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Press Releases:
U.S. Visa Application Process Uses New Online Form
Colombo, March 3, 2010: The U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka will soon start requiring the use of the newly-developed DS-160 non-immigrant visa (NIV) application which incorporates existing NIV forms into one interactive, online form. For all NIV appointments starting March 17, 2010, applicants will need to fill out the DS-160 form, which will be available online March 12, 2010.
The U.S. government is introducing this new application worldwide as part of a larger effort to use new technologies to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the visa application process. Over the past two years, select U.S. Embassies have used the DS-160 on a test basis. It is now being deployed at U.S. Embassies worldwide.
Visa applicants in Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives will need to access the Consular Electronic Application Center website (https://ceac.state.gov/GENNIV) to complete a new DS-160 application form. With the new form, the applicant will also be required to upload a visa photograph. The DS-160 will eliminate the need for paper application forms because visa applicants will submit the application electronically.
With the DS-160, applicants will print just a confirmation sheet to bring to their interviews. Currently, applicants complete their forms online but must print them out before their interviews.
The Consular Section reminds applicants that providing accurate and complete information on the DS-160 application before submission is essential. Incorrect or missing information will cause a delay in completing your interview. Applicants should save an electronic copy of their DS-160 application in case changes are necessary.
The requirement to use the DS-160 applies only to non-immigrant visa applicants. Persons applying for immigrant or fiancé visas should continue to use the existing application process.
The U.S. Embassy emphasizes that only the visa form and the way applicants submit it has changed. Eligibility and documentary requirements for all visas remain unchanged. Applicants must still demonstrate that they are qualified for a visa under U.S. immigration law.
More information about the DS-160, as well as links to the new application, can be found on the U.S. Embassy Colombo’s website http://srilanka.usembassy.gov/
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Service Fee:
Effect from August 01 2009 our service fee is revised. Applicants must pay a non- refundable service fee of Rs 600/- to TT Services Lanka (Private) Ltd. Fees for applications by mail/courier are to be paid in Sri Lankan Rupees only by bank draft drawn in favor of TT Services Lanka (Private) Ltd made payable in Colombo. For direct submission at our office (Walk-In), you can pay the service fee by cash or bank draft. Please note our office will not accept personal checks.
Visa Fee:
Effect from June 08 2009 the application fee will be Rs. 15,100/-. New visa fee bank draft is required if your appointment is from 08th June 2009 onwards. Your visa fee payment draft should be drawn on a Sri Lankan bank made out to "U.S. Embassy Colombo" . All visa fee payments are non-refundable.
Interview Scheduling:
Effective 01 August 2006 Non-Immigrant visa interview Scheduling will be handled through TT Services Lanka (Private) Ltd.
The US Embassy Colombo handles visa requests from citizens of Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and other third country nationals resident in Sri Lanka, wishing to travel to the U.S. Please go through the instructions carefully to book your visa appointment.
You can schedule your visa appointment using Online Facility or Through our office. Please check the Schedule your appointment link in our Home Page for further information.
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