Non-Immigrant Visas
Visa Information
For general information about U.S. visas, please visit the website of the Department of State, http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
Non-immigrant visas are for international travelers (citizens of other countries) coming to the United States temporarily. The Consular Section of the American Embassy issues non-immigrant visas for Guineans and residents of Equatorial Guinea. A visa constitutes permission to apply for admission into the United States at a port of entry, where an immigration officer determines admittance and length of stay. All Guineans, including those in transit, need visas to apply for entrance into the United States. Visa applications are adjudicated in accordance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) enacted by the United States Congress.
The most widely known nonimmigrant visa category is the Business and Tourist visa (known as B1/B2), which is used by alliens who wish to enter the United States temporarily for business purposes (B-1), and/or tourism, to visit relatives and friends, or similar reasons (B-2).
Other categories of nonimmigrant visas are required:
A nonimmigrant visa for a particular category is valid for entry only for the purpose for which it was originally issued. For example, a student visa cannot be used for entry as visitor, nor can the possessor of a visitor visa enter to study.
A visa is not a guarantee of entry into the United States. The bearer of a visa is subject to inspection at the port of entry by U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials who have authority to deny admission. Therefore, the recipient of a visa should carry, for possible presentation to immigration inspectors, the evidence submitted to the consular officer when the visa was obtained.
The validity period shown on a nonimmigrant visa relates only to the period during which it may be used in making application for admission into the United States; it does not indicate the length of time the alien may spend in the United States. The period for which the bearer of a nonimmigrant visa is authorized to remain in the United States is determined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security authorities at the port of entry. A nonimmigrant that remains in the United States beyond the period for which he/she has been granted permission to stay may become subject to deportation.
Application Processing Time
Biometric processing on visa applications can take up to one week to clear. Typically applications take a minimum of 24-48 hours, but many take longer. Visa applications must clear all data checks prior to issuance.
Once a visa application is received at the Embassy, it cannot be expedited. Please plan accordingly.
The Embassy cannot expedite visas due to lack of planning.