How to Apply for a U.S. Visa from Fiji
U.S. Embassy Suva — Nonimmigrant & Immigrant Visa Guide — Updated May 2026
Do Fijian Citizens Need a Visa to Visit the United States?
Yes. Fiji is not a member of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which means all Fijian passport holders must obtain a valid U.S. visa before travelling to the United States, regardless of the purpose or duration of their trip. Visa applications for Fiji residents are processed at the U.S. Embassy in Suva, located at 158 Princes Road, Suva. For a full overview of the Embassy of Fiji in Washington D.C. and the services it provides, see our homepage.
Types of U.S. Visa Available from Fiji
The U.S. Embassy in Suva processes all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applications for residents of Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu, and the French territories of the South Pacific. The main visa categories available are outlined below.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 — Tourist & Business | Tourism, family visits, medical treatment, short business trips | Bond up to USD 15,000 now required |
| F-1 — Student | Academic study at a U.S. educational institution | Requires I-20 from a SEVP-approved school |
| J-1 — Exchange Visitor | Exchange programmes, internships, research | Requires DS-2019 from sponsoring organisation |
| H-1B — Specialty Occupation | Employer-sponsored skilled work in the U.S. | Requires approved USCIS petition from U.S. employer |
| K-1 — Fiancé(e) | Travel to the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen | Petition filed by U.S. citizen fiancé(e) |
| Immigrant Visa (IV) | Permanent residence in the United States | Issuance currently paused for Fijian nationals (from Jan 2026) |
| Diversity Visa (DV) | Lottery-based immigration programme | Fiji is eligible to participate in the DV lottery |
| Returning Resident (SB-1) | Lawful permanent residents returning after extended absence | For LPRs who have been outside the U.S. for over 1 year |
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa from Fiji
Determine which visa you need
Use the U.S. Visa Wizard on travel.state.gov to identify the correct visa category for your purpose of travel. Applying for the wrong visa type will result in refusal and loss of your application fee.
Complete the DS-160 online application form
Every nonimmigrant visa applicant must complete the DS-160 form online. Answer all questions honestly and completely. Print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode when you have finished — you will need it at every subsequent step.
Pay the visa application fee (MRV fee)
Pay the non-refundable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee. In Fiji, payment can be made by credit card online or in cash at a Post Fiji location. The fee varies by visa category — check the current fee schedule at travel.state.gov. The MRV fee receipt is valid for 12 months.
Create an account and schedule your appointment
Register on ustraveldocs.com/fj and schedule your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Suva. The current wait time for appointments is approximately 5 calendar days. If your circumstances qualify for a mail-in application (interview waiver), the portal will advise you — but note that since October 2025, interview waivers are available only in very limited circumstances.
Gather your supporting documents
Prepare all required documents before your interview. At a minimum, bring: your printed DS-160 confirmation page, your appointment confirmation letter, your current valid passport and all previous passports, one recent passport-size photograph, and your MRV fee payment receipt. Additional documents depend on your visa category — see the list below.
Attend your interview at the U.S. Embassy in Suva
Arrive at 158 Princes Road, Suva on the date and time of your appointment. Do not bring a mobile phone, laptop, camera, or any electronic recording device — these are not permitted inside and there is no storage available. Any headwear must be removed. Fijian, Hindi, and Tongan interpreters are available; contact the Embassy in advance if you need to bring your own interpreter in another language.
Receive your passport and visa
If your visa is approved, the Embassy will retain your passport to print the visa. Plan to remain in Fiji for at least 3 business days after your interview for passport collection. You may collect your passport in person at the Embassy (Monday–Thursday, 15:00–16:00, except holidays), or arrange courier return via DHL or FedEx. For urgent cases, email [email protected].
Required Documents — B1/B2 Tourist & Business Visa
The B1/B2 visa is the most commonly applied-for visa category by Fijian nationals. The following documents are typically required. Additional documents may be requested by the consular officer at their discretion.
- Printed DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode)
- Valid Fijian passport with at least 6 months’ validity beyond your intended stay in the U.S., plus at least one blank page
- All previous passports containing prior U.S. visas, if any
- One recent passport-size photograph meeting U.S. visa photo standards
- MRV fee payment receipt
- Appointment confirmation letter (printed or on mobile)
- Proof of ties to Fiji demonstrating your intention to return: employment letter, land title, business registration, or family documentation
- Bank statements or proof of sufficient funds to cover your trip
- Evidence of the purpose of your visit: invitation letter from a U.S. contact, hotel bookings, or itinerary
- For medical visits: letter from a Fijian doctor and details of the U.S. medical facility
The B1/B2 Bond Requirement (From January 2026)
Effective January 21, 2026, Fijian nationals found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa must post a financial bond of up to USD 15,000 before the visa can be issued. This measure was introduced by the U.S. Department of State as part of a broader policy aimed at nationalities deemed to have high rates of public benefits usage in the United States.
How the bond works
The bond is a financial guarantee, paid upfront, that is refunded if the visa holder departs the United States before the expiry of their authorised stay. If the visa holder overstays or violates the terms of their visa, the bond is forfeited. The bond amount — up to USD 15,000 — is set by the consular officer on a case-by-case basis. This requirement is in addition to the standard MRV fee and applies only after a visa has been found approvable on all other grounds.
Immigrant Visas from Fiji
Immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live and work permanently in the United States. Immigrant visa applications for Fiji residents are processed at the U.S. Embassy in Suva. The process generally requires sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (for family-based petitions) or a U.S. employer (for employment-based petitions), with an approved petition filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the visa application can be submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a U.S. visa from Fiji?
The current appointment wait time at the U.S. Embassy in Suva is approximately 5 calendar days. After your interview, plan to remain in Fiji for at least 3 business days while the Embassy processes and prints your visa. Some cases require additional administrative processing, which can add several weeks or months with no guaranteed timeline. Start your application well in advance of any planned travel.
Can I apply for a U.S. visa if I am not a Fijian citizen?
Yes. Any person legally present in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu, or the French territories of the South Pacific may apply for a U.S. visa at the Embassy in Suva. You must provide evidence of your legal status in the country — such as a valid residence permit or visa — and demonstrate a genuine connection to the country where you are applying.
Can I have an interpreter at my visa interview?
The U.S. Embassy in Suva has Fijian, Hindi, and Tongan interpreters available. If you require interpretation in another language, contact the Embassy in advance to arrange to bring one interpreter of your own. Attorneys are not permitted to accompany clients into the waiting room or to their interview.
What if my visa is refused?
If your visa application is refused, the consular officer will explain the reason. The most common ground for B1/B2 refusals is Section 214(b), which means the officer was not satisfied that you demonstrated sufficient ties to Fiji or a genuine temporary purpose. You may reapply at any time, but a new application requires a new DS-160 form, a new MRV fee, and a new appointment. You should only reapply if your circumstances have changed or if you can present stronger evidence of your ties to Fiji.
