Visa Services

Specific Application Instructions

Step 1     These instructions apply to persons residing in Lesotho.  Persons residing in the Republic of South Africa, should apply at the nearest U.S. Consulate in RSA by calling 011-275-6300.

Step 2     Prospective visa applicants who are resident in Lesotho access and complete the electronic form DS156 for system requirements scroll down to end, Non-immigrant Visa Application.  Handwritten or typewritten versions of this form are not acceptable.  All 40 sections of the visa application form must be filled in and signed at #41..

Step 3     To make your on-line Non-Immigrant Visa appointment, click here

NOTE:  The national identification number for Item #14 is NOT the passport number and MUST be filled in accurately.   

Applicants who appear for interview with forms partially completed, incorrect photograph, no visa application fee, or no valid passport will be advised when to return. 

Step 4    All males ages 16 to 46 years of age access and complete form DS157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application.

Step 5     All visa applicants may access and complete form DS158, Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant.  This instruction applies to all applicants for a student, exchange visitor, or employment visa. 

Step 6     Business or visit visa:  gather documentation you consider relevant to support your application for visit or business visa.

Required documents:  student visa - valid form I-20

exchange visitor visa - form DSD2019

employment visa - valid petition and supporting petition packet

Step 7     Apply in person at the Consular Section on the day of your scheduled appointment with:

--   completed applicable forms and supporting documents which may include all previous passports

--   non-refundable visa application fee ($100 or the Maluti or Rand equivalent), cash only.

*Effective as of January 1, 2008, US$131.00 or Maluti/Rand equivalent

--   passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the date of anticipated travel

--   color photograph as follows:

(a)  measuring 2" x 2" square (51 cm x 51 cm square)

(b)  white or light background

(c)  facing the camera, looking straight on, with face covering approximately 50% of the photograph

(d)  the entire face of the applicant must be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin, and form hairline side to side, preferably with the ears exposed.

 

N.B. Applicants who arrive at the Consular Section without the correct sized photographs will be asked to obtain new ones and advised when to return. 

Step 8  Take a seat during in-processing

Step 9     The consular officer calls your name to begin the interview process, which includes taking mandatory 10-print fingerprints

Step 10     Will I get the nonimmigrant visa?  Generally, at the conclusion of the interview the officer informs you if you are recommended for issuance.  At this point you must leave your passport with the Consular Section.  The clearance process immediately begins and requires a minimum of 24 hours for receipt of the results.  If the interviewing officer refuses the visa, the basis for the refusal is identified along with a written notification.  

Step 11     If you are an applicant for whom the visa is finally authorized for issuance, then on the next available visa day you may collect your passport with the new visa affixed.   We hope you enjoy your visit to the United States. 

Systems requirements

Use of the electronic visa application form requires three basic computer features:

(a)  128-bit encryption version of either WINDOWS Internet Explorer (minimum Version 5.0, Service Pace 2) or NESCAPE (minimum Version 6.2)

(b)  inkjet or laser jet printer

(c)  Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 5.0 or higher