Embassy of the United States Baghdad, Iraq

The Department of State manages the visa process strictly but fairly in order to best protect the United States and those within its borders, whether tourists or residents. We are committed to the concept of essential openness and we welcome and encourage legitimate travel to the United States, as epitomized by our motto, "Secure Borders, Open Doors."

We promise to you, the visa applicant, that:

• We will treat you with dignity and respect, even if we are unable to grant you a visa.
• We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
• We will remember that, to you, a visa interview may be a new or intimidating experience and that you may be nervous.
• We will use the limited time available for the interview to get as full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions.
• We will use our available resources to assist fairly all applicants in making appointments to allow travel in time for business, study, and other important obligations.
• We will post detailed and accurate information on visa requirements and application procedures on the Embassy website.
• We will provide information on appointment waiting times at every Embassy and Consulate posted, click here formore infortion .
• We will explain the reason for any visa denial to you.

Furthermore, if you are a:

• Student, we will make every effort to ensure that you get an appointment and, if qualified, a visa in time to start classes.
• Medical and humanitarian emergency traveler, we will expedite processing for those dealing with life threatening emergencies.
• Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.

At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to:

• Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible.
• Complete your application fully and accurately.
• Be forthcoming about your purpose and plans.
• Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.

(JULY 2010)

Visas for Diplomats and Government Officials (A Visas) and Representatives to International Organizations (G Visas)

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad accepts visa applications for diplomatic and official travel to the United States.

Note: Applicants traveling to conduct governmental business as directed by the national government are generally not required to appear for a personal interview at the Embassy. Iraqi government officials should submit visa applications through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Government officials traveling on official business of a commercial nature must apply for a business (B1) visa. Government officials traveling for personal reasons are not eligible for official (A-2) visas.

Types of Visas

Diplomats and Government Officials (A visas)

'A' visas are appropriate for officials of the Government of Iraq traveling to the United States on official business of the national government. The following persons may apply:

• Heads of state and individuals accredited to serve as full-time employees at a permanent diplomatic mission;
• Officials of the Government of Iraq traveling on orders to perform official duties (e.g., attend international meetings or conferences); and
• Personnel at any rank of a foreign armed service coming to the U.S. for training or education at a U.S. military school.

Employees of International Organizations (G visas)

G visas are appropriate for the following persons:

• Representatives of the Iraqi government traveling permanently or temporarily to represent their government at a designated international organization (United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank); or
• Employees of international organizations.

Application Requirements

Completed Visa Application Forms:

• Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160)
  -This application form must be completed online.
• DS-158 (PDF 297 kb)
• Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application DS-157 (PDF 252 kb)
• Diplomatic note from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Original A, D, E, or G-series Iraqi Passport, valid for at least six (6) months after your date of travel
• One (1) photograph taken within the last six months

Click here for more information about photograph requirements:  Photos must meet these requirements, or the application cannot be processed.

• Photocopy of the applicant’s Civil Identity card.
• If the trip is sponsored by the Iraqi Government, the applicant must provide an itinerary for the trip. If the trip is sponsored by the U.S. Government, the applicant must provide an itinerary, and a letter of invitation explaining the purpose of the trip.

Processing Times for Applications:

Please submit your visa application as far in advance of your travel dates as possible. Administrative processing of visa applications takes an average of six weeks.
 

• Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160)
  *This application form must be completed and submitted online.
  *After transmitting the electronic application you must request an appointment using our Online Appointment System.
• Instructions for completing the DS-160 (PDF 369 kb)
• Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application DS-157 (PDF 252 kb)
• Other Visa forms

Note: Every question on these forms must be answered completely. If a question does not apply to you, please explain or mark the question as "not applicable (N/A)." Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Q: How far in advance should I apply for a visa?

A: Please submit your application for a visa as far in advance of your travel dates as possible. Administrative processing on your application can take 60 days or longer.

Q: Where can I find more information about the United States before I travel?

A: A good place to start is at the U.S. Department of State's America.gov website. To learn more about travel to the United States, please visit www.usa.gov.

Q: Can third country nationals apply for visas in Baghdad?

A: Yes; however, it is generally recommended that applicants apply for visas in the country where they normally reside.

Q: Where is the Consular Section located?

A: The Consular Section is located in the International Zone, at the U.S. Embassy on Al Kindi Street.

If you are unable to arrange your own access or escort into the International Zone, please request the Consular Section's assistance by sending an email to: BaghdadNIV@state.gov.

Q: How can I contact the Consular Section?

A: The best way to reach the Consular Section is by email: BaghdadNIV@state.gov.

Q: How can I schedule an interview at the Consular Section?

A: If you are applying for a tourist (B1/B2) visa, please visit our
Online Appointment System. If you are a student or traveling urgently for medical treatment, please send an email to BaghdadNIV@state.gov. If you are a diplomat or government official traveling on official business, please send an email to BaghdadNIV@state.gov.

Q: Can I apply again if I have been refused?

A: You may reapply if your nonimmigrant visa application was denied under Section 214(b), the most common form of denial.  However, you will have to pay the fee again at the bank, fill out a new DS-160, and schedule a new appointment online.  However, you will likely meet the same result again unless your circumstances have changed or you have significant new evidence.

An applicant who wishes to travel to the United States for business or pleasure, and intends to stay for only a limited period of time, should apply for a B-1 (Business) or B-2 (Tourism) visa.

A temporary visitor on a B-1 visa may come to the United States, for example, to consult with business associates, negotiate a contract, participate in a professional conference, or undertake independent research. On a B-2 visa, the visitor might go on a tour, visit friends and relatives, or receive medical treatment.

All travelers, including children, require their own visa applications.  All applicants between the ages of 14 and 80 require their own visa interview appointments.

1.  Complete the following application forms

• Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160)
  *This application form must be completed and submitted online.
• Instructions for completing the DS-160 (PDF 116 kb)
• DS-158 (PDF 297 kb)
• Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application DS-157 (PDF 252 kb)

2.  Pay the Visa application fee

• Take your passport or a copy of your passport to any Al Warka bank branch office and explain that you want to pay a U.S. visa fee.  Please note that as of February 5, 2012, Bank of Baghdad will replace Al Warka bank as the official collector of U.S. visa application fees.  You will be able to pay your fee at any Bank of Baghdad branch in Iraq.  Any unused fee receipt from the Al Warka branch will still remain valid for one year from the date of purchase.
• It is permissible for another person to make the payment for you, but they must take your passport or a copy of your passport with them. 
• Pay the $140 fee. They will issue you a receipt.
• Verify that your receipt for payment includes:
• (A) The visa applicant’s name as it appears in her or his passport
• (B) The visa applicant’s passport number
• (C) The words “US Embassy MRV Sweep”
• (D)  The payment must not be made more than 1 year before the visa interview

3.  Schedule an Interview

• Please schedule an interview through the Online Appointment System.
• Enter the confirmation code from your DS-160 confirmation page.
• Select an available appointment date from the calendar.
• Select a preferred time for your appointment, and then enteryour Surname (last name), Given Name, Passport number, Email Address and Telephone Number.
• Verify that all the information entered is correct, and then click "Submit".
• Print the appointment confirmation page and bring it with you to your appointment. 

4.  Bring the following to your interview

• Completed application forms
• Original A, D, E, or G-series Iraqi Passport, valid for at least six (6) months after your date of travel 
• Photocopy of the Biographical Data page of the passport
• Civil Identity card
• Click here for more information about photograph requirements.  Photos must meet these requirements, or the application cannot be processed.
• $140 Application fee, non-refundable and payable in the Consular Section at the time of the interview (U.S. cash only)
• One (1) photograph, taken within the last six months
• Pre-paid DHL Airway Bill (For more information about using DHL)
• Documentation explaining the purpose of the trip, any arrangements to cover costs, and evidence of your ties to a residence outside of the United States. (*Evidence of your ties to Iraq may include work contracts, bank statements, proof that you own property, letters of employment, and prior passports showing previous travel history.)
• If you are traveling to the U.S. on business, please provide a letter from your employer that explains the purpose of your trip, gives a detailed itinerary for your proposed length of stay, and indicates how the trip will be financed.

Processing Times for Applications:

Please schedule your visa appointment as far in advance of your travel dates as possible. Administrative processing of visa applications takes an average of six weeks.

NOTE:  To qualify for a visa as a temporary visitor, you must prove that you are not intending to immigrate to the United States. According to Section 214(b) of U.S. Immigration law, you can prove this by demonstrating strong ties to a residence abroad that you do not intend to abandon. Ties may include your job, family, or house. For more information, click here.

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United State

The US Embassy in Baghdad accepts all classes of Student and Exchange Visitor visa applications (F, M and J visas.)

How to Apply for a Visa

In order to study in the United States, you must first apply for and gain acceptance to a U.S. school or exchange program. Your sponsoring institution will provide you with an I-20 Form (for students) or DS-2019 Form (for exchanges). You must have this approved form before pursuing a student or exchange visitor visa.

Please note: You may apply for your visa no more than six months in advance of your travel; however, the visa will not be issued more than 120 days before the start date of your program. Additionally, you may not travel to the U.S. on your student or exchange visitor visa more than 30 days before the start date of your program.

Complete the following application forms

• Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160)
  *This application form must be completed and submitted online.
• Instructions for completing the DS-160  (PDF 116 KB)
• Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application DS-157  (PDF 252 KB)

Pay the application fee

• Take your passport or a copy of your passport to any Al Warka bank branch office and explain that you want to pay a U.S. visa fee.  It is permissible for another person to make the payment for you, but they must take your passport or a copy of your passport with them.
• Pay the $140 fee. They will issue you a receipt
• Verify that your receipt for payment includes
• The visa applicant’s name as it appears in her or his passport
• The visa applicant’s passport number
• The words “US Embassy MRV Sweep”
• The payment must not be made more than 1 year before the visa interview.

Schedule an Interview

• Please schedule an interview  through the Online Appointment System.
• Select an available appointment date from the calendar.
• Select a preferred time for your appointment, and then enteryour Surname (last name), Given Name, Passport number, Email Address and Telephone Number.
• Verify that all the information entered is correct, and then click "Submit". 
  Print the appointment confirmation page and bring it with you to your appointment.
Enter the confirmation code from your DS-160 confirmation page.

Pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee 

• For more information on the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the SEVIS fee, please visit:

Bring the following to your interview

• Completed application form
• Original A, D, E, or G-series Iraqi Passport, valid for at least six (6) months after your date of travel
• Photocopy of the Biographical Data page of the passport
• Civil Identity card
• One (1) photograph, taken within the last six months

For more information about photograph requirements, please click here. Photos must meet these requirements, or the application cannot be processed.

• $140 Application fee, non-refundable and payable in the Consular Section at the time of the interview (U.S. cash only)
• Approved I-20 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), or DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status)
• Receipt of your SEVIS fee payment
• Pre-paid DHL Airway Bill (For more information about using DHL)
• Evidence that you are able to finance the educational or exchange program in the United States

IMPORTANT: Please read the following information about your legal rights and protections as a student in the United States, according to the William Wilberforce Trafficking in Persons Act:

Rights, Protections and Resources Pamphlet (PDF 252 KB)

NOTE: To qualify for a visa as a temporary visitor, you must prove that you are not intending to immigrate to the United States. According to Section 214(b) of U.S. Immigration law, you can prove this by demonstrating strong ties to a residence abroad that you do not intend to abandon. Ties may include your job, family, or house. For more information, please click here

Tourist Visa for a Medical Emergency (B2)

For applicants who wish to travel to the U.S. on a tourist visa for emergency medical treatment. In addition to the general requirements for a B visa, applicants must also provide: a letter from the medical care facility in the U.S. certifying that the patient has been accepted for treatment, including the estimated cost of the treatment and the length of time the patient will need to remain in the United States; proof from the applicant of the financing, including the cost of any living arrangements or follow-up care required after the initial treatment; the contact information for a sponsor in the United States, if that sponsor will be responsible for the applicant. 

Transit and Crew Members (C1/D)

For crewmembers of international airlines and foreigners required for the normal operation and service of maritime vessels.

Temporary Workers (H, L, O, P, Q)

For individuals who wish to work in the United States. To receive a work visa, the U.S. employer must first file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved, the employer is sent a notice of approval, Form I-797. The applicant must have this form before applying for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The following is a list of the different work visa classifications:

• H-1B classification applies to persons in a specialty occupation, which requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge requiring completion of a specific course of higher education. This classification requires a labor attestation issued by the Secretary of Labor. Government-to-Government research and development, or co-production projects administered by the Department of Defense also apply to this classification;
• H-2A classification applies to temporary or seasonal agricultural workers;
• H-2B classification applies to temporary or seasonal nonagricultural workers. This classification requires a temporary labor certification issued by the Secretary of Labor;
• H-3 classification applies to trainees other than medical or academic. This classification also applies to practical training in the education of handicapped children;
• L-1 classification applies to intra-company transferees who, within the three preceding years, have been employed abroad continuously for one year, and who will be employed by a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of that same employer in the U.S. in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity;     There is a $500 "fraud prevention and detection fee" for persons applying for L-1 visas under "blanket" provisions abroad.
• O-1 classification applies to persons who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or extraordinary achievements in the field of cinema;
• O-2 classification applies to persons accompanying an O-1 alien to assist in an artistic or athletic performance for a specific event or performance;
• P-1 classification applies to individual or team athletes, or members of an entertainment group that are internationally recognized;
• P-2 classification applies to artists or entertainers who will perform under a reciprocal exchange program;
• P-3 classification applies to artists or entertainers who perform under a program that is culturally unique (same as P-1); and
• Q-1 classification applies to participants in an international cultural exchange program for the purpose of providing practical training, employment, and the sharing of the history, culture, and traditions of the alien's home country.

Journalists/Media (I)

For representatives of the foreign media, traveling to the U.S. on assignment. An I visa is also appropriate for foreign journalists working for an American media outlet, traveling to the U.S. to report on U.S. events solely for a foreign audience.

Fiancé and Fiancées (K)

Click here to have more information on this issue.

Temporary Religious Workers (R)

For individuals who will work in the U.S. temporarily in a religious capacity. Applicants must qualify as a religious worker and have an approved Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Alien Worker, approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before applying for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.