Non-Immigrant Visas

General Information

To qualify for a visitor or student visa, an applicant must meet the requirements of sections 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) respectively. Failure to do so will result in a refusal of a visa under INA section 214(b).

The most frequent basis for such a refusal concerns the requirement that the prospective visitor or student overcome a presumption of immigrant intent by demonstrating possess a residence abroad that  he/ or she has no intention of abandoning.

Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have strong ties abroad that would compel them to depart/leave the U.S. at the end of the temporary stay.

The law places this burden of proof on the applicant." Information on visa refusals can be found by clicking here.

U.S. Embassy Announces Increase in Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee

The United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda announces that effective January 1, 2008 the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee will increase from $100 to $131.  All applicants applying for tourist and other types of nonimmigrant visas are required to pay this fee when appearing for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy Kampala.  Applicants may pay the fee in U.S. Dollars or the equivalent in Ugandan Shillings. (Read on)