Increased Validity on Certain U.S. Visas for Afghans - kabul.usembassy.gov

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul is pleased to announce changes to the validity of certain U.S. nonimmigrant visas for Afghan nationals.

On December 2, 2014, the governments of the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan agreed to extend the validity of nonimmigrant visas for short-term business travelers, tourists, and students issued to each other’s citizens. As a result, effective January 1, 2015, the maximum validity for business & tourist (B category) visas and student and exchange visitor (F, M, and J category) visas issued to Afghan nationals increased from 3 months to 12 months. In addition, the maximum number of entries into the United States permitted for Afghan nationals with these categories of U.S. visas increased from a single entry to multiple entries.

These changes apply only to new B, F, M, and J category visas issued to Afghan nationals on or after January 1, 2015. Visa validities for other types of U.S. visas, including work, diplomatic, and official visas, remain unchanged. For those Afghans who received visas prior to January 1, including Afghans currently traveling within the United States, the validity for their existing visas will remain single entry/three months.

All Afghan travelers interested in obtaining a longer validity visa should apply for a new visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Information on applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul is available at  http://kabul.usembassy.gov/applying_for_a_visa.html.  Read More