Embassy of the United States

Non-Immigrant Visas

Medical Visas for Afghans

The Consular Section of the American Embassy in Kabul is pleased to assist applicants seeking medical visas (B-1/B-2 visa) to travel to the United States for treatment.  There are a number of steps that need to be completed, but if addressed step-by-step, the candidate will have a complete and comprehensive application to apply for a U.S. non-immigrant visa.

Visa Issuance for Afghans

The American Embassy in Kabul only issues official and diplomatic visas and cannot process applications for any other visa category, including visas for medical treatment.  Afghan applicants must travel to Islamabad to submit their applications and undergo the visa interview and biometric screening process.  The requirement to appear in person is not waivable, except for children under the age of 14.  Before approaching the Embassy in Islamabad, all applicants must pay the non-refundable $100 visa application fee for each traveler at the American Express Bank at 1-E Ali Plaza, Blue Area (any taxi driver or hired driver will know where this is).

The Law

The Immigration and Nationality Act, which governs U.S. visa issuance, presumes that all aliens seeking to enter the U.S. are intending immigrants, and defines non-immigrants as persons who can overcome the presumption of intending immigration.  In this instance, a temporary visitor for business or pleasure (a B-1/B-2 visa) must establish that he or she:

• has a residence in Afghanistan that he or she does not intend to abandon;
• is willing to come to the U.S. for a definite period of time;
• will depart upon the conclusion of the visit;
• has permission to enter a foreign area after his or her stay in the U.S.; and,
• has access to sufficient funds to cover expenses of the visit and return passage.

Steps Prior to Visa Application

1. Obtain Afghan passports for each person traveling to the U.S.
2. Obtain medical evaluation documentation to justify treatment being sought.
3. Obtain detailed support letters from each institution that will donate services, to include transport, housing/meals, and all medical services.
4. Obtain Pakistan visas for each traveler at the Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul – required for travel to Islamabad for the visa interview.

Important Information

As stated within the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, the threshold for non-immigrant visa issuance is very high.  It is entirely possible that despite a complete application, the visa for the ill applicant and/or one of their travel companions may be refused.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for a visa 45-60 days in advance of planned travel. Administrative processing in Washington may extend further the time required to process the visa application. Please plan accordingly.

Webpage resources on the visa application process:
http://usembassy.state.gov/islamabad/wwwhapplyp.html
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/temp_1305.html

The Consular section is at your disposal at this process moves forward.  Please contact the Consular Section at usconsulkabul@state.gov, or 070-10-8001 ext. 8378 or 070-20-1908.