Nonimmigrant Visas

I lost my applications for a nonimmigrant visa. Can I still come to my interview?
Yes. Applicants can obtain the applications for a nonimmigrant visa at the time of their interview.

I am unable to come to my appointment. Can I reschedule it?
Please contact the Consular Information Unit at 834-4400 or via fax 833-1084.

Can my relative in the United States send you the money to pay for my interview at the U.S. Interests Section?
No. Applicants need to bring the nonimmigrant interview fee in person.

I sent my application for a nonimmigrant visa to the U.S. Interests Section. Why did you return them to me?
The U.S. Interests Section does not accept applications in the mail. Applicants need to contact their family members or associates in the United States to schedule an interview appointment on their behalf by calling our Visa Information and Appointment Scheduling Service at 1-866-374-1769. Completed forms should be brought in person on the day of the interview.

My relative scheduled an interview appointment on my behalf today but was given a date in two years. Why do I need to wait to so long to be interviewed?
The U.S. Interests Section is limited to the number of American personnel it can have in Cuba. Due to these numerical limits, the Interests Section can only provide a limited number of appointments per day.

I was scheduled for an interview appointment next year but I have an emergency. Can you expedite my appointment?
Applicants’ relatives or associates in the United States may contact the Visa Information and Appointment Scheduling Service at 1-866-374-1769 to request an expedited appointment.

My relative scheduled an interview appointment on my behalf but I forgot the date. Can you tell me when my interview will take place?
Applicants should ask their relatives in the United States to contact the Visa Information and Appointment Scheduling Service at 1-866-374-1769 to verify their appointment.

I was scheduled for an interview appointment next year but I know someone who was given an appointment in eight months. Why the difference?
If a person has traveled to the United States within the last five years, that person would qualify for a renewal appointment. Renewal appointments are scheduled at a different time interval and we are typically able to schedule them at an earlier date. Additionally, under some circumstances, callers may receive an earlier appointment for their relatives if there has been a cancellation.

Do I need a letter of invitation to be interviewed for a nonimmigrant visa?
Applicants are not required to present a letter of invitation from their relatives in the United States to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the U.S. Interests Section. The invitation letter is a document requested by the Cuban government so that an intending traveler can obtain exit permission from Cuba.

I am an American citizen inviting my relatives to visit me in the U.S. Can I be present during my relatives’ interview at the U.S. Interests Section?
American citizens that wish to accompany their relatives during their interview will be placed in a waiting room. The interview for a nonimmigrant visa must be conducted only by the consular officer and the applicant.

My visa was approved at the time of my interview. Why did the consular officer send me away without it?
Nonimmigrant visas are not issued at the time of an applicant’s interview. Applicants that demonstrate to the consular officer’s satisfaction that they are not intending immigrants will have their application referred to the Department of State for required clearance. When the response to the clearance request is received, applicants will be notified so that they may return for their passport.

I have been waiting for my clearance for two months. How much longer do I need to wait?
The average processing time for a homeland security clearance is three to four months, sometimes longer. The U.S. Interests Section is unable to issue a visa until the security check is complete.

Can you expedite the security clearance?
The U.S. Interests Section is only able to request an expeditious clearance in the case of an extreme emergency.

The consular officer collected my passport at the time of my interview. Does this mean I’m getting a visa?
No. An applicant’s passport is collected when the application is referred to the Department of State for required clearance. It does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.

I was denied for a nonimmigrant visa at my interview. Can I appeal this decision? No. Applicants will need to schedule a new interview appointment and apply again.

I was denied for a nonimmigrant visa because I’m considered 214(b). What is that?
214(b) is a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. This section of the law states that all nonimmigrant applicants are presumed to be intending immigrants. It is the applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate that he or she is not an intending immigrant.

Do you have a guideline I can use to overcome 214(b)?
There is no specific guidelines we can provide to applicants to overcome a 214(b) ineligibility. This is not a permanent ineligibility, however, we recommend that applicants wait until there has been change in their personal situation before reapplying.

I was denied under Section 212(f) of the INA. What does this mean?
Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows the President to prohibit entry into the United States of any alien or class of aliens whose entry he deems would be detrimental to U.S. interests.

Is ineligibility under Section 212(f) permanent?
No. If the applicant chooses to reapply for a visa, the application would be adjudicated based on the evidence presented and the applicant’s situation at the time of the new application.

I was issued a nonimmigrant visa but I was not able to travel to the United States because I did not get my exit permit on time. Can I get an extension?
Applicants should contact the U.S. Interests Section at telephone number 834-4400 or via fax 833-1084 if they were not able to travel during the validity of their visa because they did not receive their letter of invitation from the Cuban government on time.

If your inquiry regards a consular matter that is not covered in this page, please send the Consular Information Unit a brief message using the following form.