Individuals from foreign countries who wish to travel to the United States are generally required to obtain a visa. There are two main types of U.S. visas: nonimmigrant visas, for those seeking temporary stays, and immigrant visas, for those intending to live permanently in the U.S.
Visitor visas fall under the nonimmigrant category and are intended for individuals traveling to the United States for a short-term visit. These include:
Applying for a U.S. visa involves several steps, and the process may vary depending on the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply. It's important to carefully follow the application instructions provided on the official website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country, as procedures, document requirements, and appointment availability can differ by location.
Complete the Online Visa Application
To apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa, you must complete the Form DS-160, the online visa application. This is a crucial part of the application process. Here’s what you need to do:
Complete the DS-160 online -Provide accurate and complete information on the application form.
Photo - You will be required to upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Please ensure that your photo meets all U.S. visa photograph requirements, including specifications for size, background, and image quality.
Visa interviews are generally required for most applicants, with a few limited exceptions. However, consular officers reserve the right to request an interview from any visa applicant, regardless of age or visa type.
You should typically schedule your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you reside. While it is possible to schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in another country, please note that doing so may make it more difficult to establish your eligibility for a visa.
Interview appointment wait times vary depending on the location, time of year, and type of Visitor Visa. To avoid delays in your travel plans, it is recommended that you apply for your visa as early as possible.
You can review the current interview wait times on the official U.S. Department of State website for the embassy or consulate where you intend to apply.
Gather Required Documentation
Before attending your U.S. visa interview, make sure to gather and prepare the following essential documents:
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for travel to the United States and remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, unless exempt under a country-specific agreement.
DS-160 Confirmation Page
You must bring the confirmation page from your completed Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application).
Visa Application Fee Receipt
If you are required to pay the visa application fee before your interview, bring the official payment receipt.
Photograph
You will be asked to upload a photo when completing Form DS-160. If the upload fails, bring one printed photo that meets the official U.S. visa photograph requirements.
Additional Documentation May Be Required
Before applying, it is essential to review the specific visa application instructions provided on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will submit your application. Procedures and requirements can vary by location.
In addition to the standard documents, you may be asked to provide additional evidence to demonstrate that you meet the qualifications for a U.S. visa. These documents may include:
Attend Your Visa Interview
As part of the U.S. visitor visa application process, you will be interviewed by a consular officer to determine your eligibility. During the interview, you must demonstrate that you meet the requirements set forth under U.S. immigration law.
In addition, digital, ink-free fingerprint scans will be taken as part of the application process. These are typically collected during the interview, although procedures may vary depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Following your interview, the consular officer may inform you that your application requires further administrative processing. If so, you will be provided with the necessary information and next steps.
Entering the United States
A U.S. visa allows a foreign national to travel to a U.S. port of entry—typically an airport—and request permission to enter the United States. However, it is important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S.
The final decision regarding your admission is made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry. These officials have the authority to either permit or deny your entry into the country.
If you are permitted to enter, the CBP official will provide you with an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, which records your arrival and departure details.
To ensure a smooth entry process, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the entry requirements and any restrictions—including those regarding bringing in food, agricultural products, and other restricted or prohibited goods. For more detailed information, visit the official CBP website.
Extending Your Stay
For information on how to request an extension of your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or Form I-94, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
It is crucial to depart the United States on time, as failure to do so may result in being considered out of status. Under U.S. law (Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), any visa holder who overstays their authorized stay will have their visa automatically voided. This includes multiple-entry visas, which will no longer be valid for future travel to the United States.
Additionally, overstaying your authorized stay may render you ineligible for future visas. To learn more about the implications of overstaying and how it may affect your future visa applications, review the Visa Denials, Ineligibilities, and Waivers: Laws section.
Change of Status
If your circumstances change while you are in the United States—such as marrying a U.S. citizen or receiving a job offer—you may be eligible to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to a different visa category. To learn more about how to apply, visit the Change My Nonimmigrant Status page on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa. However, if you leave the United States, you will need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that corresponds with your new status and travel purpose.
Additional Information