Steps to Apply for a US Visa
- Check if you need a visa.
- Choose the type of US visa you will apply for.
- Fill in the Non-immigrant visa Application Form DS-160.
- Pay your application fee.
- Schedule visa interview.
- Compile the document file.
- Attend the visa interview.
- Wait for processing. Citizens of 39 visa waiver countries do not need to apply for a non-immigrant visa to visit the United States.
What are the requirements for an US visa application?
Application form, either the DS-160 form (for non-immigrant visas) or the DS-260 form (for immigrant visas) A passport that is six months valid beyond your planned date of departure from the United States. Two photographs that meet the U.S. visa photograph requirements. Valid payment method for a visa fee to schedule an interview.
What documents are required for US visa?
US Visa Requirements
- Form DS-160. If you are applying for a US nonimmigrant visa you should complete the online application form DS-160.
- Previous USA visas. ...
- Invitation letter. ...
- Travel itinerary. ...
- Sponsorship documents. ...
- Property Documents. ...
- Family Documents. ...
- Letter from a physician. ...
How to get a work visa in the United States?
In general, you will need:
- To complete online form DS-160, the nonimmigrant visa application form
- A photo
- A visa application fee
- To schedule an interview
How do I apply for a B1 B2 visa?
Apply for an interview waiver rather than scheduling a visa interview to renew your B1/B2 visa. Step 1: Pay the visa application fee at www.ustraveldocs.com. Step 2: Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. Step 3: Register an account at the Visa Information and Appointment Service Center and follow the instruction (s). Step 4: Deliver your documents for Interview Waiver service to any 2GO outlet in the 2GO Branch and Outlet Locator.
How much does it cost to get a visa in the United States?
The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190.
How do I get a visa to enter the USA?
Essential Steps to Get an Immigrant VisaIn most cases, someone must sponsor you or file an immigrant petition for you.Wait until the petition is approved and a visa is available in your category. Then apply for an immigrant visa. ... Get a medical examination.Go to an interview.Wait for a decision on your application.
Is it easy to get a visa for USA?
Although the application process for a visitor visa is fairly simple, successfully obtaining it is harder than you might expect. The U.S. State Department, via its consulates around the world, denies a surprising number of visitor visa applications.
Can you get a visa to the US right now?
General Resumption of Visa Services The Department of State suspended routine visa services worldwide in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On July 13, 2020, DOS tweeted the following update from @TravelGov: "US embassies and consulates are beginning the phased resumption of routine visa services.
How long does it take to get a visa to USA?
It takes from 3 to 5 weeks for a US visa application to get processed. After the processing, the applicant can get a positive reply on their application, and the consulate will deliver the document.
What are the 4 types of visas?
Which type of visa do you need? Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
How much bank balance is required for US visa?
The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa?
Why do US visa get rejected?
An applicant's current and/or past actions, such as drug or criminal activities, as examples, may make the applicant ineligible for a visa. If denied a visa, in most cases the applicant is notified of the section of law which applies.
What are the documents required for US visa?
Documents required for U.S D visaCompleted DS-160 application form.Your passport with at least one blank page to be able to affix visa.One photograph fulfilling the requirements set by the U.S authorities.Proof of having paid transit visa fees.Interview confirmation page and its copy.More items...
How long can you stay in America without a visa?
90 daysThe Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 40 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.
How long can you stay in the US with a visa?
six monthsWhen you enter the U.S., a customs officer will give you authorization to stay in the U.S. for up to six months. If you'd like to stay for longer, you may be able to apply to extend this for up to one year.
What are the requirements to enter the US?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order, which took effect November 8, 2021, requiring all nonimmigrant, non-citizen air travelers to the United States to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the United States remains in effect.
How much is a U.S. visa from UK?
Standard Visitor visa - for UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and GuernseyVisa typesVisa application fee (USD)Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry)126Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years)473Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years)842Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years)10525 more rows
What are the requirements to enter the US?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order, which took effect November 8, 2021, requiring all nonimmigrant, non-citizen air travelers to the United States to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the United States remains in effect.
What are the documents required for U.S. visa?
Documents required for U.S D visaCompleted DS-160 application form.Your passport with at least one blank page to be able to affix visa.One photograph fulfilling the requirements set by the U.S authorities.Proof of having paid transit visa fees.Interview confirmation page and its copy.More items...
Do I need a visa to go to America?
A foreign national traveling to the United States for tourism needs a visitor visa (B-2) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Tourism is a short visit for vacation, for visiting family and friends, or for medical treatment.
What is a U.S. Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
Find out what visa type is appropriate for you
The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel.
Visa Appointment Wait Time
A wait time listed as "999 calendar days" indicates that the Consular Section is only providing that service to emergency cases. Please check the Embassy or Consulate website for further information.
What is the second step in applying for a US visa?
The second step of the US visa application is to choose the type of US visa that you want to get. Since there are differences depending on the type of US visa you want to get, you should pay extra attention to choosing the right type of visa to apply for.
How old do you have to be to get a US visa?
5. Schedule a US visa interview. All US nonimmigrant visa applicants between 14 and 79 years old are required to go through a US visa interview.
How long does it take to get a visa after an interview?
Processing times depend on the type of US visa you applied for, but they can range from a few days to a few months. When your visa is processed, you will find out whether you were approved or denied.
What is the form for a non-immigrant visa?
Fill in the Non-immigrant visa Application Form DS-160.
Where to find DS-160 form?
The form can be found online on the website of the US consulate from which you are applying.
How to fill out DS-160?
You can fill the DS-160 form online through: 1 by yourself through the Consular Electronic Application Center, or 2 with the assistance of a third-party company, that we recommend, such as TravelAssist.
Why do people want to go to the US?
For most people around the world, wanting to go to the US means that they need a visa. The reasons for wanting to go differ from just visits for tourism or business, working, studying, or permanently moving there. The country attracts a wide range of people who have various goals and want to achieve “the American dream”.
How to apply for a nonimmigrant visa?
Visit the website. You can apply online for a nonimmigrant visa by visiting the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. At the website, click on “DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.”
How to check status of US visa application?
You can check the status by contacting the consulate or embassy where you filed your application. If you applied while in the U.S., then call the Office of Visa Services at 1-202-485-7600. [19] X Trustworthy Source USA.GOV Official website for the United States federal government Go to source.
How to avoid hassle of applying for a nonimmigrant visa online?
Apply in person instead. You can avoid the hassle of applying for a nonimmigrant visa online by stopping into a consulate or embassy and applying in person. [20]
How to apply for a visa waiver?
Visit the website. You can apply for permission to travel under the Visa Waiver program by visiting the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website. Once at the website, click “New Application” to start your application.
How to check ESTA status?
You can always check your status by returning to the website and clicking on “Check ESTA Status” and then on “Individual Application.”.
What is a business visa?
Business visa. This is a short-term visa you can get in order to attend a conference, consult with business associates, negotiate a contract, or settle an estate. This visa is not appropriate for someone who wants to move to the U.S. to work for a U.S. employer.
What is a visa?
A “visa” is a permit to travel and request entry into the United States. There are many kinds of visas. Some are temporary and are appropriate for those visiting the U.S. Other people will request an immigration visa if they intend to live in the United States permanently. In order to apply for your visa, you need to identify which type ...
Where to schedule a visa interview?
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
What is a visa for a foreigner?
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.
What happens after a visa interview?
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this required.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
Can a visa be voided?
Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
Do you need an interview for a visa?
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.
Can a B1 visa be used for employment?
An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
What is an immigration visa?
Immigrant visa for permanent residency Permanent Residency: the U.S. immigration status that allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work permanently in the United States.
What is the visa for a non-US citizen?
Some of the most commonly requested visas are: Immigrant visa for permanent residency Permanent Residency: the U.S. immigration status that allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work permanently in the United States. Fiancé (e) visa to marry your U.S. citizen fiancé (e), and live, in the U.S.
What to do if you are a refugee?
If you believe you need protection as a refugee, contact the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or another international nonprofit volunteer agency. If these organizations are unavailable to you, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate.
When do you pay for an immigrant visa?
The best time to pay the fee is after you pick up your immigrant visa from the U.S. consulate, before you leave for the United States. When you receive your immigrant visa, you’ll get a sealed packet of documents to give officials at the U.S. port of entry.
What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative?
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative covers travel by land, sea, or air from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda: American citizens entering the U.S. must show a valid passport, U.S. passport card, a Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST), or an enhanced driver’s license.
Can I get same sex visa as opposite sex spouse?
Same-sex spouses of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), along with their minor children, are now eligible for the same immigration benefits as opposite-sex spouses. Consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates will adjudicate their immigrant visa applications upon receipt of an approved I-130 or I-140 petition from USCIS. ...
Can a spouse get a K-3 visa?
Nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) - It is important to note that application for the nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) who married a U.S. citizen must be filed and the visa must be issued in the country where the marriage took place. After the visa process has been completed, and the visa is issued, the spouse can travel to the United States to wait for the processing of the immigrant visa case. Two petitions are required: Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, and Petition for Alien Fiancé (e), Form I-129F. Learn more.
Where to apply for a student visa?
After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa. You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.
Where to schedule a visa interview?
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
What happens after a visa interview?
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this is required.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
What is a B visa?
After you are admitted to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status, you must separately apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to student (For M) status prior to the start of your program.
How far in advance can you get a student visa?
New Students – Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
What is the purpose of a consular interview?
A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.
