U.S. Embassy introduces faster U.S. non-immigrant visa processing by requiring Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF)

The U.S. Embassy in Harare announced today an initiative to speed up and simplify the visa application process. Beginning November 1, 2006, the non-immigrant visa application form (DS-156) must be completed online to produce an electronic visa application form (EVAF) containing a scannable bar code. 

The U.S. Department of State has established this new requirement on a worldwide basis to improve efficiency and customer service.

The internet based EVAF allows for quicker and more accurate data entry.  Customers do not have to wait for consular officials to enter the data manually, and therefore can have their applications processed faster. 

Beginning November 1st, hand or type written application forms can no longer be accepted. Applicants who arrive for their visa interview without an EVAF will be turned away and will have to make a new appointment.

Applicants do not have to wait until November 1 to begin using the EVAF and are encouraged to do so voluntarily immediately.

Filling out the form online is free and applicants can fill it out from their home, office or any public access computer terminal. Select Standard Chartered Bank branches that already accept payments for visa processing fees will be offering internet access for EVAF processing. Further information and instructions on how to fill out the form are available here

For more information on how to apply for a visa to visit the United States, please click here or call 250-593 x550