how to apply for a united states visa

Steps to Apply for a US Visa.

• 1. Check if you need a visa. Citizens of 40 visa waiver countries do not need to apply for a non-immigrant visa to visit the United States. However, ...
• 2. Choose the visa type.
• 3. Fill in the Non-immigrant visa Application Form DS-160.
• 4. Pay your US visa application fee.
• 5. Schedule a US visa interview.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to apply for an US visa?

The application fees shown below are listed in U.S. dollars and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are $190.00.

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 early should I apply for the visa?

This is because it can take up to six weeks to get an appointment at the US Embassy for a visa. The answer is - as early as possible. And so it is okay to apply for a visa 4–5 months before the intended day of travel. Most consular officers appreciate this and they may ask you for the reason for applying so early.

What is the easiest way to get a US visa?

The Fastest and Easiest Way to Get a US Electronic VisaWith VisaCentral, you can apply anytime for a US ESTA and you will receive an email confirmation from VisaCentral notifying you once your US ESTA has been issued.US ESTA's can take up to 72 hours to be authorised by the US Homeland Security.More items...

What are the steps to apply for a US visa?

Step 1 – File a Petition with USCIS. ... Step 2 – Case Preparation by the National Visa Center. ... Step 3 – Visa Interview Scheduling by the National Visa Center (NVC) ... Step 4 – Medical Exam. ... Step 5 – The day of the interview. ... Step 6 – Visa Approval. ... Step 7 – After you receive your visa.

How much does it cost to get a visa to the United States?

US$160The 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. K visas cost US$265 and the fee amount for E visas is US$205.

Can I apply visa online for USA?

The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé(e)) visas. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet.

How long does it take to get a US visa?

between two weeks and four monthsHow long are the U.S. visa application processing times? It is hard to give a general statement about what visa processing times you can expect. The entire visa application processing takes somewhere between two weeks and four months, depending on the type of visa.

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? No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.

How long is a US visa valid?

What should I know about the US Tourist visa validity? The B1/B2 Visa is valid for 10 years, but for each entry, you are allowed to stay in the United States of American only for 180 days or 6 months (at most).

How much does a 10 year US visa cost?

How much does a U.S. Multiple Entries Visa R B1/B2 cost? The cost for U.S. 10 YEAR MULTIPLE VISA FEES AND APPLICATION R B1/B2 is USD 160.00. NOTE : Additional fees may be added by the United States government after you receive your visa and interview.

How do I pay for US visa interview?

You will need a bank routing number and a checking or savings account number from a U.S. based bank. To pay your fee, log into your case in CEAC and click the 'PAY NOW' button under Affidavit of Support Fee or IV Fee on your summary page.

What documents are needed to apply for a US visa?

US Visa RequirementsAn online nonimmigrant DS-160 application form. You can file the form DS-160 here.Your valid passport. ... One photograph. ... Receipt proving payment of $160 for a nonimmigrant US visa application. ... Social media details.

What are the 4 types of visa?

Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.

Is US giving visa now?

U.S. Embassy Manila has resumed all routine visa services. Wait times for interviews are longer than before the pandemic, except for immediate relatives. For nonimmigrant visas, the embassy is prioritizing applicants with urgent travel needs.

What are the 4 main steps to getting a visa?

The U.S. Department of State issues visas at U.S. Embassies and Consulates....Four Steps to Help You Apply for a VisaPay your visa fee,Obtain acceptable photographs,Complete your online DS-160 visa application,Get a list of all required documents you must bring, and.Schedule your visa interview appointment.

What documents are needed for invitation to USA?

What documents are needed for an Invitation Letter?Scanned copy of host's ID or passport.Evidence of means of financial subsistence.Proof of homeownership or rental contract.An itinerary of the planned visit.Documentation of the host's time off from work for the visit.

What documents are required for U.S. visa interview?

You must bring the following documents to the interview: Appointment Letter – The interview appointment letter you received from NVC. Passport – For each applicant, an unexpired passport valid for six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States.

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”.

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.

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.

How often do you update your biographical information on a Chinese passport?

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first. This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

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.

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 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.

Where to schedule a visa interview?

You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.

What form do I need to bring for an L visa?

L Visa Applicants – If you are included in an L blanket petition, you must bring Form I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, to your interview.

What is the purpose of a visa interview?

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

What form do I need to file for a temporary worker visa?

Some temporary worker visa categories require your prospective employer to obtain a labor certification or other approval from the Department of Labor on your behalf before filing the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, with USCIS. Your prospective employer should review the Instructions for Form I-129 on the USCIS website to determine whether labor certification is required for you.

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 form do I need to schedule an interview?

You will need to provide the receipt number that is printed on your approved Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797, to schedule an interview.

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.

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 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.

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.

What documents do consular officers need to interview you for a student visa?

A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of: Your academic preparation, such as: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and. Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;

Where to schedule a visa interview?

You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. Embassy orCconsulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.

What happens if you try to get a visa?

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

What is transit visa?

Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States en route ...

What is the purpose of a visa interview?

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

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 crewmember visa?

A crewmember traveling to the United States as a passenger to join a ship or aircraft you will work on, providing services for operation. You will also need a crewmember D visa, most often issued as a combination C-1/D visa. Learn more about Crewmember visas.

What is the purpose of entering the United States?

Your purpose of entry into the United States is to transit while traveling onward to another country and that you intend to depart the United States;