To apply for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States, applicants must follow several steps as outlined by the U.S. Embassy.
The first step is to select the correct visa category using the visa wizard on travel.state.gov. The embassy emphasizes that "U.S. law prohibits pre-application consultations" and eligibility cannot be determined until after payment of the non-refundable application fee and submission of an in-person application.
Applicants must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in the U.S., unless exempted by specific agreements. It should also be in good condition with at least one blank page.
The next step involves completing form DS-160 online and printing the confirmation page, which includes a barcode necessary for scheduling an appointment. This form should be submitted within 90 days of booking an interview to avoid delays.
A photograph meeting specific requirements must be uploaded or brought in hard copy to the interview if there are issues with uploading it correctly.
From June 1st, 2024, each applicant aged 14 and older must book individual time slots for interviews; children under 14 do not need separate appointments but their applications must still be presented by a parent or guardian.
Visa fees are payable in cash at the embassy on the day of the interview, with additional fees applicable depending on nationality and visa type. The embassy specifies that "it is not possible to pay...by V-PAY, credit or debit card."
Interview attendance requires punctuality due to limited capacity inside embassies. Only those with appointments will be admitted, except for translators, parents or guardians of minors, caregivers for disabled persons, and young children accompanying someone with an appointment.
If approved during the interview, processing typically takes ten business days. Applicants can submit self-addressed envelopes for passport return or pick them up in person during specified times if no envelope is provided.
Additional documentation may be required based on visa categories such as temporary employment/business visas needing petition receipts or study/exchange visas requiring forms like I-20 or DS-2019 along with proof of SEVIS payment.