Access
Only non-immigrant visa applicants with a scheduled appointment and those specified below will be admitted into the Embassy. Applicants should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment. You will not be allowed to enter prior to your scheduled appointment.

Security
Every person visiting the Embassy must agree to a security screening before entering the Consular Section with their belongings.

Applicants will not be allowed to enter the Embassy with the following items:

• Weapons or any element that could be used as a weapon, including knives, metallic files, nail clippers, scissors, etc.
• Electronic devices (mobile phones, cameras, laptops, tablets, USBs, cables, remote controls, remote access keys or other electronic equipment)
• Liquids and/or flammable items, including sodas, perfume, lighters, matches, etc.
• Purses or bags measuring 20 x 15 x 10cm or more (smaller purses are allowed)
• Packages, bags, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases
• Drugs, narcotics or any illegal substance, as well as medicines without a prescription

In order to make the process as quick as possible, please avoid wearing the following items:

• Platform shoes with high heels
• Metallic belts
• Clothing with metallic accessories (buttons, buckles, etc.)

Embassy Location

The Embassy of the United States in Asuncion, Paraguay is located on Avenida Mariscal Lopez 1776. Hours of Operation

The business hours of the Consular Section are Monday to Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 am to 11:30 am excluding Paraguayans and U.S. holidays.

However, access to the Consular Section is by appointment only.

The Consular Section in Asuncion has a visa renewal process where applicants who qualify, may not require an in-person interview. Eligibility is determined based on the answers provided to questions during the appointment scheduling process. However, consular officers reserve the right to require an interview for any visa applicant.

Applicants who qualify for this program will be given instructions on how to send or drop-off their documents at the consular section after scheduling their appointment.

Requirements for Adults (14 years or older)

• Prior visa expired no more than 48 months ago
• Prior visa was issued in Asuncion, Paraguay
• Prior visa submitted (if still valid)
• Be a local citizen or permanent resident of Paraguay
• The previous visa was not lost, stolen, or revoked
• The most recent visa application was not refused

Requirements for Minors

• Both parents have valid visas
• Child is under the age of 14
• Copy of birth certificate provided

For more information about the visa application process you may contact our visa unit through the Visa Navigator.

Emergencies Request for Expedited Nonimmigrant Visa Appointment

Travel for tourism does not qualify for an expedited appointment; however, an expedited appointment may be approved for the following purposes of travel:

Medical Emergency:

• Urgent medical care in the United States.
• Urgent medical care in the United States of an immediate family member (spouse, mother, father, brother, sister, or child)
• Serious medical condition of an immediate family member who requires your presence in the United States.
• Death or Funeral of an immediate family member in the United States

Study, Work or Exchange Visitor Visa:

• Urgent travel of student or exchange visitor whose appointment date is after the beginning of classes or exchange program
• Approved I-797 with immediate start date
• Important Note: An expedited appointment does not guarantee visa issuance.

If the Consular Officer determines during the visa interview that the reason for which the emergency request was approved is not consistent with the actual purpose of your trip, it may have a negative impact on the outcome of your current or future request(s).

How to request an expedited appointment

In order to request for emergency appointment, you must first apply for a regular appointment.

1. Sign in to your account at the Visa Appointment Service.
2. Select the option “request expedite” at the top of the site’s home page.
3. Follow the steps indicated and wait for the response sent to the e-mail address used when creating your account.

If you want to apply for H, L and J visas now, please click here for important information.

E VISAS – TREATY TRADER (E1) AND TREATY INVESTOR (E2) VISAS

Instructions 

The document review period for new E Visa company applications is 3-4 weeks from application receipt, due to the current high demand for E visas.  Please do not inquire about the status of a case until the 4-week document review period has expired. Completion of the document review is not confirmation that the applicant qualifies for the visa.

Introduction 

Treaty Trader visas (E-1) and Treaty Investor visas (E-2) are non-immigrant visas for nationals of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation.  E-visas are for applicants who wish to go to the United States for one of two purposes: to carry out substantial trade, principally between the United States and the treaty country (E-1); or to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which the national has invested or is in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital (E-2).

The Treaty Trader and Treaty Investor visas were established to facilitate and enhance economic interaction between the United States and other countries.  U.S. immigration law explicitly states that E-1 visa holders must enter “solely to carry on substantial trade” and E-2 holders “solely to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise” in which he or she has invested. Moreover, these visas are non-immigrant visas and thus are temporary. Treaty trader/investor visas can be renewed or extended only if the investment or trade continues to meet all applicable requirements of U.S. immigration laws and regulations. Persons wishing to remain indefinitely in the United States should apply for the appropriate immigrant visa.

Additional information about E visas is available at the Department of State’s website here

E VISA PROCESS 

Follow the steps below to schedule an E-visa appointment:

1. Fill out the DS-160 applying for the E visa at Consular Electronic Application Center (state.gov).
2. Create an account at Official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service | Paraguay | English (usvisa-info.com), select the courier location, and pay the visa fee.
3. Send required documents (see packet guidelines below) to the consular section by following instructions in the Visa Navigator. Applicants CANNOT schedule an appointment before getting the approval of the Consular Section to do so. Follow the guidelines below:
   • Subject Line: “Surname, Given Name, Business Name, Type of E Visa (E1/E2)”.
   • Only PDF files are accepted.
   • File should be no larger than 20MB.
4. Once the consular section notifies you that your application has been reviewed, you may schedule an appointment for interview. If you schedule an appointment without approval, the interview will be cancelled. If you have any issues with payment or scheduling, you may contact our visa unit through the Visa Navigator. 
5. On the appointment date applicants should bring current and old passports. Also, one 5×5 passport style photograph for each applicant taken on plain white background with unobstructed facial features and visible ears. Decorative items that could obscure the face are not allowed. Photographs must be from the last six months.

E-VISA PACKET REQUIREMENTS 

We will only accept submissions in PDF format as a single attachment, and the package must be no more than 70 pages. The attachment limit is 20MB. We do not accept zip files or online shared folders.

The following documents do not count towards the 70-page limit: forms DS-160, DS-156E, G-28, civil documents, copy of passport bio-page, tabs/dividers.

Please review your submission before sending it to ensure that all documents have been scanned with sufficient resolution and are readable. Submissions that do not meet the above requirements will be returned to the sender and may result in a postponement of the applicant’s interview. To avoid delays in processing, provide detailed accounting, including the source of funding for your investment.

AVOID THE FOLLOWING

• Pages of hotel and airline booking receipts
• Bank statements or documents without relevant entries
• Jargon and buzzwords – the E-visa team may not be familiar with your industry

E-VISA PACKET ORDER  

All submissions for new cases or renewals should be organized into tabbed sections comprised of the following documentation:

1. Evidence of payment of visa application fee (MRV fee). For more information on visa fees click on: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-py/niv/information/fee
2. DS-160 Form confirmation page for all applicants and dependents.
3. Form DS-156E (587KB PDF) signed by an officer legally empowered to act in the company’s name.
4. A cover letter summarizing the requirements for an E-visa and how the applicant(s) fulfill(s) them. State exactly how the enterprise and applicant qualify. Do not include citations from the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) or the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
5. Comprehensive Index/Table of Contents.
6. Dependents: A copy of civil documents establishing the relationship between the principal applicant and any dependents (spouse or unmarried child under age 21), e.g.government issued birth and/or marriage certificates, adoption papers, etc. Notarized copies, religious documents, hospital records, and short form birth certificates that do not show parentage do not satisfy this requirement.
7. Supporting documentation as outlined in the Document Checklist below.

E-VISA Document Checklist  

Supporting documentation must be bound with sections clearly delineated by in-document dividers. Organized submissions ensure an efficient review of an applicant’s case and reduce the need for clarification that may delay processing.

Please note the 70-page limit and 20MB file size restriction. 

The following is a list of suggested documentation in the order in which it should be indexed.

I. E-1 and E-2 Proof of Nationality of Investor or Applicant 

• Photocopy of passport biographical page
• Evidence of legal status in Paraguay.

II. E-1 and E-2 Ownership Documents (either A, B or C): 

• Sole Proprietorship: Business registration documents
• Partnership: Partnership or joint venture agreement Shares/stock certificates indicating total shares issued and outstanding shares.
• Corporation: Shares/stock certificates indicating distribution of ownership, i.e.shares held by each firm and shares held by individual owners.

If publicly traded on the principal stock exchange of a treaty country, enclose a sample of recently published stock quotations

III. E-1 Trade 

1. Purchase orders
2. Bills of lading
3. Sales contracts/contracts for services
4. Letters of credit
5. Carrier inventories
6. Trade brochures
7. Insurance papers documenting commodities imported into the U.S.
8. Accounts receivable and accounts payable ledgers
9. i. Client lists
10. Other documents showing international trade is substantial and that at least 51% of the trade is between U.S. and the treaty country. Documents should also show that trade supports an ongoing business entity in the treaty country.

IV. E-2 Investment 

a. For an Existing Enterprise: (show purchase price) – Tax valuation or Market appraisal.

b. For a New Enterprise: (show estimated start-up cost) – Trade Association Statistics. Chamber of Commerce estimates. Market Surveys.

c. Source of Investment Example:

• Personal statement of net worth prepared by a certified accountant, OR
• Transactions showing payment of sold property or business (proof of property ownership and promissory notes) and rental income (lease agreements), OR
• Debit and credit advice for personal and/or business account withdrawals, OR
• Audited financial statement, OR
• Net worth statements from certified professional accountant.

d. Evidence of Investment: Existing Enterprise

• Escrow documents, OR
• Signed purchase/sales agreement, OR
• Closing and settlement papers, OR
• Loan or mortgage documents, OR
• Promissory notes, OR
• Financial reports
• Tax returns
• Business account statement for routine operations

e. New Enterprise:

• Inventory listing, shipment invoices of inventory, equipment or business-related property
• Lease agreement
• Purchase orders
• Improvement expenses
• Initial business accounts statements
• Wire transfer receipts

V. E-2 Marginality 

a. For Existing Business

• U.S. corporate tax returns
• Latest audited financial statement or non-review statements
• Annual reports
• Payroll register and/or W-2 and W-4 tax forms

b. For New Business

• Payroll register, records of salaries paid to employees (if any), employee data including names, rates of pay, copies of W-2s
• Financial projections for next 5 years, supported by a complete and thorough business plan
• Business income and current corporate tax returns
• Proof of registration, ownership, audited financial and review engagements

VI. E-2 Real & Operating Commercial Enterprise 

• Occupational/Business license and/or business permits
• Sales tax receipt
• Utility/telephone bills
• Business transaction records
• Current/commercial account statements
• Invoices from suppliers
• Advertising leaflets
• Business brochures/promotional literature

VII. E-1 and E-2 Executive/Managerial/Supervisory/Essential Skills 

a. Letter from the E-visa enterprise providing specific information on the applicant and the reasons for his/her assignment to the U.S. The letter should explain the employee’s role in the E-visa company (job title and duties), the applicant’s executive or supervisory responsibilities or, if qualifying as specialized essential knowledge, the exact nature of his/her specialized knowledge and why it is specialized, the level of education and knowledge required by the employee’s position, his/her employment experience, progression of promotion or high level training or special qualifications and the reasons why a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident cannot fill the position (if the position is not managerial or supervisory).

b. Letter from responsible official at U.S. company or office identifying the need for assigned employee.

c. Organizational chart showing current staffing pattern at U.S. company.

d. Evidence of executive, supervisory or specialized knowledge, education, experience, skills or training, such as certificates, diplomas or transcripts.

APPLY FOR A B1 DOMESTIC VISA

Required Documents

The domestic employee must present these documents during their visa interview:

• Standard U.S. visa application documents – see ‘Required Documents’.
• The employer’s valid visa or employer’s valid U.S. passport – The original or a copy.
• Employment contract – Both parties must sign the typed contract. It must show that the employer will provide wages, working conditions, and benefits in accordance with U.S. and local laws.  Read the next section for details and sample contracts.

Note: The employee should fully understand and be able to explain the terms of the contract during their visa interview.

Required elements of the employment contract

Applicants must present a typed contract in English and in Spanish, signed and dated by both parties. Each need their own copy. The contract must cover their time in the United States and include:

1. A description of the applicant’s duties.
2. A statement that the employer agrees to pay the minimum wage or prevailing wage of the travel destination, whichever is higher. You can find the federal minimum wage on the Department of Labor website  The U.S. Department of Labor determines prevailing wages based on occupation and location. You can find prevailing wages at the FLC Data Center.
3. The employer’s agreement to provide:
   • Free room and board;
   • Free medical insurance; and
   • Free transportation to and from the United States.
4. A statement describing the contract’s duration and termination conditions. For example: “This contract will be valid from December 1, 2022 until March 1, 2023; it may be terminated by either party to the contract with one month’s advance notice.”
5. The employee’s statement that they will not accept other employment while working for the employer.
6. The employer’s statement that they will not withhold the passport of the employee.
7. A statement indicating that both parties understand that the employee cannot be required to remain at the worksite after working hours without compensation.
   • The employer commits to paying the domestic employee overtime for hours exceeding 40 per week.
8. For U.S. citizen employers only:
   • The contract should state that the employer will give at least two-weeks notice of intent to terminate the employment and that the employee doesn’t need to give more than two-weeks notice of intent to leave the employment.
   • This contract must also reflect any other benefits normally required for U.S. domestic workers.

Anything else in the contract is a private matter between the parties, but it cannot conflict with the contract’s required terms.

Delivery service available for visa applicants

As of 17 August 2015 the U.S. Embassy in Paraguay began using DHL to return passports/visas without additional cost to visa applicants. Passports with approved visas are usually available within 5 working days. For more information, click here.

Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant’s interview by a consular officer. Applicants will be advised of this requirement. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview, but the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.

The Consular Section recommends that individuals apply for visas well in advance of their proposed date of travel, and not make final travel plans or purchase non-refundable tickets until the passport and visa have been received.

To contact a customer service representative for assistance with any of the following, please visit the Visa Appointment Service:

• Visa application process
• Appointment scheduling
• Document delivery

You can also visit the Visa Appointment Service website for complete information on applying for a nonimmigrant visa, including a directory of nonimmigrant visa categories.

For inquiries about a specific case that we are processing, you may contact our visa unit through the Visa Navigator.

If your passport with a U.S. visa (valid or expired) is lost or stolen, even if you have no immediate travel plans, please report it immediately to the Embassy via email to AsuncionConsularFPU@state.gov to prevent identity theft.

Please include the following information, as well as the words “Lost” or “Stolen” in the subject line:

• Full name (as it appears on your stolen or lost passport)
• Date of the robbery or date in which you believe your passport with the visa was lost. Passport number of your lost or stolen passport (if available)
• Number of the lost or stolen passport (if you have it)
• Identity card number
• Phone number
• Police report (if available). We recommend making a police report in order to notify the authorities and prevent identity theft.

A visa cannot be transferred to a new passport.  To apply for a new visa, please follow the regular visa application process.  If you need to travel to the United States for a medical emergency/treatment, business or study purposes, you will find how to request an expedited appointment on this same page.

Please note that once a passport with a U.S. nonimmigrant visa is reported as lost or stolen to the Embassy, the visa is electronically cancelled. This means that, even if it is later found, the visa may not be used to travel to the United States.

The DS-160 form requires that you upload your photo electronically. To do this, BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO COMPLETE THE FORM, you must have a photograph digitally loaded on your computer, pen drive, etc., in JPEG format (For example, a photo file format type: name.jpg) that has a maximum of 1 MB of file size. Heavier photos cannot be uploaded in the system.

Photo requirements

• The size of the photo should be 5 cm x 5 cm and color photograph. The background of the photo should be white and smooth. Tile or curtain backgrounds will not be accepted. Must be a recent photo (taken at most six months before). The photo must be taken completely in front (the person may not be looking to the right, left, up or down), and the face should cover approximately 50% of the photo area.
• The face must be completely clear, with its visible features, with good lighting and without any shadows around. Do not wear: hats, caps, hoops, glasses, etc., which may make it difficult to see the face.

Please note that the system only controls the parameters regarding the size of the photo, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify that their photo meets all the requirements mentioned above. If on the day of your appointment the Consulate determines that your photo does not meet any of the requirements, you must go to take a new photo and your process will experiment important delays.

The suggested photo studios that meet the requirements are Kodak Express, Rochester Studios and Kovacs Studios, however any individual or photographic studio can take the photo and it can be used as long as they meet the requirements and the website program validates the photo.

For more information click here.

Most applicants must appear in person at the Consular Section to apply for a visa. However, some applicants may be exempt from this requirement based on their age.

Applicants who do not need to appear in person must meet the following age criteria:

• Children under 14 years – a parent with the birth certificate can submit the application on behalf of their child.
• Adults over 80 years of age – a close relative can submit the application on behalf of the applicant.

Remarks: In some cases, the Consular Section will contact the applicant to request a personal interview.

On Wednesday, January 16, 2019, the U.S. government implemented a reciprocity fee for student (F) and inter-country transfer work (L) visas for Paraguayans. Under the principle of reciprocity, these fees will make the U.S. visa costs for Paraguayans equal to the costs for the equivalent Paraguayan visa for Americans. Paraguayans applying for F visas will need to pay a reciprocity fee of $238. Paraguayans applying for L visas will need to pay a reciprocity fee of $18.