How Do I Contact The Department Of State For Visa Processing?

By Tiara

Since September 2017, there has been significant discussion about how to contact the department concerning visa processing. Many individuals have voiced their concerns about whether contacting them is actually helpful or not since they are clearly stating that visas will be processed even if you are trying to prevent people from coming into the country.

Some say that it is foolish to waste your time attempting to resolve this situation by making yourself look more suspicious, while others believe that confronting officials directly can help get results.

Either way, staying informed is important as we try to understand what is going on with our government and international relations. It is also crucial to remain calm and rational during these times.

This article will discuss some ways to contact the department regarding visa issues and what may or may not work depending on who you talk to.

Create an account with the Department of State

how do i contact the department of state for visa processing

As mentioned before, you will need to create an account with the department so that they can keep track of your visa applications. This is totally free to do!

Once you have created your account, you will then be able to access all of the different forms and documents you need to complete your application. You can also change or add documents at any time- just make sure you update your accounts first!

The department will send you an email confirmation when it has processed your application, but they don’t usually notify people until several weeks later.

Submit your visa application

how do i contact the department of state for visa processing

After you have completed all required documents, uploaded photos, and paid fees, it’s time to actually submit your application!

Most countries require an Application Form that has space to include personal information, contact details, and place of employment. Make sure to check with the consulate in person or via their website to find out what form is needed and how to complete it.

Some Consulates will request additional forms depending on if you are applying as a student, employee, tourist, etc. Check with them both before and after submitting your application to see this.

Pay for your visa

how do i contact the department of state for visa processing

After you have everything ready, it is time to pay! Make sure to check out the Budget Notes section above this article for important information about how to pay for your trip.

There are two main ways to pay for your VISA while traveling internationally- by credit card or via PayPal. It is always best to use an accepted form of payment that works for you so you do not have trouble when you return home.

We recommend using Google as a tool to search for “Visa Reimbursement” to see if there are any international organizations that offer reimbursement. You can also visit our helpful tips page here at Haberdashery with more information.

Receive your visa

how do i contact the department of state for visa processing

The next step is to wait for your visa to be processed and then you can expect to receive an email telling you where it will be mailed or picked up at your destination.

It’s important to remember that this process takes time, especially if there are a lot of applicants. While there is no guarantee of when your visa will arrive, we have received them in as little as one week depending on how many applications they are simultaneously working through.

Be aware though that while some people may get their visas quickly, this does not mean that every applicant gets their visa within the same amount of time. It also depends on what country the visa is being sent to and whether there is more than one office that needs to review it before sending it off.

Give your visa to the airline

how do i contact the department of state for visa processing

Many airlines have their own visa service providers that they use to process visas for international travel. Some are better than others, but all work under the same system!

Most major airlines will ask you to bring your passport into the office when you check in for your flight. They will then take care of the rest – including getting you your visa if one is available.

Some airport staff members may be able to tell you where your local consulate is, so make sure to gather as much information as possible before you board the plane.

Prepare for your trip

how do i contact the department of state for visa processing

Before you contact anyone at the department, make sure you have all of your documents sorted out and organized! Make sure to check with your health insurance provider to see if they offer visa services and what kind of documentation they require.

You should also visit The VISA FEE ASSESSMENT TRADE-OFF PROGRAM website to find out which countries are members of this program and what their fees are. This way you can compare costs and determine which country is the best fit for you!

The VISA FEE ASSESSAGE PROGRAM only covers application processing fees, it does not cover airfare or lodging while in America. So be aware of that when choosing where to apply!

There is also an option to get citizenship through the US government, but only if you already have permanent resident status or are a citizen of another country.

Know the rules

how do i contact the department of state for visa processing

Visas are complicated, so it is important to know what regulations apply to your visa status as well as how to contact the appropriate department if something goes wrong.
As mentioned before, every country has its own process for processing visas.

Some countries only have one embassy in the US, while others have several. This can make it difficult to coordinate when there is an issue with your visa or paperwork.

It is also worth noting that not all embassies offer 24 hour visa services. Some do, but some do not!

Be aware of which ones do and don’t by looking up their websites and doing some research. Luckily, you won’t be stuck too long because most countries have at least one week allotted per person.

Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting

how do i contact the department of state for visa processing

If you are having issues with visa processing, your first step should be to contact the embassy of the country you will be traveling to. Most countries have an official representative in the United States called an “ambassador” that oversees American relations with their country.

These ambassadors are usually appointed by the president and they represent our nation at these foreign locations. They work directly under the ambassador from the country that employs them — in this case, the country whose visas you need.

By contacting this individual, they can help connect you with another member of their team that handles visa applications. It is important to note that most embassies use staff members outside the department as intermediaries to facilitate visa interviews for applicants.