You should apply for a US visa at a US Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence following these simple steps:
- 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.
1. Check if you need a visa
Citizens of 42 visa waiver countries do not need to apply for a non-immigrant visa to visit the United States. However, you can find out if you need to apply for a US visa, by using the visa checker below:
2. Choose the visa type
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.
3. Fill in the Non-immigrant visa Application Form DS-160
Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application is the US visa application form that you must fill out if you are applying for a US nonimmigrant visa. The form can be found online on the website of the US consulate from which you are applying.
You can fill the DS-160 form online through the Consular Electronic Application Center.
Here is a guide on how to fill in the DS-160 form.
4. Pay the application fee
The Machine Readable Visa Fee for visa applicants depends on the type of visa one applies for. The schedule is tiered as follows:
- MRV Fee – $185
- Petition Based Applicants (H, L, O, P, Q, R) – $205
- E-1, E-2 & E-3 visa applicants – $315
Keep in mind that the visa fee is non-refundable if you decide to cancel your appointment or if your visa application is rejected.
In addition to application fees, you could also be asked to pay US visa issuance fees. Visa issuance fees are determined by the relationship that the US has with your home country. This means that some applicants will have to pay them and some will not. Their amount varies from country to country.
To be able to proceed with your application, you must pay all the necessary fees and retain the receipts for proof.
5. Schedule an interview
All US nonimmigrant visa applicants between 14 and 79 years old are required to go through a US visa interview. To set up an interview, you must schedule an appointment with the US consulate or embassy from which you are applying.
The moment that you submit your Form DS-160, you should make an appointment for your interview. You will then get an interview confirmation letter which you must bring on the day of the interview.
6. Compile the document file
In addition to your application form or Form DS-160, you must also submit documents required for your US visa application which prove to the US consulate that you meet the requirement for the nonimmigrant visa you are applying.
7. Attend the visa interview
Appear on time at the interview with all your supporting documents. The official who will interview you will ask questions about your background and other relevant details based on the visa you have applied for.
- Common questions asked during a visitor visa interview.
- Common questions asked for a student visa interview
- Common questions asked for a H1B visa interview
8. Wait for processing
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. You should only make travel arrangements after your visa is approved and not run the risk of making expenses in case it is denied.