show proof of custody of all minor children. Except under extraordinary circumstances and/or a showing of sole custody by a parent or legal guardian, a failure by either parent to attend the visa interview may result in a refusal of the visa.

STEP 6: Delivery of Visas via Courier (IF APPROVED)

Except in very rare emergency circumstances, all approved Non-Immigrant visas are returned to applicants only via the courier service.

Passports will be delivered to the Correos de Costa Rica location that you select when you register online.