Applying for a visitor visa can be an extremely stressful process. Guidelines often seem unclear and contradicting information on different websites can make the whole process even more confusing.
That's why we've assembled some helpful information about the U.S. visitor visa application process, including a list of all the documents you will need to complete the online application and to take with you to your visa interview.
But first, you should verify that a visitor visa is indeed the visa required for your travel to the United States.
According to the U.S. Department of State, visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for those wanting to enter the United States either temporarily for business (B-1 visa), for tourism (B-2 visa), or for a combination of both (B-1/B-2).
Travelers coming to the U.S. for B-1 or B-2 purposes for a period of 90 days or less may be eligible to travel without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Follow the link to find out if your home country is one of the 38 countries participating in the VWP and to see if you meet the requirements to travel visa-free.
Once you're sure that you require a U.S. visitor visa, you'll need to gather documents to begin the application process. Often, this is where the confusion starts.
The documents needed for the visitor visa application process fall into two categories: required documents and supporting documents:
Therefore, they must prove that:
IMPORTANT
Not all U.S. consulates and embassies require the same documents for the visitor visa application. For a location-specific list of required documents, visit the directory of U.S. embassies to consult the U.S. consulate or embassy where you plan to apply.
The first step of the U.S. visitor visa application process is to complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160).
After you've submitted the online nonimmigrant visa application, print the application confirmation to bring with you to your interview.
Next, you may be required to pay the non-refundable visa application fee of 160 USD. If you are not prompted to pay online, you will have to pay at your interview. Be prepared to pay the exact amount in USD or the equivalent in local currency, as specified on your consulate's website. You should also be sure to check in advance which types of payment are accepted.
Then, make an appointment for an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be applying. At this interview, you will be asked to provide various additional documents.
If eyeglasses are permitted:
You can review examples of acceptable and nonacceptable photos on the U.S. Department of State website to get a better understanding of these guidelines.
Nonacceptable photos include photos copied or scanned from driver's licenses or other official documents, snapshots, magazine photos, low-resolution photo booth photos, mobile phone photos, or full-length photos.
In addition to uploading a photo with your online application, some embassies and consulates require that you also bring a photo to your interview. Consult your local consulate to find out if this applies to you.
During your visa interview at a U.S. consulate, you will be required to show additional documentation that may vary depending on your location and your reasons for traveling to the USA. These supporting documents include any documents that provide evidence of:
Here, we have provided suggestions of supporting documents to take with you, organized by category.
A medical diagnosis from a local physician explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason for seeking treatment in the USA
A letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States stating that they are willing to treat your ailment and specifying the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors — fees, hospitalization, and other medical-related expenses)
Proof that transportation, medical, and living expenses in the U.S. will be paid. This proof may be in the form of bank or other statements of income or savings, or certified copies of income tax returns (yours or the person or organization paying for treatment)
NOTE: Visitor health insurance covers many unexpected injuries and illnesses, but it does not cover medical expenses you plan to incur when the purpose of your travel is to seek medical treatment. Learn more about visitor health insurance, what it covers, and the benefits of choosing Atlas America.
The documents listed above are just suggestions of possible supporting documents. You may not need all of them, but it is generally better to show up to your visa interview overprepared, with too many documents, than it is to show up with too few.
Be sure to consult the U.S. consulate where you are applying for specific information about supporting documents that may be required.
Applying for a United States visitor visa can be a long and difficult process. Wading through all the forms and fees only to be rewarded with an intense interview can seem very scary. However, with the help of these practical tips and tricks, you'll be breezing through it in no time.
All of your answers must be typed in English characters and written in English, except when you're asked to provide your full name in your native alphabet. Applications in other languages won't be accepted and you may be required to submit a new application. To make it easier for non-native English speakers, translations of questions are available in a drop-down menu.
Do your research, and then do it again. Each country has its own specific requirements. Use the directory of U.S. embassies as a starting point in your research. This site has links to the website of every country's U.S. embassy with additional helpful information.
Another good resource is anyone who has already been through the visa application process. Turn to friends and family or join a forum or group on social media of other people who have applied in the past.
Before you submit your online application, proofread and check for errors. Make sure you've provided an answer for every single box on the application. If the question does not pertain, then write "not applicable" or "N/A" and use the additional information boxes to explain the answers that you gave. Keep in mind, applications with empty responses will not be accepted.
Filling out the DS-160 form isn't likely to take you long, but between the time it takes to get an appointment at the embassy/consulate and the time it takes for them to process your application post-interview, it could be a month or more before you receive your visa.
Avoid expedited processing fees by starting the process early. The U.S. Department of State has provided a resource for checking the approximate wait time for your consulate or embassy. Most embassy or consulate websites provide this information as well.
Keep track of the things you need to bring with you to the interview. Make sure you have all documentation (both required and supporting), as well as copies, if they are requested. The dossier you take to your interview may end up being quite large, so labeling papers and organizing them in a way that makes documents easy to find is a good idea.
Bring a good attitude to the interview. Being polite and courteous will go a long way. Always make eye contact so the interviewer doesn't think you are trying to hide something. If you tend to get nervous, remember that doing research will help you be more confident.
Another good idea is to dress nicely and to arrive at the interview early. If you get intimidated, just remember that the consular officer performing the interview is not your enemy. He or she is just doing their job.
There may be some surprises in the interview, but don't let them worry you. Remember, the interview may be conducted in your language or in English. If you are not sure what the interviewer has said because of an accent or language barrier, calmly and politely ask them to repeat themselves.
Also be prepared to answer "what if" questions, such as "What if you are offered a job while you are in the United States? Would you take it?" If you answer this question with, "I would take the job," then your application will most likely be denied. The interviewers are not asking you these questions because they doubt you, but because it is their job to determine which applicants may illegally remain in the country.
Congratulations! Now that you have your visa, the last thing to do is carefully check it and confirm that all the information is correct. Make sure your name is spelled right, and that everything is accurate. Enjoy your trip!