Embassy of the United States

Effective February 1, 2013, all individuals issued Immigrant visas overseas must pay a $165.00 USCIS Immigrant Fee before traveling to the United States.  Only prospective adoptive parents whose child(ren) is/are entering the United States under either the Orphan or Hague Process, Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants who were employed by the U.S. government, returning residents, and those issued K visas are exempt from the new fee.  The below USCIS website has more details on the new fee, including contact information for USCIS, if there are further questions:

www.USCIS.gov/immigrantfee



                         -----------------------------------------------

Immigrant Visas - General Information

In general, to be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen relative(s), U.S. lawful permanent resident, or by a prospective employer, and be the beneficiary of an approved petition filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For petition information visit the USCIS website. Learn about the different processes for the major immigrant categories, which are:

• Immediate Relative and Family Sponsored 
• Employer Sponsored 
• Special Immigrants

Unlike other immigrant types, Diversity Visas (DV) do not require a U.S. sponsor, and therefore a petition is not needed. Please check the following link for information about applying for the Diversity Visa:  www.dvlottery.state.gov.   All entrants may check the status of their entry through the Entry Status Check on the E-DV website:  www.dvlottery.state.gov/ESC/.

Entry Status Check will be the ONLY means by which lottery winners/selectees will be notified of their selection for DV-2012. Additionally, Entry Status Check will provide you, the successful selectee, instructions on how to proceed with your application and notify you of the date and time of your appointment for immigrant visa interview.

Visa Interviews

After the immigrant petition has been approved (excluding DV applicants) by USCIS, and initially processed for a visa with the Department of State, National Visa Center. Applicants are notified of their interviews at the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca.

Interviews for Immigrant (IV) and Diversity (DV) Visas are by appointment only on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, exclusive of U.S. and Moroccan holidays.  For any inquiries concerning an immigrant or diversity visa, please contact the IV staff at ivcasablanca@state.gov.

After your first interview with a Consular Officer, if you are requested to provide further documents, please bring them to the U.S. Consulate General between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.  You can give the required documents to the outside receptionist.

Issued Visas:

In general, issued Immigrant and Diversity Visas may be picked up at the sidewalk window two business days after the interview at 3:00 p.m.  However, sometimes additional processing is required, which will delay visa issuance. The Consulate strongly recommends that you do not make final travel plans until the visa is printed.

Visas are not issued on the day of interview.

Security Note:
For security reasons and to minimize waiting time, visa applicants should not bring cell phones and must not arrive more than 30 minutes prior to their appointment times.  Applicants must present their appointment letters in order to enter the Consulate and should bring only the documents necessary for their interview.  Individuals with backpacks or large handbags will not be admitted. No liquids, except baby bottles, will be permitted into the Consulate.