Visas for applicants under 14 and over 80
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The drop-off application process has been superseded by the Interview Waiver visa program.
If a parent(s) is applying and interviewing for a visa at the same time as a child under 14:
If a parent(s) is applying and interviewing for a visa at the same time as a child under 14, the parent(s) may bring in the child's application including confirmation page of the DS-160 application form, MRV fee receipt, and original birth certificate at the time of his or her interview. The child’s information should be added as “Dependent” on the parent’s profile when scheduling an appointment.
If an applicant is under the age of 14 and applying for a visa for the FIRST TIME:
The parent(s) or guardian(s) of all first-time applicants under the age of 14 are required to appear in person for an interview when applying for the child’s nonimmigrant visa. Please follow the application instructions located here.
If an applicant is under the age of 14 and has a PRIOR/VALID visa:
Applicants under the age of 14 applying to renew a recently expired visa (expired within the last 48 months) may submit their visa applications through the Interview Waiver program. If applying with parents, the child’s information should be added as “Dependent” on the parent’s profile when scheduling an appointment.
If an applicant is aged 80 or older:
Applicants aged 80 and older may submit their visa applicants through the Interview Waiver program.
The use of the interview waiver program does not guarantee visa issuance. After reviewing an application, the Consular Section may, in some cases, require the applicant (or the applicant’s parents) to appear in-person for a nonimmigrant visa interview.
Child Traveler:
Due to the increasing incidents of child abductions and abuse, US Customs and Border Protection(CBP) strongly recommends that if the child is accompanied by only one parent or a guardian, the adult should have a note from the other parent or both parents. CBP recommends the note should be written in English, notarized and stating: “I acknowledge that my husband/wife/other person is traveling with my son/daughter out of the country and has my permission to do so.”
The parents can also consider providing power of attorney to the temporary guardian in case of any unforeseen medical emergency while in the United States. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.), any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.
Questions and Answers
Q: Do children need a visa?
A: All travelers, including children, need a visa to travel to the United States or must qualify to travel without a visa through a special program, such as the Visa Waiver Program.
Q: Do children pay the same application fee as adults?
A: Yes, they do.
Q: Do children need to schedule an interview appointment?
A: Children who qualify for the interview waiver program should follow the interview waiver application instructions. Children who do not qualify for the interview waiver program must be added as “dependent” on the parent’s profile when scheduling an interview appointment. For more details please click here.
Q: Do all children have to come in person for their appointment?
A: Children under the age of 14 are not required to appear in person for an interview when applying for a nonimmigrant visa, but they must be included as dependents on the parent’s profile.