Consular FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Consular Information
Q: WHERE CAN I FIND THE FORMS I NEED TO APPLY FOR A VISA?
A: Please see the Visa Application Forms section of our website for many the forms you'll need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa. Links to the electronic versions of some forms are also included.
Q: HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I APPLY FOR A VISA?
A: In short, as early as possible. Applicants for A and G visas should submit their applications one month prior to their desired date of departure. Applicants for J visas should submit their applications at least two months before they plan to depart Iraq.
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 USINFO website. To learn more about the various U.S. government agencies, please visit FirstGov.gov, which also has valuable resources for American citizens.
Q: WHY IS THERE A VISA REQUIREMENT?
A: The United States is an open society. Unlike many other countries, the Unites States does not impose internal controls on most visitors, such as registration with local authorities. In order to enjoy the privilege of unencumbered travel in the United States, aliens have a responsibility to prove they are going to return abroad before a visitor or student visa is issued. Our immigration law requires consular officers to view every visa applicant as an intending immigrant until the applicant proves otherwise.
Q: CAN THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS APPLY FOR VISAS IN BAGHDAD?
A: Yes. Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, as long as they are applying for a visa type that we are authorized to adjudicate, i.e., A, G, and J visas. Please keep in mind, however, that the presumption of immigration as outlined in Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act is more difficult to overcome outside your area of residence. Third Country Nationals applying for visas other than A, G, and J (such as tourist or business visas) must apply at a U.S. diplomatic post outside of Iraq.
Q: I AM AN AMERICAN CITIZEN WHO PAYS TAXES AND FULFILLS ALL OF MY DUTIES AS A CITIZEN. ISN'T IT MY RIGHT TO HAVE MY FOREIGN NATIONAL RELATIVES VISIT ME IN THE UNITED STATES?
A: The law does not ask consular officers to evaluate the qualifications of American Citizens in the United States. Instead, we are tasked to strictly apply Section 214(b) to applicants who cannot demonstrate substantial ties to a foreign residence abroad. If applicants cannot convince the officer that they do not intend to immigrate or seek unlawful benefits in the United States, they do not have a "right" to a non-immigrant visa.
Q: WHERE IS THE consular section LOCATED?
We are located in the International Zone, behind Liberty Pool, at the Chancery Building, C 135. If you do not have access to the International Zone, you'll need to contact the National Iraqi Assistance Center first. They can be reached by telephone at IRAQNA 0790-4240234. It maintains an Arabic-language website at:
http://www.natiac.org/common_ar/index_ar.aspx and an English-language website at:http://www.natiac.org/common/index.aspx.
Q: How can I contact the consular section?
We can be reached during regular business hours (0800 - 1200 and 1300 - 1700, Sunday through Thursday):
- Email: usconsulbaghdad@state.gov
- Telephone: 1-240-553-0589 (This is a U.S. number that rings in Baghdad) or from Iraqna, AsiaCell, or Atheer mobile phones: +964 (0) 7901-910-058/57/56/54/53/52/49/48
- For the after-hours emergency American Citizen Services Consular Duty Officer, please call Iraqi mobile number +964 (0) 7901-732-134 or US mobile number 1-914-822-5493
For additional information, see Hours and Contact Information