The US Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon, has introduced significant changes to visa procedures and fees, effective immediately. These adjustments are part of the US government’s global efforts to tighten immigration requirements.
The issuance fee for tourist, business, exchange, and student visas has been reduced to $35 (FCFA 19,613), down from $215, and is only payable if the visa is approved. Similarly, temporary work visas now have a reduced issuance fee of $45 (FCFA 25,000). These visas are single-entry with a three-month validity period, allowing visa holders to travel to the US until the visa’s expiration date.
Another key change is the suspension of the non-immigrant visa interview waiver programme. All non-immigrant visa applicants are now required to appear for an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Yaoundé. This means that applicants will need to schedule an interview and attend it in person, rather than being able to apply without an interview.
The embassy is keen to emphasise that a US visa allows the holder to travel to the United States until the visa’s expiration date, but the authorised duration of stay is determined by US Customs and Border Protection upon arrival. This distinction is important for applicants to understand, as it affects their stay in the US.
The US Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon has urged all applicants to visit its website for detailed procedural information and to schedule a visa interview accordingly. The embassy is also advising applicants to carefully review the established visa eligibility criteria before paying for an appointment. They say by doing so, they can assess their likelihood of qualification and avoid unnecessary delays or expenses.
According to the US, these changes are aimed at striking a balance between ensuring the security of the US borders and making the visa application process more accessible to Cameroonian citizens.
