USA Visa Requirements Decoded

To make sure your interview process goes smoothly and quickly, fill out and submit the online DS-160 application form. Include your DS-160 number in your profile between one year and one week before your interview date. If your DS-160 was completed less than one week before your interview, you might not be allowed in. This new rule starts on January 1, 2024. For instance, if your interview is on 01/08/2024, finish the DS-160 before 01/01/2024. If you've already done a DS-160 within a year, you don't need to do another one unless you get an email telling you to. If you need to change your DS-160 within one week of the interview, tell the staff on the day of the interview.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with input from the State Department, allows citizens of 41 countries to visit the United States for business or tourism trips lasting up to 90 days without needing a visa.

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• When applying for a visa to the United States, determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, study, or employment, to select the appropriate visa category.
• Visit the official website of the U.S. Department of State or consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for detailed information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures.
• Review the specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and financial obligations for the chosen visa type to ensure a successful visa application for the United States.

As a Nonimmigrant Visa applicant, you must complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form accurately. Please carefully read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form before starting your application. Please note that once you submit the form, you cannot make any changes, so make sure all information is correct.

Please note that the call centre cannot help you complete your application. You will need your DS-160 number to book your appointment.

If you have previously been denied a visa, you must complete a new Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.

You must pay the visa fee, which varies depending on your visa type. Please refer to the visa fee page for the current fee in both US dollars and your local currency.

To pay your visa fee, please read the bank and payment options page. This page explains the available payment methods and how to complete your payment. Once you have paid the fee, you will create a profile and receive a receipt number, which you must keep to book your visa appointment.

You are almost ready to schedule your visa appointment. Here's what you need to do:

• Log in to Your Profile: Log in to your profile using the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. Once you are in the system, you will see your dashboard.
• Select the Schedule Appointment Button: Click the "Schedule Appointment" button to start the scheduling process.
• Schedule Two Appointments: You must schedule two appointments, one for the Visa Application Center (VAC) and one for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.
• Schedule Your VAC Appointment: Schedule your appointment at a Visa Application Center. At the VAC, you will have your fingerprints and photo taken. This appointment must be at least 1 day before your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate.
• Schedule Your Visa Interview Appointment: Schedule your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate. Same-day appointments are available for certain visa classes. The VAC appointment time must be before the consular appointment time.
• Gather Required Information: You will need three pieces of information to schedule your appointment:
  1. Your passport number
  2. The visa application fee receipt number
  3. The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page
• Complete the Scheduling Process: 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.

Before your appointment at the Visa Application Center, make sure to gather the following documents and items:

• A Valid Passport: You must have a passport that is 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: Bring a printed copy of your DS-160 confirmation page.
• Your Appointment Confirmation Page: Bring a printed copy of your appointment confirmation page.
• One Photograph (If Applicable): If the applicant is under 14 years of age, you must bring one photograph as per U.S. visa specifications. See the photos and fingerprints section of the website for more details.

Make sure to review the specific requirements for your visa type and location. In some cases, you may need to bring additional documents or items. It's always a good idea to double-check the requirements before your appointment.

Here's what you need to know about collecting your visa:

• You will be notified via email and SMS when your passport is ready for pickup at the location you selected during the appointment scheduling process.
• If you prefer, you can also opt for premium delivery services to have your passport and visa delivered directly to your address.
• Please bring the following items with you when you go to collect your passport:

1. Your appointment confirmation page
2. A government-issued photo ID
3. Any other documents as requested during your interview

Double-check that all the information on your visa is correct before leaving the pickup location.

Important Notice: Please be advised that children under the age of 14 are not required to attend the visa appointment at the Visa Application Center or the interview at the Embassy/Consulate. Parents, guardians, or authorized representatives are permitted to present the necessary documents on their behalf.