At the interview, the consular officer told me my application would take three weeks. It has been longer and I still have not received a visa. Why?

While the interviewing officer may give you an estimate for when your visa will be ready, please note that the timeframe is only an estimate and that processing can indeed take longer. If the embassy needs information from you we will contact you. Otherwise, your visa is still processing and we will send the passport as soon as it is ready.

How long before my planned travel date should I apply for a visa?

We recommend that you apply at least three months in advance of your intended travel date. For current wait times for visa appointments

Your visa may also be delayed after the interview due to processing. When processing is required, timing will vary, but usually takes between one and three months.

How can I check the status of my visa?

E-mail the consular section at RiyadhNIV@state.gov.  Please allow 4 weeks for visa processing before contacting us.  Provide your full name, date of birth, and passport number.

I received a B1/B2 visa to travel for business. Can I take a second trip for tourism?

Yes. All B1/B2 visas are valid for both tourism and business travel, regardless of the original purpose of travel. As long as the visa has not expired, you can travel to the U.S. for either business or pleasure without requiring a new visa. 

Is it OK to have two visas at the same time?

Yes, as long as the visas are for different purposes.  For example it is OK to have a B1/B2 (tourist/business) and F1 (student) together, but not OK to have two valid F1 visas.

Do I need a visa even if I’m only transiting through the U.S.? I’m only spending a couple of hours at the airport.

Yes. All international air passengers who travel through the United States for transit purposes require a visa.

I would like to bring a personal domestic employee with me when I travel to the U.S. How does this work?

Under certain circumstances, domestic employees may be issued B-1 (business) visas to accompany their employer on a trip to the U.S. for a limited period of time.

The domestic employee must qualify for a visa in all respects, I.e. have worked as a domestic employee for the employer for a good amount of time and overcome the presumption of being an intending immigrant.

Only persons residing in Saudi Arabia going for a limited time to the U.S. may bring a domestic employee. U.S. citizens and/or Legal Permanent Residents residing in the U.S. cannot bring a domestic employee to the U.S. on a B-1 visa.

Domestic employees or other attendants who intend to accompany their employers to the U.S. must schedule an appointment and come in person for the interview. They must bring with them an employment contract compliant with the Wilberforce law, signed by both parties and translated into both English and the employee’s native language. For more information on contract requirements, please click here.

Can a U.S. Citizen sponsor my application for a visitor’s visa?

No, US Citizens may not sponsor a visitor’s application – a visitor must qualify individually for a U.S. visa, regardless of a concerned U.S. citizen’s interest in the case.

Is there any way to obtain a visa for my American citizen child?

No. American citizens by law cannot be issued visas. If you believe that your child is an American, please go to the webpage "Citizen Services" to learn how to apply for a passport.

What do adequate ties mean?

A consular officer considers factors such as employment, family ties, financial circumstances and real estate holdings. These factors can show that an applicant will return home after a brief stay in the United States.  An officer may also evaluate the applicant's specific intentions, educational status, academic achievement and future prospects.  Every situation is unique, and there are no set criteria for establishing adequate ties.

Can you transfer my existing visa into my new passport?

We cannot transfer your visa, but as long as the passport authority does not punch holes through your existing U.S. visa, you may use it to travel to the U.S.  You should carry both your new, valid passport as well as your old passport that contains your U.S. visa.