USA Visa Application Guide

Most people worldwide need a visa to travel to the USA. There are many reasons why someone would want to travel. These include business, tourism, study, work, and permanent relocation. People from all walks of life are attracted to the country because they have different goals and desire to “live the American dream.” There are many obstacles to overcome, and one of those is obtaining a visa. You will need to follow the simple steps and procedures to apply for a visa in the United States.

What's included?

B-2 Tourist Visa Overview
Understanding the Tourist Visa Application Process
Tourist Visa eligibility information
How to fill out the B-2 Tourist Visa Application forms
Tourist Visa extension information
Tourist Visa extension information

List of Documents Required
Information about Filing Fees
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
List of all USCIS Offices in the Nation
Directory of U.S. Consulates and Embassies
Information on how to obtain the latest United States immigration forms

Steps to applying for a US Visa

These are the steps to follow to apply for a US Visa at a US Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Select the type of visa that you would like to apply for in the United States
Complete the Non-immigrant Visa Application Form DS160
Pay your application fee
Schedule visa interview
Collect the document file
Participate in the interview for a visa
Wait for processing

IMPORTANT: If you are a citizen of one of the 41 Visa Waiver Countries (list of countries), you may qualify to enter the United States for up to 90 days visa-free. Download the “Visa Waiver Program Application Guide” for more information on how to start your application immediately. Most applicants receive their online Visa Waiver Confirmation within 5 minutes.

Find out if you require a visa.

To visit the United States, citizens of 41 countries that have waived visa requirements do not need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa. You can check the visa checker to find out if you are required to apply for a visa in the United States.

Select the type of visa

Next, you must decide which type of US visa you want. There are many options depending on which type of US visa you wish to obtain, so you must be careful when choosing the correct visa type to apply for.

Complete the Non-immigrant Visa Application Form DS160

If you want to apply for a nonimmigrant visa in the USA, Form DS160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, must be completed. You can find the form online at the US consulate where you apply. Online, you can complete the DS160 form:1

How do I fill out the form DS160?

Two parts make up the application form DS-160. The first section asks for personal information.

Full name
Marital Status
Nationality
Place & Date of Birth
Address
Country
Mobile number

The second section of the online application forms includes questions about security and background information.

If you've ever been convicted or arrested for an offense,
Any law relating to controlled substances can be violated if you are a conspirator.
If you've ever been involved with money laundering.
If you have ever ordered, incited, committed genocide, or assisted in it, please let us know.

Pay your US visa application fee

Next, you will need to pay the US visa application fees. Visa applicants pay a Machine Readable Visa Fee depending on which type of visa they are applying for. The following is the order of the schedule:

Remember that your visa fee cannot be refunded if you cancel your appointment or your application is denied. You may also have to pay US visa issuance fees. The relationship between the US and your country determines the amount of visa issuance fees. Some applicants will need to pay them while others will not. The amount they charge varies from one country to the next. You must pay all fees to be allowed to submit your application. Keep the receipts as proof.

Interview for a US Visa

All nonimmigrant US visa applicants aged 14 to 79 must undergo a US visa interview. You must make an appointment with the US consulate/embassy where you are applying for this interview. You should schedule your consultation as soon as possible, as they may have a heavy workload and can wait up to several weeks. If you meet certain conditions, however, you might be eligible for an emergency US visa appointment. Once you have submitted your Form DS160, it is time to make an appointment for your interview. The interview confirmation letter will be emailed to you. This letter must be brought with you on the day of your interview.

Collect the document file

You must submit additional documents to support your US visa application. These documents will be required to prove that you meet the requirements for the nonimmigrant visa for which you are applying.

Participate in the interview for a visa

The last step in the US visa application procedure is the interview. All supporting documents must be brought to the discussion. An official will conduct interviews. They will ask you questions about your background and other pertinent details depending on the visa you applied for. The interview may take longer if you’re going to the US for work than if it were a visit.

Wait for the processing

It would help if you waited until your visa interview was over before submitting your application. The processing time depends on which type of US visa was applied for. They can take anywhere from a few days up to several months. You will be notified when your visa processing is complete. It would help if you only made travel arrangements once your visa has been approved. If it is denied, you will not be able to incur expenses. You can increase your chances of a successful US visa application.

Are Americans required to purchase health insurance for visitors to the United States?

Americans are not required to have health insurance for visitors to the United States. It is strongly recommended that you have some form of health insurance before you visit the United States due to the high cost of healthcare in the country. A broken leg or arm can be treated for $2,500. However, staying in a US hospital for just one night could cost more than $10,000.

Application for a US Visa from Different Countries

UK applicants

You can travel to the US if you are a British citizen. This is not true for all UK citizens. You need to follow specific steps to apply for a visa to the USA from the UK.

Canadian applicants

Canadians don’t need a visa or an ESTA to travel to the US. However, Canadian citizens who do not reside in one of the 41 Visa Waiver Countries should apply from Canada for a US visa to visit the US.

Australian Applicants

Australian citizens who aren’t citizens of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program should apply for a visa to the USA from Australia.

UAE applicants

The Visa Waiver Program does not apply to UAE. Therefore, UAE citizens must apply for a US Visa. The following articles will help you apply for a US Visa from UAE.

Qatari applicants

Qatari residents and citizens may have to apply for US visas as Qatar is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. This article explains how to apply for a US Visa from Qatar.

Filipino applicants

A US visa is required for citizens and residents of the Philippines to be allowed to travel to the US. This article explains how to apply for a US visa in the Philippines.

Indian applicants

India is not a member of the Visa Waiver Program. Therefore, Indian citizens must apply for a visa to travel to the USA. Learn more about how to apply for a visa to the USA in India.