Most applicants are required to appear personally at the Consular Section to apply for a U.S. visa. However, certain applicants may be exempted from that requirement based on their age or other criteria as determined by the Embassy and U.S. Immigration laws.
Currently, if an applicant meets the following criteria for a B1/B2 (tourist) visa:
- Minor children under the age of 14 years, if all the following apply:
- One or both parents must have a valid tourist (B1/B2) visa (10 years)
- The applicant has not been previously refused.
- Applicants over the age of 80 years, if the following apply:
- The applicant has not been previously refused.
The applicant must submit the following in the package at the courier:
- Cover sheet detailing the contents of the package
- Passport with at least six months validity remaining
- DS-160 form: This form must be completed online. The applicant requesting a visa must complete the form entirely in English, except names or addresses. When finished, please print one confirmation sheet with a bar code only that you must present the day of the interview. The form can be accessed at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv.
- A 5cm x 5cm (2in x 2in) photograph taken of each applicant within the last 6 months. Each applicant must have a photograph, regardless of age, which is taken against a white background, with the applicant facing the camera directly. The applicant’s ears should be exposed, with no glasses that are dark or cause a glare, and no head covering unless the applicant‘s religion prohibits the absence of a head covering. The face should cover 50 percent of the area of the photo. The photo should not have been scanned and printed.
- Paid MRV fee receipt
- Applicants who are minor children:
- A photocopy of one or both parents’ visas (as applicable)
- An original birth certificate of the child, or other pertinent document establishing the relationship
NOTE: If one or both of a minor’s parents are eligible for Visa Waiver, are United States Citizens or U.S. permanent residents, they should consult with Embassy Santiago Consular Section via e-mail to SantiagoVisa@State.Gov using the key word 'WAIVER' in the subject line.
