Non-Immigrant Visas

What happens during my interview?

1. What will I need to bring to my interview?
2. Are there any materials I am prohibited from bringing?
3. Where do I go for my interview?
4. What time should I arrive?
5. Will I be fingerprinted?
6. Do I have to speak English during the interview?
7. Will the officer look at all of my documents?
8. Penalties for Misrepresentation
9. Warning

What will I need to bring to my interview?

   You will need to bring:

1. your completed application forms
2. a 5cmx5cm photo attached to the application form 
3. your passport (which must be valid for more than six months) 
4. a receipt from CITIC bank for the application fee
5. a China Post mailing label
6. an invitation letter
7. any forms required by your specific visa type
8. any documents you feel might help demonstrate that you do not intend to immigrate to the United States.

Are there any materials I am prohibited from bringing?

 Purses, bags, cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices are not allowed in the Consulate. Neither are family or friends who do not have an interview appointment. American citizens who have a genuine need for citizen services may go to the American Citizen Services (ACS) area, but the ACS waiting room is not big enough to accommodate people who are waiting to hear the results of your interview.

Where do I go for my interview?

 The Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General is on the 8th floor of the Shanghai Westgate Mall at 1038 West Nanjing Road. If you are arriving in the morning before 10:00 a.m., please line up outside Mei Long Zhen.

What time should I arrive?

 Please do not arrive any earlier than one hour before your appointment time. We apologize that due to the limited size of our waiting room and the volume of applicants, you may have to wait for an hour or more, sometimes outdoors. Please dress appropriately.

Will I be fingerprinted?

 U.S. law requires all applicants to have all ten fingerprints taken electronically. The process is quick, painless, and does not involve ink. If your fingertips are injured, you will have to return to complete your interview after they have healed. If you refuse to be fingerprinted, you will not receive a U.S. visa.

Do I have to speak English during the interview?

 Although English is the best language for most Americans, all interviewing officers can also speak Mandarin. Please be aware that some types of visas require the officer to asses your ability to speak English. Refusing to speak English during these types of interviews may disqualify you for that visa.

Will the officer look at all of my documents?

 Due to the extremely high demand for visa appointments in Shanghai, officers have to work efficiently and quickly. It is important for you to be prepared to answer any and all questions. Please feel free to bring whatever documents you may have to support your case, knowing that time will often not permit the interviewing officer to look at them all. However, even if the officer did not look at all of your documents, you should still be prepared bring supporting documents to any and all subsequent visa interviews.

Penalties for Misrepresentation

Please keep in mind that your signature on any visa application form is your guarantee that all information you provide is true and correct.  You are personally and legally responsible, even if a travel agent or someone else prepares documents for you.  Any fraudulent documents or misleading statements may result in your permanent ineligibility for any future visa.

Warning

Please note that the Consulate General does not deal with so-called visa brokers or visa fixers.  Anyone who claims they can guarantee visa issuance or expedite visa processing is lying.  The Consulate General treats allegations of fraud or malfeasance in visa processing very seriously.  If you have specific information about an incidence of fraud or malfeasance, please contact our Information Unit.