Visa Application Process

• Applying for a Visa

• Security Measures for Visa Issuance

• Required Documentation

• Additional Requirements

• Fees required for visa issuance

• Misrepresentation of a Material Facts or Fraud

• Visa Ineligibility and Waivers

• Validity of a Visa

• Visa Denials

• Entering the United States

• Questions about Visas

Applying for a Visa

Applicants for a visa should generally apply at the American Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. Although you may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country where you reside.

Security Measures for Visa Issuance

The United States enhanced its national security measures for visa issuance shortly after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.  Visa applications are now subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past.  These security measures have caused some delays in visa issuance.  It is important to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel departure date.

Required Documentation

Each applicant for a visa must submit the following forms and documentation:

• A Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156, completed and signed. You may use either the electronic "e-form application" or the non-electronic version.  The Embassy or Consulate may also have blank DS-156 forms for you to complete.
   
• A Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-157 provides additional information about your travel plans. This form is required for all male applicants between 16 and 45 years of age.  This form is also required for all applicants from state sponsors of terrorism (North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Iraq, and Libya) over the age of 16 years old, both male and female.
   
• A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application;
   
• One 2 inch by 2 inch photograph, that meets the State Department's Photograph Requirements.

You should refer to the Embassy Consular Section web site for your country to determine visa processing timeframes and instructions, learn about interview scheduling, and find out if there are any additional documentation items required.

Additional Requirements

When applying for a visa, you must also demonstrate that you are eligible for the visa under U.S. law.  You should provide the following:

• Evidence which shows the purpose of the trip, intent to depart the United States, and arrangements made to cover the costs of the trip.
   
• If you do not have sufficient funds to support yourself while in the United States, you must present convincing evidence that a friend or relative will provide support.
   
• Other documentation showing family ties, employment, a residence, or other reasons why you would return to your home country.

Fees required for visa issuance

• Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee: Each applicant for a visa must pay a nonrefundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee of $100.
   
• Visa issuance fee:  Citizens of some countries are also required to pay an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee.  You can refer to the Visa Reciprocity Tables to find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is. 

Misrepresentation of a Material Facts or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact or fraud may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Visa Ineligibility and Waivers

The State Department provides information about Aliens who are Ineligible to Receive Visas.  In some cases, an applicant who is ineligible but who otherwise qualify for a visa may apply for a waiver of ineligibility.  If the waiver is approved, the applicant may be issued a visa and enter the United States.

Validity of a Visa

Unless previously canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration date.  If you have a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport, you may use it along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.

Visa Denials

If the consular officer denies the issuance of a visa, you may apply again if there is new evidence to overcome the basis for the refusal. For additional information, see the State Department website on Visa Denials to learn more. In the absence of new evidence, consular officers are not obliged to re-examine such cases.

Entering the United States

A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The visa allows a foreign citizen coming from abroad to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection has authority to permit or deny admission to the United States.

The period for which you are authorized to remain in the United States is determined by a U.S. immigration officer, not the consular officer. At the port of entry (such as an international airport, seaport or land border crossing), a U.S. immigration official determines whether you can enter and how long you can stay here, on any particular visit. If you are allowed to enter, the U.S. immigration official authorizes your admission to the United States.  The immigration official issues you a Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure, which shows the length of stay permitted.

Questions about Visas

You may ask questions about visa application procedures and visa ineligibilities at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.