Non-Immigrant Visas

Information about Visas for Medical Treatment

The United States has some of the best medical care in the world, and we encourage qualified applicants to travel to the United States for medical treatment.  This flyer addresses the most common questions about visas for medical treatment in the United States.  If you still have questions after reading this flyer, please feel free to e-mail us at ConsularDakar@state.gov.

Is there a special medical visa? United States immigration law does not set aside a specific type of visa for medical treatment.  Eligible applicants will receive a B1/B2-class visa.  Visas can only be issued at a United States Embassy, and only a consular officer of the United States may determine visa eligibility. 

How do I schedule an appointment? To schedule a visa interview at the United States Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, applicants call the United States Visa Information Service (USVIS) at (+221) 869-63-00. 

Required documents for all non-immigrant visa applicants:

• A completed DS-156 or EVAF DS-156 application form.
  
• A completed DS-157 form (only for male applicants aged 16 to 45 years).
  
• A current passport valid for six months after the appointment date.
  
• One 5cm x 5cm photograph with a white background.  If your photo does not meet certain requirements, it may take longer to process your application.  For more information, see http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html.
  
• Receipt for payment of the $131 processing fee at ECOBANK.

Where do I pay the fee? Prior to the interview, applicants must pay a $131 processing fee at ECOBANK.  The applicant does not need to pay the fee in person, and the receipt is valid for one year.  There is no refund of the fee even if the visa is denied.

What else is required for applicants seeking medical treatment? Foreign visitors are permitted to enter the United States for medical treatment if they can demonstrate their ability to pay for the full course of treatment.  Medical treatment includes giving birth.  They are not permitted to enter the United States for medical treatment if they intend to use public funds or are unable to pay for their treatment.  Visa applicants who intend to obtain medical treatments in the United States must state this on their visa application; failure to do so could be result in being permanently ineligible for a United States visa.  Applicants must demonstrate their treatment plans and financial ability to pay for this treatment during an interview with a consular officer.  They must also demonstrate their intent to return home rather than stay permanently in the United States. 

Applicants who have had medical treatment in the United States in the past, may be asked to demonstrate that they paid for their medical treatment when they apply for a later visa.  If they did not, the consular officer can refuse the visa if they believe the applicant is not credible or intends to obtain medical treatment without proper payment.

How long does it take to get an appointment? Appointments for visitor visas are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.  The backlog varies during the year according to seasonal demands, and you may check current wait times at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php.  We recommend that applicants apply as far in advance as possible.

Where do I pay the fee? Prior to the interview, applicants must pay a $100 processing fee at ECOBANK.  The applicant does not need to pay the fee in person, and the receipt is valid for one year.  There is no refund of the fee even if the visa is denied.

What if I have a medical emergency? Applicants requiring urgent medical treatment are not required to schedule an interview through the USVIS.  Instead, applicants should request an emergency appointment from the consular receptionist posted at the entrance to the United States Embassy.  A consular officer will review the applications and supporting documents to determine whether there is a medical emergency that warrants a visa interview on the same day.  Applicants must present an original letter from a treating physician in Senegal explaining the nature of the illness and why urgent treatment in the United States is required.  Applicants should also present a letter from the hospital in the United States explaining under what circumstances and at what cost the hospital will provide the required treatment and hospitalization.