Before you apply for your visa, it’s important to understand that the application steps may vary slightly by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. To see specific instructions for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest to you, visitUSEmbassy.govand find the country in which you will apply.
For a general overview of the tourist visa application process, note the following steps:
❑Obtain a passport that is valid 6 months after your planned departure from the U.S.
❑Take a color photo which meets thephotograph requirements found here.
❑Fill out and submit the online nonimmigrant visa application,Form DS-160(the form will require you to upload your photo).
❑Print the Form DS-160 confirmation page to bring with you to your visa interview.
❑Schedule an appointment for your visa interview with a U.S. consular officer in the country in which you reside. To find the nearest embassy or consulate and its contact information, search for your country of residence atUSEmbassy.gov.
❑Check the typical wait time for your embassy or consulate attravel.state.gov.
❑Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (if the fee is requiredbeforeyour interview).
❑Gather the required documents.
❑Practice for your visa interview. For visa interview tips and practice questions, seeVisa Interview Tips.
❑Attend your visa interview.
❑Upon visa approval, pay your additional visa issuance fee (if applicable). To determine whether you’ll owe an issuance fee, select your nationality under “Prepare for Your Interview” at the travel.state.govVisitor Visapage.
