How To Apply
How To Apply
If you do need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa, please follow the steps below.
Know your visa type
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.
Complete your application
Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (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 number to book your appointment.
Pay your visa fees
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 bank 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.
Schedule your appointment
You are almost ready to schedule your visa appointment! Now you will need to login to your profile and you will see your dashboard. Select the Schedule Appointment button. This will start the process for scheduling your appointment.
You will need three pieces of information in order to schedule your appointment:
- Your passport number
- The visa application fee receipt number.
- The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page
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.
Attend your interview
For your appointment, you must present:
- A passport valid for travel to the United States with validity dates 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 DS-160 confirmation page.
- Your appointment confirmation page.
- One photograph as per U.S. visa specifications if the applicant is under 14 years of age. See photos and fingerprints for more details.
Track your passport
If your visa application is approved, your passport and visa can be collected from the pickup location you selected when you scheduled for interview appointment. When your passport is available at selected location you will receive an email and an SMS that your passport is “Ready for Pick Up”.
