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Applying for a Visa
 

Apply For A Non-Immigrant Visa in Four Steps

Step 1: Schedule an interview appointment via the telephone Call Center at 0032-(0)2-7881200.  Calls are 15 euros (including VAT). more

All applicants age 14 and above must appear in person and schedule an interview appointment via the telephone Call Center before coming to the Embassy.  Walk-in applications cannot be accepted.  Interview appointments can only be made by calling 0032-(0)2-7881200.  Each call costs 15 euros.

For urgent/emergency travel only to the U.S., i.e. in case of a serious, documented medical emergency, or death in the family in the U.S., please telephone the Call Center at 0032-(0)2-7881200 and request an emergency appointment.  You should be prepared to submit documentary evidence of the medical emergency/death at the time of interview.

The Visa Section can accept applications from persons who are physically present in the consular district, but who are not resident.  However, please be aware that language difficulties and interviewing officers' unfamiliarity with local conditions in other countries may make it difficult to determine eligibility for a visa.

Step 2: Prepare the Following Documents:

  • Complete the interactive online application form DS-160, available at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv and print the DS-160 confirmation page.  For detailed instructions, click here.

  • A passport, valid for the duration of the intended stay in the U.S., with at least two blank pages.  Some countries' passports are recognized as valid for 6 months beyond their expiration date. Click here for a list.

  • Additional supporting documents which vary according to the type of visa requested.  For additional information, click on the "Non-Immigrant Visas" link to the left. 

  • One 5 cm x 5 cm color photo with a white background, taken within the last 6 months, with a clear full face and front view image. Note: This is slightly larger than the standard Belgian passport photo size and your visa application may be rejected if the photo size is incorrect. To check photo requirements and a list of photographers, click here.

  • Original receipt of payment (bank extract or bank statement, showing the transaction) for each applicant. (Click here for details of visa fees).  The application fee must be paid into bank account IBAN: BE29 0016 0507 5164, BIC: GEBABEBB at least 4 business days before the scheduled visa interview date. Please put the full name of the visa applicant in the "communication" box.

    Exchange rate: Effective September 26, 2012, the exchange rate for consular services is 1 Dollar for .80 Euro.  Please do not use the daily market exchange rate or any other rate.  All MRV fees must be paid in Euros

    Important: Your proof of payment must show that the fee has been debited from your account into the Embassy account listed above or your application will not be accepted.
    Application fees are non-refundable, even if a visa is not granted.

    To see acceptable proofs of payment, click here (PDF - 0.98 mb) 
  • Note: Some applicants may be required to pay an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee based on nationality, at the time of application. 
  • Your passport and visa will be returned to you by mail.  Please provide one POSTPAC envelope per person, Size #1 (Small) or Size #2 (Medium) with Belgian registered mail postage at the time of interview and write your name and address on the envelope.  You may use either a home or business address for delivery.  
  • Only regular stamps will be accepted.  Please stick the stamps on the envelope.  You MUST use one of the following combinations: the Belgian Postal Services (BPost) will not accept any other combinations of stamps:
  1. One stamp for registered mail and two stamps with a circled number 1.

  2. OR:

  3. One stamp for registered mail and one stamp with a circled number 2.

 

  • A Belgian registered mail receipt.  You must write your name and your address on the receipt.
  •  You will not receive your visa at the interview.   Registered mail delivery usually takes 5 business days or less, but can also take longer.   International mail delivery generally takes longer than 5 business days. 

    The Embassy is not responsible for extra costs due to changing tickets or rebooking flights if delivery is delayed.  Do NOT purchase tickets until you have received your visa.   The U.S. Embassy no longer offers visa pick-up service.

Step 3: Go to the interview with the required documents (see list above). Be prepared for the possibility of spending several hours at the Consulate.

Step 4: Receive your passport via registered mail. 
 

Some employment-based visas may take longer and some applications may require additional administrative processing.

 

Reminder

  • Applicants are advised not to make any travel reservations before the visa is actually issued.

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