| Expreso
representative who is in the office just outside the
Consular Section's waiting room. The fee for sending a passport
by Cargo Expreso is L.78.40
for a passport to be delivered in Tegucigalpa, L.100.80 for a passport
delivered to other cities in Honduras, and L. 120.96 for a passport
delivered to Roatan. These prices include the sales tax.
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Suggested
Documents for the Visa Application
Please
present documents that establish your family, economic, and social
obligations to Honduras that will obligate you to return to Honduras.
U.S. law also requires that the applicant's situation in his or
her home country be the basis for the decision on the visa. For
this reason, we do not base our decisions on invitations or affidavits
of support from friends or relatives in the United States. Suggested
documents include:
-
Tax Documents, Receipts, and/or Contracts which establish the
stability of your business in Honduras.
- Job
letter from your employer or school registration with specific
dates of work/attendance.
- A
letter from your bank, including current and average balances,
and your bankbooks.
- Checking
account statements for the past three months.
- The
"Constitución de Sociedad," "Permiso de
Operación," or "Declaración de Comerciante
Individual" of any business you own in Honduras.
- Previous
passports.
- Passports
of immediate family members who have traveled to the United States.
- In
cases of lost or stolen passports, an Immigration Report from
the Honduran Immigration Office (“Movimiento Migratorio”)
with your entrances and departures, plus the police report concerning
the lost passport.
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To
Request An Expedited Appointment
Expedited
appointments will only be given in the following situations:
-
To receive or continue urgent medical treatment in the United
States.
- To
attend a funeral of a close relative.
- For
an urgent trip for work or business.
- Court
appearance.
Since
May 17, 2007 we have our Call Center available, and it is through
them that you can obtain an expedited appointment. You pay an additional
fee of US$13 at the bank, and you will obtain a PIN number to be
used with the Call Center and they will give you your expedited
appointment date. Each PIN number is for immediate families of up
to 5 members. If your immediate family number is greater than 5,
you will have to buy an additional PIN number.
Appointment
Reschedule:
If
you want to reschedule your appointment date, please go to any branch
of Banco Atlantida, and pay US$13 to buy a new PIN number, which
you can use to call our Call Center to have your appointment rescheduled.
Starting March 19, 2007 these new reschedule policies have gone
into effect:
-
The applicant can reschedule the appointment before the original
date has expired.
- The
applicant has 30 days after the original date, to reschedule the
appointment.
-
If the applicant misses the appointment and does not reschedule
between a month’s period, this appointment will expire and
the applicant will have to buy a new one.
-
The applicant can reschedule the appointment date only
once.
To
Revalidate a Visa: Personal Appearance is Required.
- If
your most recent visa was a "B1/B2" for multiple entries
over a period of one year or longer you need to go to any branch
of Banco Atlantida and pay the Consular fee of US$131 or its equivalent
in Lempiras. You will also pay US$13 for a PIN number to be used
when you call our Call Center, where they will give you your appointment
date. Each PIN number is for immediate families of up to 5 members.
If your immediate family number is greater than 5, you will have
to buy an additional PIN number.
- Take
the following documents with you: Your old and new passports,
an electronic visa application form
DS-156 with a photo 2x2" (taken with a white background,
no glasses), the receipt from Banco Atlántida, documents
that show financial stability, and family ties to Honduras that
will guarantee your return after a short visit to the United States.
- Since
personal appearance is required, please be advised that you would
need to plan ahead your trip within 8 or 9 weeks before your departure.
Requirements
for Revalidations are:
-
A previous tourist (B1/B2) visa which was valid for at least one
year.
- A
current passport that has remaining validity of at least six months.
Please, make sure that your passport has a remaining validity
of at least six months. If you need additional information about
your nationality, please go to the following website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
- An
electronic visa application (form DS-156
and Form (DS-157) if
you are male between the ages of 16-45 years, a 2x2 inch photo
taken with a white background and the bank receipt from Banco
Atlantida.
- A
current employment letter and bank statement, and other documents
to prove family, economic and professional ties to Honduras.
- Visas
for minors - go the Children visa section.
For
emergencies please check up on the
Expedite Appointment information.
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Tourist
Visa (B-2) or Business Visa (B-1)
Documents
Required for Application
All
applicants for tourist, business, student or other categories of
nonimmigrant visas must bring to their visa interview the following
documents:
1.
An application/processing fee receipt issued by the Banco Atlántida
for each application form.
2.
A valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity remaining.
If you need additional information about the requirements according
to your nationality, please go to the following website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
No
powder must have been applied to the pages of the passport; we will
be unable to process visas for passports containing any type of
powder on the pages.
3.
A Honduran identity card or residency card.
4.
A completed and signed electronic
visa application form DS 156 for each member of the family,
including children who plan to travel to the United States.
5.
A recent color or black and white, 2 x 2" photograph taken
with a white background, no glasses, attached to the front of each
application form DS-156.
6.
If you have children under the age of 21, the certified copy of
the Birth Certificate.
7. All male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16
and 45, regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply,
must submit to the post a completed Form
(DS-157) in addition to the electronic non-immigrant visa application
form (DS-156).
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Visa
Waiver Program
 IMPORTANT
INFORMATION FOR NATIONALS OF COUNTRIES UNDER VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
Citizens
of several countries are not required tourist or business visas
to remain in the United Sates for less than 90 days
or to transit through the United States. Their
passports must meet certain minimum requirements to benefit from
the Visa Waiver Program.
To work or study in the United States, citizens of the Visa Waiver
Program must have the appropriate visas.
List
of Countries Participating in the Visa Waiver Program:
Andorra,
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco,
The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Minimum
Passport Requirements:
Passports
issued or renewed before October 26, 2005 must be machine-readable.
If they are not, they require a visa.
Passports
issued or renewed between October 26, 2005 and October 25, 2006
must be machine-readable and require a digital photo on the data
page. Otherwise they require a visa.
Passports
issued or renewed after October 26, 2006 must be machine-readable
and require an integrated chip containing information from the data
page. Otherwise, they require a visa.
Temporary,
emergency, official and diplomatic passports are not subject
to the digital photo and/or integrated chip requirements, but they
must be machine-readable. If they are not machine-readable, they
require a visa.
Countries
under Special Circumstances:
Citizens
of Austria: As of October 26, 2005, their machine-readable
passports must include a visa foil with a digital photo in a visa
page of their passport. If a passport issued after October 26, 2005
does not meet this additional requirement, they must obtain a visa.
Citizens
of Italy: Not all Italian passport-issuing offices are
producing passports with digital photos since October 26, 2005.
All offices are expected to issue them by late summer 2006. If Italian
passports issued after October 26, 2005 do not meet the machine-readable
and the digital photo requirement, they must obtain a visa.
Citizens
of France: Few French passports issued since October 26,
2005 meet the digital photo requirement. If passports issued after
October 26, 2005 do not meet the digital photo requirement, they
need a visa.
Citizens
of Germany: As of May 1, 2006, German temporary and emergency
passports are no longer valid for travel to the US under the Visa
Waiver Program. They must obtain a visa.
Regular, official and diplomatic passports remain valid for the
Visa Waiver Program if they meet the minimum passport requirements
stated above.
Please,
make sure that your passport has a remaining validity of at least
six months. If you need additional information about the requirements
according to your nationality, please go to the following website:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
Foreign
Applicants Requesting a Non-Immigrant Visa
Applicants
from outside this office's consular district may apply for visas.
However, you should be aware that language difficulties and interviewing
officers' unfamiliarity with local conditions in other countries
may make it more difficult to demonstrate your qualifications for
a visa here than in your home district or at a post designated for
your application.
Children
Minors
must present their birth certificates and school registrations.
For their personal interview, BOTH parents must accompany them,
except in cases of death (bring death certificate), absence from
the country (bring proof of legal authorization), or divorce (bring
custody agreement). The parents should also bring documents to establish
family, economic and professional ties to Honduras.
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Seamen
(C1/D)
In
Honduras, seamen are an important percentage of non-immigrant visa
applicants.
We
request that Honduran seaman’s unions and companies that hire
Honduran seamen register with our offices. Please send us an e-mail
at tggniv@state.gov or a fax
to (504) 237-1792 with your contact information to send you the
requirements for registration.
Types
of Visas for Seamen
Requesting an Expedited Appointment
Applying for a Seaman Visa
Applying for a B1 or B1/B2 Visa
Types
of Visas for Seamen
The
most common visa for Honduran seamen is the C1/D
visa, which is a combination of a transit visa with a crewman’s
visa. With this visa, seamen may transit through the United States
to reach their port of embarkation or they may arrive in the United
States as crew on a vessel.
Another
visa for seamen is the B1/OCS visa, which is for
those working on vessels that use US ports and work at offshore
sites on the outer continental shelf, without using other foreign
ports. To apply for this visa, the employer must obtain a permit
from the US Coast Guard.
Some
seamen require a H2B temporary worker visa. To
apply for this visa, employers must comply with the requirements
for hiring alien temporary workers.
Refrigeration
technicians working on cargo vessels also need a B1
visa, in case they need to do repairs while the vessel is at a US
port.
Requesting
an Expedited Appointment
We
understand that many seamen have short stays in Honduras and during
that stay they must process their visa. It is quite common that
their appointments are assigned for a date past their date of embarkation.
This is why we try out best to accommodate seamen’s requests
for expedited appointments.
Since
May 17, 2007, we have our Call Center available, and it is through
them that you can obtain an expedited appointment. Your appointment
fee is US$131, which can be paid at any Banco Atlantida branch.
Also you pay an additional fee of US$13, and you will obtain a PIN
number to be used with our Call Center and they will give you your
expedited appointment date.
Applying
for a Seaman Visa
Applicants
for seaman’s visas should present their application at the
Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent
residence.
Since
May 17, 2007 we have our Call Center available, and it is through
them that you can obtain an appointment. Please, make sure that
your passport has a remaining validity of at least six months. If
you need additional information about the requirements according
to your nationality, please go to the following website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
Your
appointment fee is US$131, which can be paid at any Banco Atlantida
branch. Also you pay an additional fee of US$13, and you will obtain
a PIN number to be used with our Call Center and they will give
you your appointment date.
Go
to the bank with your passport (with a minimum six-month validity
remaining) and pay the consular fee, and the pin number to call
our call center and get your appointment (if your payment is in
dollars, you will be charged an additional amount based on the exchange
rate).
When
you come to your appointment you must present:
-
Proof of payment of visa processing fee (Banco Atlantida receipts
or proof of payment in our office)
- Form
DS-156 in the electronic format
- Current
letter of employment (with a copy if the format does not come
in duplicate or triplicate)
- A
passport with a minimum six-month validity remaining. Please,
make sure that your passport has a remaining validity of at least
six months. If you need additional information about the requirements
according to your nationality, please go to the following website:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
- A
2x2 inch photo taken with a white background, no glasses
- Men
between the ages of 16 and 45 must present form
DS-157 (It is very important that in this form you list all
of the countries you have visited)
- A
valid seaman’s license
- A
valid seaman’s book and previous seaman’s books (if
you have any)
- Previous
passports (if you have any)
- Certificates
for seaman courses
It
is recommended to present:
- Evidence
of family and economic ties to Honduras.
Applying
for a B1 or B1/B2
Some
companies need that their seamen have B1 or B1/B2 visas to enter
the United States for training or other purposes. If you are one
of these cases, you should present the following to process the
additional visa:
-
Proof of payment of visa processing fee (Banco Atlantida receipts
or proof of payment in our office)
- Form
DS-156 in the electronic format
- Current
letter of employment
- A
letter of employment stating since when you’ve been employed
with the company and what your salary is
- A
passport with a minimum six-month validity remaining (It is important
that you take into account that your passport must have a minimum
six-month validity at any time you enter or transit through the
United States.) Please, make sure that your passport has a remaining
validity of at least six months. If you need additional information
about the requirements according to your nationality, please go
to the following website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
- A
2x2 inch photo taken with a white background, no glasses
- Men
between the ages of 16 and 45 must present form
DS-157 (It is very important that in this form you list all
of the countries you have visited)
- Evidence
of your family and economic ties to Honduras
Transit
Visa (C-1)
A
transit visa is issued to allow immediate and continuous transit
through the United States. This visa is for people to proceed through
the U.S. on the way to another final destination. Generally, the
applicant must present the same evidence as for a tourist (B-2)
visa to qualify.
Treaty
Trader and Treaty Investor Visas (E)
The
Immigration and Nationality Act provides nonimmigrant visa status
for a national of a country with which the United States maintains
a treaty of commerce and navigation who is coming to the United
States to carry on substantial trade, including trade in services
or technology, principally between the United States and the treaty
country, or to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise
in which the national has invested, or is in the process of investing
a substantial amount of capital.
Treaty
Trader Visa (E-1)
Treaty Investor Visa (E-2)
Applying
for E Visas
Allowed Stay in the United States with E Visas
Entering the United States with E Visas
Form DS-156E
Treaty
Trader Visa (E-1)
1.
The applicant must be a national of a treaty country;
2. The trading firm for which the applicant is coming to the U.
S. must have the nationality of the treaty country;
3. The international trade must be "substantial" in the
sense that there is a sizable and continuing volume of trade;
4.
The trade must be principally between the U.S. and the treaty country,
which is defined to mean that more than 50 percent of the international
trade involved must be between the U.S. and the country of the applicant's
nationality;
5. Trade means the international exchange of goods, services, and
technology. Title of the trade items must pass from one party to
the other;
6. The applicant must be employed in a supervisory or executive
capacity, or possess highly specialized skills essential to the
efficient operation of the firm. Ordinary skilled or unskilled workers
do not qualify; and
7.
The applicant must intend to depart the United States when the E-1
status terminates.
Treaty
Investor Visa (E-2)
1.
The investor, either a real or corporate person, must be a national
of a treaty country;
2. The investment must be substantial. It must be sufficient to
ensure the successful operation of the enterprise. The percentage
of investment for a low-cost business enterprise must be higher
than the percentage of investment in a high-cost enterprise;
3. The investment must be a real operating enterprise. Speculative
or idle investment does not qualify. Uncommitted funds in a bank
account or similar security are not considered an investment;
4. The investment may not be marginal. It must generate significantly
more income than just to provide a living to the investor and family,
or it must have a significant economic impact in the United States;
5.
The investor must have control of the funds, and the investment
must be at risk in the commercial sense. Loans secured with the
assets of the investment enterprise are not allowed. If the funds
are not subject to partial or total loss if business fortunes reverse,
then the funds do not qualify as an investment;
6. The investor must be coming to the U.S. to develop and direct
the enterprise. If the applicant is not the principal investor,
he or she must be employed in a supervisory, executive, or highly
specialized skill capacity. Ordinary skilled and unskilled workers
do not qualify; and
7. The applicant must intend to depart the United States when the
E-2 status terminates.
Applying
for E Visas
Applicants
for visas should generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence.
Processing E Visas takes a few weeks because the information and
documents submitted with Form DS-156E must be reviewed. Please contact
us at tggniv@state.gov for
our schedule to receive forms DS-156E (available here
or at our offices) and the corresponding documentation. See
below.
Each applicant for the visa must pay a nonrefundable US$131 application
fee. (If your payment is in dollars, you will be charged an additional
amount based on the exchange rate). You may pay the Consular fee
at Banco Atlántida and provide a passport with a minimum
six-months' validity remaining. If you need additional information
about the requirements according to your nationality, please go
to the following website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
You
must submit:
-
The receipt for payment of the US$131 or its equivalent in Lempiras)
visa processing fee (Banco Atlántida receipt or receipt
issued at our offices)
- An
application Form DS-156E.
See below.
- Application
form DS-156
in the electronic format
- A
passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity
date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period
of stay in the United States. If you need additional information
about the requirements according to your nationality, please go
to the following website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
;
- A
2x2 photograph taken with a white background, no glasses;
- All
male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45,
regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply,
must complete and submit a form DS-157.
Presenting the following documentation is recommended:
-
Evidence that the trading enterprise or investment enterprise
meets the requirements of the law.
- Evidence
that illustrates that the stay in the U.S. will be temporary.
Since
May 17, 2007 we have our Call Center available, and it is through
them that you can obtain an appointment. Your appointment fee is
US$131, which can be paid at any Banco Atlantida branch. Also you
pay an additional fee of US$13, and you will obtain a PIN number
to be used with our Call Center and they will give you your appointment
date.
Family
Members
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age, regardless
of nationality, may receive derivative E visas in order to accompany
the principal alien.
Spouses
are only allowed to work with permission from the Department of
Homeland Security. Other dependents are not authorized to work in
the United States.
Applying
for E-Visas for Family Members
Submit:
-
The receipt for payment of the US$131 visa processing fee (Banco
Atlántida receipt or receipt issued at our offices) for
each applicant. (If your payment is in dollars, you will be charged
an additional amount based on the exchange rate).
- Application
form DS-156
in the electronic format for each applicant
- A
passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity
date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period
of stay in the United States. If you need additional information
about the requirements according to your nationality, please go
to the following website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
;
- A
2x2 photograph taken with a white background, no glasses;
- All
male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45,
regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply,
must complete and submit a form DS-157.
- Proof
of relationship with main applicant (spouses – marriage
certificate, children – birth certificates)
Allowed
Stay in the United States with E Visas
Holders
of E visas may reside in the United States as long as they continue
to maintain their status with the enterprise.
Entering
the United States with an E Visa
Applicants
should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United
States. The U.S. Directorate of Border and Transportation Security
in the Department of Homeland Security has authority to deny admission.
Also, the period for which the bearer of a treaty trader or investor
visa is authorized to remain in the United States is determined
by the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security, not the
consular officer. At the port of entry, a Directorate of Border
and Transportation Security official validates Form I-94, Record
of Arrival-Departure, which notes the length of stay permitted.
Those persons who wish to stay beyond the time indicated on their
Form I-94 must contact the Directorate of Border and Transportation
Security to request Form I-539, Application to Extend Status. The
decision to grant or deny a request for extension of stay is made
solely by the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security.
Form
DS-156E
This
form DS-156E,
together with Form DS-156,
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, constitutes the application for an
E-1 Treaty Trader or E-2 Treaty Investor Nonimmigrant Visa.
All first-time applicants seeking Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor
status must complete Parts I and II. Parts I and II must be updated
periodically. All individual applicants must complete Part III and
Form DS-156.
You must answer all relevant questions. Enter "Not applicable"
where appropriate. If an enterprise is not yet fully operational,
estimates and projections should be made concerning potential income,
job creation, volume of sales, etc.
Supporting
documents to Form DS-156 E and how they should be submitted
Supporting
documents should be submitted in a binder with a table of contents
and tabs. The following are examples of supporting documentation
that should be attached to first-time applications (not every type
of document is applicable in each case; the consular officer may
request additional information if required):
-
Evidence of possession and control of investment funds (bank records,
financial statements, personally secured loans, savings, promissory
notes, etc.);
- Evidence
of remittance to the United States (bank drafts, transfers, exchange
permits, receipts, etc.);
- Evidence
of establishment of business in the United States (articles of
incorporation, partnership agreement, organization and staffing
charts, shares, titles, contracts, receipts, licenses, leases,
etc.);
- Evidence
of the nationality of the investors/traders and their percentage
share of company ownership/holdings (passports, articles of incorporation
of parent company, stock exchange listings, etc.);
- Evidence
of trade between the United States and the treaty country (invoices,
bills of lading, customs clearances, warehouse receipts, shipping
receipts, sales receipts, contracts, etc.);
- Evidence
of investment in the United States (titles, receipts, contracts,
loans, bank statements, etc.);
- Evidence
of substantiality (financial statements, audits, U.S. corporate
or business tax returns, etc.);
- Evidence
that the enterprise is not marginal (payroll records, IRS Form
941, personal tax returns, evidence of other personal assets and
income);
- Evidence
that the business is a real, operating enterprise (annual reports,
catalogs, sales literature, news articles, federal and/or state
corporate income tax returns, and other evidence as appropriate);
- Curriculum
vitae of the proposed visa recipients under the business or enterprise
(optional).
Applying
for a Worker Visa ("H" or "L")
The
“H” categories apply to aliens that wish to enter the
United States temporarily to engage in non-agriculture employment,
a specialty occupation (e.g. fashion model), as a worker of distinguished
merit and ability or for work that is seasonal, intermittent, a
peak load need or a one-time occurrence.
The “L” category applies to aliens who work for a company
with a parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate in the United States.
These workers come to the United States as intra-company transferees
temporarily to perform services either in a managerial or executive
capacity, or who have specialized knowledge.
If the prospective worker (beneficiary) is outside the U.S., s/he
must apply for a visa. After the DHS (formerly INS) has approved
the I-129 and sent a Notice of Action to the beneficiary and to
the Consular Section in Tegucigalpa (Form I-797), the beneficiary
must go to Banco Atlantida, pay a fee of US$131 (if your payment
is in dollars, you will be charged an additional amount based on
the exchange rate), purchase a PIN for an additional US$13 to obtain
an appointment through our Visa Information Service, which is the
authorized entity by the Embassy of the United States of America
to schedule visa interview appointments for nonimmigrant visas,
and to provide the necessary information. Similarly, you must complete
the electronic visa application form (DS-156)
and the supplemental form (DS-157)
if the worker is a male between 16-45 years old.
If
the appointment provided by the Visa Information Service (VIS) agent
turns out to be too late with regards to the date that you should
be in the United States, please explain the urgency to the Visa
Information Service agent so that they can assign you the earliest
available date. The day of your appointment please bring an original
Notice of Action from DHS (formerly INS), a valid passport for at
least 6 more months. If you need additional information about the
requirements according to your nationality, please go to the following
website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
. In addition, other supporting documents, such as employment letters,
training certificates, evidence of qualifying relationship between
the U.S. and the foreign employer, letter from the alien's foreign
qualifying employer detailing his or her dates of employment, job
duties, qualifications, salary, and the duration of the contract.
The
process for scheduling appointments to apply for H2A and H2B visas
is different. You must request appointments by sending
an e-mail to H2HON@csc.com or
a fax to the number (703) 653-9795. There is a
three step process:
1. You must submit documentation regarding the Petition with which
you would like to schedule the appointments. For a complete list
of what must be submitted, please send an inquiry to the email
or fax above.
2. The Embassy will consider the documentation and will authorize
the Petition for scheduling. Should they need additional information
you will be notified. Otherwise, you will be informed that the
Petition is authorized for scheduling and provided with instructions
on how to submit a request to schedule appointments.
3. Once you have submitted the request to schedule appointments,
you will receive a confirmation letter with the appointment date
and time that the workers should appear. The confirmation letter
will include the documents you should present and other useful
information regarding the appointment.
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Visa
for Medical Treatment (B-2)
Documents required for all applications
In addition to the documents required for a Tourist
Visa, applicants for a visa for medical treatment must present
the following documents:
For
applicants going for medical treatment:
-
Detailed information (issued by the U.S. hospital or physician)
about the nature of the illness or disability that requires medical
treatment in the U.S.;
- Evidence
of the projected cost and duration of the medical treatment in
the U.S., issued by the hospital and/or physician;
- Evidence
of economic solvency of the person who is going to cover all treatment
expenses;
- Evidence
of the treatment sought, through a Honduran doctor's report explaining
necessity for travel, and why it cannot be obtained in Honduras;
- Whether
this treatment will require follow-up treatment;
- Receipts
proofs that previous U.S. medical treatments were paid in full.
For
applicants going to visit a sick relative:
-
Evidence of the legal status of the ill relative in the U.S. (proof
of citizenship or visa held)
- Evidence
that all the medical expenses of this family member in the U.S.
have been paid or are covered by an insurance company.
- Letter
from the attending physician certifying the illness of the family
member.
Since
May 17, 2007 we have our Call Center available, and it is through
them that you can obtain an appointment. Your appointment fee is
US$131, which can be paid at any Banco Atlantida branch. Also you
pay an additional fee of US$13, and you will obtain a PIN number
to be used with our Call Center and they will give you your appointment
date.
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Student
Visas
Studying
in the United States
The
United States of America welcomes international students.
We recommend that you visit these websites for greater information
on how to apply for admission to a US college, university or other
educational institution:
http://educationusa.state.gov
http://exchanges.state.gov
International Students
International Students in Public Schools
International
Students
F-1
and M-1 Visas
Once
you have gained admission to an educational institution, you must
process your student visa. F-1 visas (academic or language studies)
and M-1 visas (vocational studies) are to attend an educational
institution and carry a full-time load of courses.
It
is very important that you apply for your visa with enough time
in advance, we recommend a minimum one month before your travel
plans. Also take into consideration that Embassies and Consulates
can only issue student visas within a 120-day period in advance
of the beginning of the course of study (noted in the I-20). For
example, if your course of study begins September 1 and you present
your application April 1, your visa application will be left pending
until your visa can be issued around the beginning of June.
Applying
for a Student Visa for the First Time
Applying for Visas for Dependents
Entering the United States with a Student Visa
Renewing a Student Visa
Allowed Stay in the United States under a Student
Visa
Allowed Additional Stay in the United States
After Completing Studies
SEVIS Fee
Applying
for a Student Visa for the First Time
You
may proceed to apply for your student visa once you have received
form I-20 A or B (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1)
Student Status for Academic and Language Students) or form I-20M
or N (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student
Status for Vocational Students) sent to you by the educational institution
you will attend.
It is also very important to pay the SEVIS fee.
Sometimes the educational institution will process the payment for
you and will send the receipt along with the I-20, but if they have
not sent it, it is your responsibility to pay the US$100 fee. For
more information and/or to make the payment go to these websites
or see below:
http://www.ice.gov/sevis
and www.fmjfee.com
These
are the steps to apply for a student visa:
•
Pay the Consular Fee at any branch of Banco Atlántida (show
your passport and it must have a minimum six month validity remaining).
Since May 17, 2007 we have our Call Center available, and it is
through them that you can obtain an appointment. Your appointment
fee is US$131, which can be paid at any Banco Atlantida branch.
Also you pay an additional fee of US$13, and you will obtain a
PIN number to be used with our Call Center and they will give
you your appointment date.
• All student visa applicants must present
the following documents:
-
Passport with a minimum six month validity remaining. If you
need additional information about the requirements according
to your nationality, please go to the following website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
- Form I-20A/B or I-20M/N issued by an educational institution.
- Form I-901 (SEVIS Fee Application)
and the corresponding receipt or evidence of payment.
- Non-Immigrant
Visa Application Form DS-156 in the electronic format.
- Form
DS-158 (Contact Information and Work History for Non-Immigrant
Visa Applicant).
- Men between the ages of 16 and 45 must also present Form
DS-157 (Supplemental Non-Immigrant Visa Application).
- Recent 2x2 inch photo taken with a white background, no glasses.
- If the applicant is a minor (under 21), you must present Birth
Certificate. If the applicant has never had a US visa, he/she
must come with both parents or legal guardian (with proof of
custody). Parents or legal guardian must present national ID
cards, passports, letters of employment, bank letters and property
documents.
You
should be prepared to present the following documents:
- Transcripts
and/or diplomas from previously attended educational institutions.
- Scores
from standardized tests required by the educational institution
you will attend (TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.).
- Financial
evidence that shows sufficient funds to cover tuition and living
expenses during the period of intended study (from parents,
scholarship, sponsor, etc).
- Previous
passports.
If the applicant has dependents
(F-2 or M-2 visa) that will also be applying for a visa, they must
present:
- Proof
of the relationship with the student (marriage certificate for
spouse, birth certificates for children).
It
is preferred that the student and his/her dependents apply at the
same time. If spouse and children have to apply later, they should
present a copy of the student visa, as well as all other documents
required for non-immigrant visa applicants.
Entering the United States with a Student
Visa
Warning
Once
you have your student visa, you are allowed to enter the United
States with that visa within 30 days in advance of the beginning
of your course of study (noted in the I-20). For example, if your
course of study begins September 1, you may be allowed to enter
the United States with your student visa after August 2. If you
need apply for entry before, you will have to enter with a tourist
visa. If you have entered with tourist visa, you will not be allowed
to begin your course of study until you receive authorization for
a change of status or you leave the United States and re-enter with
your student visa. We recommend that students enter the U.S. within
the authorized 30-day period in advance of the beginning of course
of study to avoid complications with their non-immigrant status.
Renewing
a Student Visa
All
applicants needing the renewal of their student visa must
present:
•
The receipt from Banco Atlántida. Since May 17, 2007 we
have our Call Center available, and it is through them that you
can obtain an appointment. Your appointment fee is US$131, which
can be paid at any Banco Atlantida branch. Also you pay an additional
fee of US$13, and you will obtain a PIN number to be used with
our Call Center and they will give you your appointment date.
• All student visa applicants must present
the following documents:
-
Passport with a minimum six month validity remaining. If you
need additional information about the requirements according
to your nationality, please go to the following website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
- A new Form I-20A/B or I-20M/N or a Form I-20 with an endorsement
on the back by a school official within the past 12 months.
- Form I-901 (SEVIS Fee Application)
and the corresponding receipt or evidence of payment.
Note: This requirement applies if the I-20 was issued
on or after September 1, 2004.
- Non-Immigrant
Visa Application Form DS-156 in the electronic format.
- Form
DS-158 (Contact Information and Work History for Non-Immigrant
Visa Applicant).
- Men between the ages of 16 and 45 must also present Form
DS-157 (Supplemental Non-Immigrant Visa Application).
- Recent 2x2 inch photo taken with a white background.
You
should be prepared to present the following documents:
-
Certified transcripts from the educational institution you attended.
-
Financial evidence that shows sufficient funds to cover tuition
and living expenses during the period of intended study (from
parents, scholarship, sponsor, etc).
- Previous
passports.
Allowed
Stay in the United States under a Student Visa
When
you enter the United States with your student visa, you will normally
be allowed to stay for the duration of your student status. The
immigration officer generally marks your I-94 with the letters “D/S”
(duration of status). This means that you may remain in the United
States as long as you are a full time student, even if your F-1
or M-1 visa expires while you are in the U.S.
If you leave the United States and your visa has expired, you will
have to apply for the renewal of your student visa at a U.S. Embassy
or Consulate, and of course, present the required documents. See
the requirements for renewing student visas.
Allowed
Additional Stay in the United States after Completing Studies
A
student who has completed the studies specified in his/her I-20,
and any authorized practical training, is allowed an additional
stay before departing from the U.S.:
Students
with F-1 Visas – an additional period of 60 days
to prepare for departure from the US or to transfer to another school
Students
with M-1 Visas – an additional period of 30 days
to prepare for departure from US. The 30-day period to prepare for
departure is allowed as long as the student maintained a full course
of study and maintained status. M visa students may receive extensions
up to three years for the total program.
International
Students in Public Schools
In
1996, US Congress passed a law prohibiting the attendance of international
students to public elementary schools (kindergarten through 8th
grade) and to publicly funded adult education programs. This law
also places a 12-month limit on the attendance of international
students to public high-schools (9th through 12th grade) and requires
that they reimburse the cost of education as
calculated by the school.
These
restrictions apply only to international students needing an I-20
to study in a US public high-school.
The
restrictions do not apply to international students:
-
under another non-immigrant status, such as J-2, L-1, M-2 or G-4.
- international
students under an F-1 visa attending private schools or private
training or language programs.
- international
students under an F-1 visa whom already attended a public school
when the law came into effect (November 30, 1996). However, if
they leave the U.S. and want to return to the public school, they
must comply with the requirements of the new law.
The
amount to reimburse the cost of education to the public high-school
can be verified in the I-20 form under “tuition”. That
is the cost of education per student in the school district of the
high-school that issued the I-20.
International
students cannot receive publicly funded scholarships or be waived
tuition. However, an organization or individual can sponsor them,
as long as none of the funding comes from public funds.
International
students who are going to stay temporarily with a US citizen relative,
the cost for tuition must be reimbursed to the school district and
attendance must be limited to 12 months of study, if the student
is going to attend a public high-school. Attendance at a public
elementary school is prohibited.
For
more information on international students attending public schools
or programs, visit this webpage: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1269.html
SEVIS Fee
Who
must pay the fee
Who is exempt from the fee
Filling out form I-901
To pay the fee
Receipt for payment
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
assigns an identification number to all foreign students to register
them in the system and it is intended to facilitate their participation
in the academic and cultural exchange programs available in the
United States. The system is managed by the Student and Exchange
Visitor Program (SEVP), a division of U.S. Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is the investigative branch
of the Department of Homeland Security. The fee for processing
the registration is charged to the beneficiaries – the international
students and the exchange visitors.
For
more information, visit these websites: http://www.ice.gov/sevis
and www.fmjfee.com
Some
educational institutions process the payment for the beneficiary
and they send the receipt along with other documents necessary to
apply for the visa. If they have not processed the payment, they
send a notice to do so. It is mandatory to present
the receipt or evidence of payment of the SEVIS fee in order to
receive a student visa.
Who
must pay the fee
In
general, applicants for F-1, F-3, J-1, M-1 or M-3 visa are subject
to paying this fee, with some exceptions.
Non-immigrant
students under other visas (not needing an F-1 or M-1 to attend
an educational institution), such as dependents of diplomats, temporary
workers, investors, exchange visitors and others, are also subject
to the SEVIS fee. They must make the payment and make sure that
it is has been processed before they apply for entry to the United
States. Take into consideration that you must wait three to four
days for the payment to appear as credited in the SEVIS system (if
you have made the payment via internet).
The
following are exempt from the SEVIS fee (most common
cases):
-
Applicants renewing their F-1, F-3, M-1 or M-3 visas whose I-20
was issued before September 1, 2004 and who have remained under
student status
- Applicants
for F-2, J-2 or M-2 (dependents of students or exchange visitors)
- Applicants
for J-1 visas (exchange visitors) whose program sponsor is the
Federal Government of the United States. (This can be verified
by looking under the Visitor Exchange Program Number. If this
ID begins with a “G”, the sponsor is the Federal Government
of the United States).
For
more information on other cases that are exempt from the SEVIS fee,
visit this website: www.fmjfee.com
Filling
out form I-901
To
fill out the form to pay the SEVIS fee (Form I-901) you will need
the I-20 A, B, M or N. The form must be filled out in English and
the personal information must be filled out as it appears in the
I-20 form.
To
pay the fee:
-
The fee can be paid by mail using form I-901 and attaching a check
or money order from a US bank and payable in US dollars.
- The
fee can be paid electronically filling out form I-901 online and
paying with a credit card.
- A
third person may pay the fee for you if you do not have access
to the any of the above forms of payment. You must send the person
who will make the payment for you the necessary information to
fill out form I-901.
If
payment is made by mail, they must attach a copy of form I-901 with
the payment. If they don’t send a copy of form I-901, the
payment cannot be credited to your case.
If they make the payment via internet, the person may fill out form
I-901 for you and make the payment with a credit card or check,
following the instructions given on the website. Be sure to provide
your personal information and the educational institution’s
information correctly to the person who will fill out form I-901.
Receipt
for payment:
When
you make the payment, you will be sent a receipt by mail to the
address you indicated. If the payment was made via internet, you
may print out a confirmation of the payment as soon as it is completed
and present that as evidence of payment until you get the receipt
by mail.
For
more information on how to make the payment visit this website:
http://www.ice.gov/sevis
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Reporting
A Lost/Stolen Passport
If
you have lost your passport or had it stolen, please follow the
following steps:
- Notify
the U.S. Consular section of the lost passport via fax (504) 237-1792
with a copy of the visa if possible, your full name, date of birth,
national ID number, and phone numbers in case we need to contact
you.
- Notify
the closest Honduran Immigration office of the loss and request
an Immigration Report from the Honduran Immigration Office (“Movimiento
Migratorio”) of all your entrances and departures from Honduras
since 1998.
-
Submit an official report of the loss to the police.
-
Reapply for a visa interview, and at the personal interview present
the police report and the Immigration Report from the Honduran
Immigration Office (“Movimiento Migratorio”) plus
the rest of the supporting documents.
If
you need further information please contact the Non-immigrant visa
section at the American Embassy, every working day from 3:30 to
5:00 p.m. at (504) 236-9320, Extension 4361 or e-mail us at tggniv@state.gov
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If
you need additional information or have any special requests, please
call the Non-Immigrant Visa Section any day, except Fridays, from
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Our telephone number is 236-9320, extension
4361, or send us an e-mail at: TGGNIV@STATE.GOV
Attention!
J
visa applicants can apply now! In order to avoid delays caused by
the seasonal rush
New
process at US air and seaports of entry/exit , effective 12/31/03.
New
TRANSIT VISA regulation in effect August 5, 2003
Citizens
of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)!
J
visa applicants can apply now!
In
order to avoid delays caused by the seasonal rush, J visa
applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible so
that processing can be done in a timely manner.
Although entrance restrictions still apply, there are no restrictions
as to when an application can be submitted and processed.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to make appointments
in time for anticipated departure dates. Please keep in mind
the current
appointment wait time is 8-9 weeks.
New
process at US air and seaports of entry/exit , effective 12/31/03.
Effective
12/31/03, most travelers will be required to have their photo
and two fingerprints taken at US ports of entry. A similar
process will be required for exits as well. The process should
not take more than a minute or two. For more details, please
access the links below. |
| US-VISIT
Program Overview Brochure |
| US-VISIT:
Sistema de Entrada y salida de los Estados Unidos |
New
TRANSIT VISA regulation in effect August 5, 2003
The
United States Department of Homeland Security and United States
Department of State have SUSPENDED two programs, known as the Transit
Without Visa program (TWOV) and International-to-International (ITI).
These allowed certain international air passengers to travel through
the United States for transit purposes without first obtaining a
visa. The programs have been suspended.
For
all travelers who do NOT carry passports from countries that participate
in the Visa Waiver Program,
beginning August 5, 2003 any travelers required to transit the United
States MUST carry a TRANSIT VISA in their passports!
IF
you do not already hold a tourist, business or transit visa to the
U.S. you must obtain a TRANSIT VISA prior to departure!
Transit
Visa Procedures for U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa:
1.
Travelers must go to a computerized branch of Banco Atlantida and
pay for a regular visa appointment.
2.
For travel that will occur PRIOR to the appointment day and time,
travelers may send a fax to the consular section: 237-1792 requesting
an expedited appointment and stating their reasons for this. Include:
Contact phone number AND receipt of payment for visa appointment.
3.
Upon receipt of your request, the Consular Section will notify you,
usually within 24 hours, of the new date and time for your appointment.
4.
Bring your airline tickets or confirmed reservations, as well as
proof of strong ties to Honduras (see list of recommended documents
on the website) with you to the visa interview.
Please
note: In order to qualify for a TRANSIT VISA, and applicant MUST
show their strong economic, professional and family ties to Honduras,
in addition to their reasons for travel.
5.
Visas will be ready for pick up the day AFTER the visa appointment
at 3:00 p.m.
There
will be NO SAME-DAY PROCESSING!
IF you are traveling, plan your travel accordingly!
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