Required Documents
For US Visa
Passport
Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant visa application) confirmation page
Application fee payment receipt (if required to pay before interview)
Photo
o Colored and 2 x 2 inches in size
o Passport photo should be taken in full-face view, within the last 6 months and with plain white or off-white background.
o Applicants should wear clothing normally worn daily and must have both eyes open and neutral facial expression
o Eye height should be between 28mm to 35mm from bottom of the photo and height from top of the hair to the bottom of the chin should be 25mm to 35mm
o The top of the photo from the hair until the bottom of the chin must be between 50% and 69% of the image’s total height. The eye height from the bottom of the image to the eye level should be between 56% and 69% of the image’s height.
o The image must have a square aspect ratio (height must be equal to the width) and must have dimensions not less than 600 x 600 but not more than 1200 x 1200.
o Reason for travel to the United States
o Proof that you can cover the cost of your trip or proof that another person will cover some of the costs of your trip (only for applicants who cannot cover the cost of the trip themselves)
o Proof of return to country of residence or forward ticket to another country
Proof of employment and/or family ties
Note:
It may also be necessary to submit supplementary documents in relation to your travel visa application.
USA visa
Application steps
- Prepare the required documents.
- Fill out the application form.
o Complete and submit Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant visa application) online. Print the confirmation page and bring it to your interview.
- Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (if required to pay before the interview).
- Schedule a United States visa appointment for the interview and attend the interview.
- Submit the United States visa application form confirmation page.
USA visa Fees
The standard fee for the application of a United States visa is $160. Depending on the applicant’s nationality, some may also have to cover additional fees, such as the visa issuance fee once the application is approved.
Where to apply
It is recommended that applicants start their tourism visa applications early as wait time for interview appointments may vary depending on the season, location, and visa category.
Where to Apply
Applicants can apply for visitor visas at the nearest United States embassy in the country where they live. A list of U.S. consulates, embassies, and diplomatic missions can be found on this website. Interviews can also be scheduled at other U.S. embassies or consulates outside the applicant’s country of residence but it may be difficult to get a visa approved this way.
USA Visa Processing Time
The processing times for nonimmigrant times vary, depending on the location of the consulate, embassy, or diplomatic mission where the application was lodged. Check the appointment wait time here.
For approved visa applications:
Depending on nationality, applicants whose visa applications are approved may need to pay an issuance fee. Applicants may also need to make arrangements for the return of their passport with the visa.
Applicants who have received their United States visa should remember the following things:
The visa does not guarantee a foreign citizen entry to the country. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs, and Border Protection have the authority to permit or deny admission to the country. Those who allowed entry into the United States will be provided an admission stamp or a paper form called I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
For denied visa applications:
Applicants whose visa applications are denied will be notified of the reason. They will also be advised if they may apply for a waiver of their ineligibility. Applicants may also reapply but only if they are able to present evidence of notable changes in circumstances since their last application.