Visa Services

General Information

Welcome to the Consular Section of the American Embassy in Suva, Fiji. We serve the largest consular area in the world: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu and the French territories of French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis & Futuna.

Visa Services
The following pages provide visa information for those seeking to enter the United States for a temporary period and for those wishing to take up indefinite or permanent residence. If you require futher information please contact the Embassy's Consular Section.

What is a visa?
A visa is issued by a US Embassy or Consulate, A visa entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry. An immigration inspector at the port of entry determines the visa holder’s eligibility for admission into the United States.

Who needs a visa?
Anyone who is not eligible to enter the United States free under the Visa Waiver Program, or is not exempt from the visa requirement. NOTE: Travelers born in the United States and those who hold dual citizenship with the United States must enter and depart the United States on US passports.

What types of visas are available?
Nonimmigrant Visas: A nonimmigrant visa is required by anyone seeking temporary admission into the United States who is not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, or is not exempt from the visa requirement. Nonimmigrant visas cover visits for tourism, business, work or study.

Immigrant Visas: An immigrant visa is required by anyone seeking to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States. Upon entry into the United States, an immigrant visa holder is processed for a Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card. The holder of a Green Card may reside and work in the United States. There is no requirement that the holder of a Green Card apply to become a naturalized US citizen; he or she may retain his or her citizenship and passport. However, those seeking to become naturalized US citizens may generally file an application after five years; if you are a spouse of a US citizen you may file an application after three years.