Embassy of the United States

Non-Immigrant Visas

Visa Information Service

Embassy of the United States of America uses a user-pay Visa Information Service (VIS). This system will provide, more efficient, timely and accìrate information to the public regarding how to apply for non-immigrant visas (tourist, student and business) and will be the only way to make an appointment with a consular officer for a non-immigrant visa. The service fee provides for up to a 12 minutes of calling time.

Since the Visa Waiver program for Argentina was suspended in February, 2002, the Consular Section of the American Embassy has faced a significant growth in the number of applications for United States non-immigrant visas. Visa applications now number approximately one thousand a day and are growing.

The fees collected will be used solely to maintain the VIS. Argentina is one of more than twenty countries that are participating in a model program used by American Embassies around the world. Other participating countries include Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, Spain, England, France, Germany, Poland, Egypt, Japan and the Philippines.

Neither the US Embassy nor the US Government profit monetarily from the user-pay system.

How to Use the Visa Information Service (VIS)

Before calling the Visa Information Service (VIS), the public must visit a PagoFacil location to purchase a personal identification number (PIN) to access the VIS. Pay the service fee and PagoFacil will issue you a receipt with a PIN valid for a 12 minute phone call ready to use 15 minutes after purchase.

The Visa Information Service (VIS) may be reached at 4321-1100 in Buenos Aires. It is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.