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Applying for a US visa involves multiple steps including filling the DS-160 form, paying the visa fee, scheduling an interview, and attending the consular interview. The process varies slightly depending on the visa category — tourist (B1/B2), student (F1), work (H1B, L1), or immigrant (Green Card). All non-immigrant visa applications start with the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
You will be safely redirected to the official government website.
Fill the DS-160 form online at ceac.state.gov. This comprehensive form includes personal information, travel plans, work history, education, and security questions. Save your Application ID regularly — sessions can time out.
Upload a US visa-compliant photo: 2×2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months, no glasses. The photo must meet strict specifications or your application will be rejected.
Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee at an authorized bank or online. Keep the receipt — you'll need the transaction number to schedule your interview. Fees are non-refundable.
Log in to the US embassy's appointment website for your country and schedule both the biometrics (OFC) appointment and the visa interview. Select dates that give you enough time to prepare documents.
Visit the Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) for fingerprint and photo capture. This is typically scheduled 1-2 days before your visa interview. Bring your DS-160 confirmation and passport.
Arrive at the US Embassy/Consulate with all required documents. The consular officer will ask about your travel purpose, ties to home country, and financial ability. Be concise, honest, and confident.
If approved, your passport with the visa stamp will be available for pickup or courier delivery within 3-7 business days. Track the delivery through the embassy's passport tracking system.
Interview wait times vary significantly by embassy and visa category. Check travel.state.gov for current wait times at your nearest embassy. Some locations have wait times of 100+ days, so plan well in advance.
Yes, most travelers need a C-1 transit visa or a valid B1/B2 visa to transit through any US airport, even if you don't leave the airport. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries can use ESTA.