Nonimmigrant Visas Business Visas (B1 Visas)

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is not currently authorized to process Business and Tourism visas (B1/B2 visas). In some circumstances, when the applicant is referred to the Consular Section by another U.S. Government entity, and when the purpose of travel meets strict business requirements, the application for a B1 Business visa may be accepted at the Consular Section. Following is a checklist of submission requirements for Iraqi “B” visa applicants: • Completed Visa Application Forms: • DS-156, DS-157, Mandatory Iraq-Specific Supplemental Visa Form, DS-158. • A photograph. For information on photograph requirements, please see http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html. • Visa applicant's original D, E, or G-series Iraqi passport, valid for at least six months following the intended date of departure from the United States. • Applicant's Civil Identity card. • A copy of the applicant's Civil Identity Card. • $131 non-refundable application fee, payable in the Consular Section at the time of the interview, in U.S. cash only. • Additional documentation that the applicant may believe is pertinent to the interview. Most visa applications require special administrative processing that is performed in Washington. We request that applications be submitted at least 90 days prior to the estimated date of departure in order to complete all administrative processing.  Visa issuance cannot be guaranteed by a certain date.  Periodically, administrative processing is significantly longer than 90 days, especially during the busy summer travel season. PLEASE NOTE:  Non-immigrant visas are issued only to applicants who can establish - without a doubt - that they intend to return to their home country after a temporary stay in the United States.  This may be accomplished by showing substantial ties (social, professional, financial, etc.) to a country other than the United States.  Under United States law the responsibility for demonstrating valid reasons for travel and substantial ties to a foreign country rests with the applicant.  The burden of proof in all cases lies with the applicant to overcome the presumption that he or she intends to immigrate to the United States. Please note: Applicants must include a full work history and a full educational history, including high school. Applicants must insure they answer every question. If the answer does not apply, they must explain or mark n/a. Incomplete applications will be returned and will result in extended processing times.

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