Can You Transfer Your U.S. Visa Application to Another Consulate? Understanding the DS-160 Consular Transfer Process

For visa applicants, choosing a consulate location is an important step in the DS-160 application process. However, due to unexpected delays or other personal reasons, applicants sometimes wish to transfer their visa processing to a different consulate. Here’s a guide on what you can and can’t do regarding DS-160 transfers between consulates.

In some cases, it may be possible to transfer your visa application to another U.S. consulate within the same country. This is typically allowed if:

• Multiple Consulates: The country has more than one U.S. consulate, as is the case in Mexico or India.
• Consulate Approval: Each consulate has its own rules, so you must check with the consulate you wish to transfer to and confirm they accept applicants initially registered at a different location.

For example, if you submitted your DS-160 for a B1/B2 visa in Mexico City but now prefer to attend an appointment in Guadalajara, reach out to the Guadalajara Consulate to confirm if they allow such a transfer.

Generally, transferring a DS-160 visa application to a consulate in a different country is not permitted. If you wish to change your consulate location to another country, you will need to:

1. Submit a New DS-160 Application: Start a new application for the new consulate location.
2. Pay a New Visa Fee: Visa fees are location-specific, so you must pay again.
3. Review Consulate-Specific Requirements: Each consulate has its own procedures, especially for complex visas like the E-2, so you must review the application instructions on the new consulate’s website.

For instance, if you applied for an E-2 visa at the London Consulate in the United Kingdom but now wish to apply in Switzerland due to shorter wait times, you cannot simply transfer your petition. You’ll need to submit a new DS-160, pay the visa fee, and follow the Swiss consulate’s E-2 visa process.

Due to varying policies, it is always recommended that you contact the specific consulate where you would like to transfer the application to. If you need assistance with your visa application, Scott Legal, P.C. can help navigate the complexities of consular processing and ensure your application is submitted smoothly.