Visas
Consular Section
General Information on Visas to the United States:
Thank you for your interest in traveling to the United States. We hope that this web site makes it easier for you to select and apply for the appropriate visa. After determining the type of visa you are interested in, please select it from the menu on the left for further information.
Non Immigrant Visas:
Visas for persons wishing to travel temporarily for business tourism, or study in the U.S.
Immigrant Visas:
Visas for persons wishing to reside permenently in the U.S.
For further information on all types of visas to the United States, please visit The State Department’s website at http://www.travel.state.gov/ or the A-Z list of Visa services at http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/a_zindex/a_zindex_2911.html
IV/NIV Fees Change:
Effective January 1, 2008, the MRV fee for a non-immigrant (NIV) visa is $131, the application fee for a immigrant visa (IV) is $355.
Visa Services | Day | Time |
Non Immigrant Visas | Monday to Friday | 8:00 a.m. -12 noon |
Immigrant Visas | Tuesday and Thursday | 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
Please consult the American Embassy Holiday Schedule.
Other Useful Sites:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: http://www.uscis.gov/
The Department of Homeland Security: http://www.dhs.gov/
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the quality and acuuracy of the visa information contained in this website, all content is subject to change without notice. The Embassy makes no warrenty, express or implied concerning the information provided.
Every application for a visa is based on its own merits. Our website is only able to provide general information regarding visa types and application processes. Visa application instructions clearly state that there is no guarantee that you will be issued a visa for travel to the United States if you should choose to apply.
The Consular Section handles all matters related to American Citizen Services and visas for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. For information on American Citizen Services, please click here. The above table shows the standard hours of operation for visa services at the U.S. Embassy.