Apply for a Visa

On this page:


Overview

Please confirm whether or not you need to apply for a visa. You may not need to apply for a new U.S. visa if you already hold a valid U.S. visa or are a national of a Visa Waiver Program participating country.

If you do need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa, please follow the steps below.

How to Apply

Step 1 – Determine Visa Type and Potential Waivers

For Nonimmigrant Visa applicants:

Determine your visa type by reading Common Nonimmigrant Visas. Each visa type explains the qualifications and application items. Choose the visa type that applies to your situation.

Be sure to also review the Visa Waiver Program. If your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you do not need to apply for a visa if you are traveling for business or pleasure and will only be staying in the Unites States for 90 days or less.

Determine if you need to apply in person or via mail. Most applicants require in-person interviews with a U.S. consul when applying for a visa. The applicants below, however, do not require in-person interviews. If you fall into one of these groups, do not continue further and click on the link below.

• Applicants who need to renew visas -Click Here

Step 2 – Complete DS-160 Form

The next step is to complete the DS-160 Form. Be sure to read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form carefully. All information must be correct and accurate. Once the form is submitted, you cannot make any changes. If you need assistance, please consult an immigration lawyer or translator. The call center cannot help you complete your DS-160. You will need your DS-160 confirmation number to book your appointment.

Step 3 – Pay Visa Fee

Once you have determined the correct visa type and completed the DS-160, you must pay the visa fee. The visa fee page lists the visa types and correlating visa fee in U.S. dollars and local currency.

To pay your visa fee, read the Payment Locations and Payment Options page. This page explains how to make your visa fee payment. You will create a profile and must keep your receipt number to book your visa appointment.

Step 4 – Schedule Your Appointment

Now you will need to log in to your profile with the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. Once you are in the system, you will see your dashboard.

Click on Schedule Appointment on the left-hand side menu.

This will start the process for scheduling your appointment. You will need:

  • Your passport number.
  • The twelve (12) digit receipt number from your Visa Fee receipt. Click here if you need help finding this number.
  • The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

Caution:

  1. All applicants must fill out a new Form DS-160 for every new application for a U.S. visa. All previously submitted DS-160 forms cannot be used for a new visa interview.
  2. Using a barcode number from the DS-160 that is not submitted to schedule an interview appointment will result in appointment cancellation.
  3. The barcode number on the DS-160 Confirmation page that visa applicants bring on their interview dates must be exactly the same one used to schedule the appointment. Failure to present the DS-160 Confirmation page with the same barcode number that you used for scheduling your appointment will result in the cancellation of your visa interview appointment.
  4. Correction of the DS-160 confirmation number after you have scheduled an appointment is available until two business days before your visa interview. To correct the number, please log in to your profile, and select “Update profile” or contact the call center for assistance. If your DS-160 confirmation number is not corrected before two business days prior to your appointment, your interview will be cancelled, and you will have to reschedule your interview appointment.

As you go through the process you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.

Step 5 - Interview

Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. Be sure to check the Schedule My Appointment page for the necessary documentation needed for your appointment.

Bring the necessary documentation on the date and time of you visa interview.

  • A printed copy of your appointment letter
  • Your DS-160 confirmation page
  • One color photograph 2"x2" (5cmx5cm) taken within 6 month against white background (Please attach your photo on the upper left corner of DS-160 confirmation page). This web page has information about the required photo format.

    *Please note applicants are not permitted to wear eyeglasses in photos.

  • A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
  • Your expired passports issued within the past 10 years
  • Required supporting documents for the type of visa you are applying for listed here

 

Step 6 – Track Approved Visa

If your visa is approved, the visa will be sent to your designated location selected when you scheduled your appointment. Please review the Track and Retrieve My Passport page in order to ensure your passport is delivered in a timely manner. Upon receipt, please check the information printed on the visa to confirm that it is correct.