Embassy of the United States

Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-Immigrant Visa Application Checklist

With limited exceptions, all applicants for non-immigrant visas must appear in person at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo for an interview, during which inkless finger-scans are taken. (If you have a recent cut or blister on your fingers, please wait until it has healed to schedule your appointment. Do NOT mail, fax or send anything ahead of the interview [unless this is a first-time E visa application.] Carry all the documents to the Embassy with you.) Storage of luggage, backpacks, suitcases, shopping bags, handbags or items over 28 x 19 x 14 cm (12" x 8" x 6") is not permitted at the Embassy, nor may you enter the Embassy with these items, so bring with you only what you need for your appointment.  No electronic devices are permitted inside the Embassy.

ALL visa applicants must provide:

• Valid Passport:
  A valid passport with your current legal name (i.e., married name). If your passport is in bad condition (i.e., lamination is lifting) or if the name is incorrect, you will need a new passport before applying for a visa.
  
  
• Non-Refundable Application Fee:
  NOK 800,- or $131 U.S. payable in cash or by bank remisse. EXACT CHANGE PLEASE! Do not send cash by mail or put cash in a drop box application. NO PERSONAL CHECKS. NO BANK CARDS. NO CREDIT CARDS. The application fee quoted in Norwegian kroner is subject to frequent change, based on fluctuating exchange rates.
  
  
• One photograph:
  • Color
  • less than six months old
  • 5x5 cm
  • taken against a white background
  • both ears visible, unless long hair covers them
  • See photo example

• Completed DS-156 Application form: (English only)
  Please answer all questions. If a question does not apply to you, type “not applicable” (or “N/A”) in the blank. Be sure to bring all three pages with you to the interview, including bar-code page. Handwritten applications are not accepted.
  
  

• Envelope:
  Self-addressed envelope (25x17cm or 10x7") with 110 NOK or (25 x 35.3 cm or 10 x 14”) with 120 NOK in stamps so your passport can be sent back via registered mail. (Do NOT use a SmartPost envelope, an envelope padded with bubble-wrap, or use a franking machine.)

If you meet any of the following criteria, you may need to bring the following documents:

• For men between the ages of 15 and 45, complete Supplemental Form DS-157 English or Norwegian. Please answer all questions. If a question does not apply to you, type “not applicable” (or “N/A”) in the blank.
  
  
• For students and exchange visitors and their dependents, complete Supplemental Form DS-158 English or Norwegian. Please answer all questions. If a question does not apply to you, type “not applicable” (or “N/A”) in the blank. Also remember to bring the I-20 or DS-2019 you received from your school or organization in the U.S.
  
  
• Court and Police Records - ONLY if you have been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime. A recent original police record, copies of all court records and of any prison records, even if you were subject to a pardon, amnesty, or other act of clemency.
  
  
• Certificate of Residency / Bostedsattest: Only required for non-Nordic citizen residents of Norway.

The following people are NOT required to appear in person:

• Children younger than 14 (before their 14th birthday)
• Persons 80 years or older
• Foreign government officials on official business and persons working for or traveling to the United Nations or any of its divisions, and
• Persons traveling to the U.S. for urgent medical treatment with proof that a medical emergency truly exists and that the individual(s) needing the treatment cannot appear for fingerprinting.

Note: If you require an interview or personal appearance, but, for example, your young children do not, then you may bring their completed application forms and accompanying documents, passport, fee, and photo when you come for your appointment.

Processing Times

The consular officer interviewing you normally decides at the conclusion of the interview whether to issue or refuse the visa. It usually takes 1-2 business days for visa processing, however, petition-based visas make take an additional 1-3 business days. Student and exchange visitor visas may require an additional 1-3 business days for SEVIS verification. Non-nordic applications may take several weeks or months for processing. Once approved, visas are available for pick-up or mailing via rekommandert (registered) post at 15:00 on the business day AFTER approval. Same-day pick-up of visas is not available. Rekommandert post delivery can take several days; check with your local post office for estimated delivery times.

Processing time of a specific case can vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements. We strongly recommend that applicants not make nonrefundable travel arrangements until they have actually received their visa. Visa applicants should never assume their application will be automatically approved.

Note: We treat “emergency” cases as appropriate. If you have questions about an “emergency” case, please send an e-mail describing the situation to oslovisa@state.gov.

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