Bridgetown, Barbados, February 17, 2010: Beginning March 22, 2010, U.S. Embassy Bridgetown will require all non-immigrant visa applicants to complete the web-based DS-160 Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application in order to schedule an appointment for a visa interview.  These changes are part of our continued effort to provide excellent customer service, streamline the visa process, and decrease wait times.  The DS-160 application will replace the DS-156 application and the supplementary DS-157 and DS-158 application forms that are required of certain visa applicants.  More than 30 U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide have already successfully switched to the DS-160 form.  As of March 22, the Consular Section will no longer accept the old DS-156 application.

The U.S. Embassy remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States.  The new electronic application will speed up and simplify the application process by allowing applicants to upload their own photographs into the form.  The electronic form also transforms the visa process into a "green" and environmentally friendly operation by eliminating entirely the need for paper application forms.  These changes will increase the number of visa applications that Consular staff can process daily, resulting in a shorter wait time for an appointment. 

For information on the non-immigrant visa application process, please visit the Consular Section's website at http://barbados.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html. To schedule a visa appointment, please go to http://evisaforms.state.gov/schedulingsystem.asp  and select the calendar that applies to your visa type. 

The staff of the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section appreciates the public's understanding and cooperation as these worldwide changes take effect.

SOURCE: US Embassy, Bridgetown

Submitted by Michael Bascombe