General Information

The Embassy's Visa Unit processes applications for both non-immigrant and immigrant visas to the United States.

Nonimmigrant visas are required for travelers who wish to visit, work or study for a temporary period. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of your travel.

Citizens of the 36 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may be eligible to to travel to the United States visa free under the VWP if they are traveling for business, pleasure or are in transit, and they meet all the requirements.

Anyone who wishes to enter the United States to reside there permanently must apply for an immigrant visa, whether or not that person plans to seek employment in the United States.

Security at the Embassy

For security reasons, do not bring luggage including large backpacks, laptop computers, or large cameras.  Security guards will hold small tourist cameras and cell phones until your departure, but there is no storage available for other items — please do not bring them to the Embassy.

Retirement to the United States

Unfortunately, no provision exists under U.S. visa law to qualify for immigration on the basis of retirement to the United States.  Immigration is primarily family or employment based. 

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