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DS-160 Form for US Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Updated: September 8, 2023

If you are applying for a US visa, you must complete the DS-160 form. Filling out the DS-160 form is a mandatory requirement for all US nonimmigrant visa applications such as the B1/B2.

The US Department of State uses form DS-160 along with the visa interview to determine your eligibility for a US visa. It’s important to complete this form accurately and honestly.

In this article, you will learn everything about the DS-160 form, the documents needed and how to complete it.

Table of Contents

What is ds-160 form.

DS-160 form is an online nonimmigrant visa application form for the United States. It’s a mandatory form for all US nonimmigrant visa applications such as the B1/B2. Completing this form is the first step in the US visa application process.

It’s a lengthy form so it can take about 60-90 minutes to fill. The form will ask for details about your personal information, travel plans, travel history, education, work, etc. For a sample form, take a look at this sample DS-160 on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.

Who Must Fill DS-160 Form?

If you are applying for a nonimmigrant visa for the US such as a B1/B2, you must fill out the DS-160 form. This form is required for all US nonimmigrant visa applicants regardless of their age or nationality.

Form DS-160 is the first step in the US visa application process. This is an online form that can take about 60-90 minutes to fill.

It’s important to fill this form accurately and honestly. Providing false or misleading information can lead to visa refusal or a temporary ban.

Where to Fill DS-160 Form?

To fill out the form DS-160, visit Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. This is the only website authorized for completing and submitting the form DS-160.

A Word of Caution Third parties are allowed to fill out the application on your behalf. But I highly recommend filling out the form yourself to avoid any errors.

Technical Requirements to Fill Out Form DS-160

Before you start filling out your form DS-160, ensure that you have the necessary technical requirements.

• Device Compatibility: You need a computer or laptop. It’s a lengthy form with several sections. It’s cumbersome to fill it out on a phone or tablet. Use a computer or laptop.
• Browser Compatibility: You need a major browser such as Google Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer. It also works on Safari and Microsoft Edge, but I highly recommend using Google Chrome.
• Internet Connection: You need a stable and reliable internet connection. A slow and unstable internet can cause the form to load slowly or freeze. This can lead to frustration and delays.
• Software Requirements: You need a PDF reader installed on your computer. A PDF reader is necessary to view and print your confirmation page. If you do not have one, download Adobe Acrobat Reader .
• Other Technical Requirements: Disable popups and download blockers on your browser. These blockers can prevent downloading your confirmation page.

Documents Required to Fill Out DS-160 Form 

You must have the following documents ready before filling out your form DS-160. The form is long and requires a lot of information. Make sure to keep these documents and information handy before you start the application.

• Valid passport: You need a valid passport. The validity requirements for the passport depend on your nationality. Refer to the six-month club update on the CBP website for current passport validity requirements for US visa applications.
• Old passports (if any): You need your old passports to fill out the information on any previously issued US visas and travel history in the last 5 years.
• Digital photo: You need one digital photo as per the US visa photo requirements . Otherwise, you must carry two copies of 2-inch x 2-inch (50mmx50mm) photos to your personal interview.
• Travel itinerary: You need your US travel itinerary such as the date of arrival, length of the trip, etc. If you had made travel arrangements already, you would need your flight and hotel details as well.
• National ID: You need your National ID as you would need to fill in your national ID number.
• SSN or ITIN: If you have lived in the US before, you need to fill out your SSN or ITIN information. You need these documents handy as well.
• Employment history documents: You need information about your employment history starting from your current employer and past two employers.
• Education history documents: You need information about your education starting from your highest education all the way to high school.
• Travel history documents: You need information about the countries you have traveled in the last 5 years.
• Other Information: You also need information about your family, travel companions, social media accounts and the details of your US contact person.

Form DS-160 Fee

There is no fee to fill out form DS-160. This is only the first step in your US visa application process. You will pay the visa fee of $185 in the next step, which is scheduling your visa interview.

Form DS-160 Processing Time

There is no processing time for form DS-160. When you submit your form, the confirmation page is displayed immediately.

Again, keep in mind that filling out this form is only the first step in your US visa application process. You would still need to schedule and attend your visa interview.

Form DS-160 Validity

The validity of your DS-160 form depends on whether you are still filling it out or already submitted it.

Unsubmitted: Form DS-160 is valid for 30 days from the day of starting the application. You must complete and submit your form within this time period. After 30 days, the form will expire, and you will need to complete a new form.

Submitted: Form DS-160 is valid for one year from the day of submission. You must use this submitted DS-160 to schedule your interview within one year.

DS-160 Confirmation Number

When you submit your completed DS-160 form, you will receive a confirmation page with a unique 10-digit barcode. This barcode is your DS-160 confirmation number. You must make a note of this 10-digit code. You would need this to schedule your visa appointment.

How to Fill Out DS-160 Form?

Below are the various sections of the form DS-160 and the information required to fill out each section.

Section 01: Getting Started

Start your DS-160 form by going to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. Select the location and click on “Start An Application”. Make a note of the Application ID displayed.

Section 02: Personal

Enter your personal details such as your name, gender, date of birth, marital status, nationality, national ID number and US social security number (if you have one).

Section 03: Address and Phone

Enter your home and mailing address, phone and email addresses.

Section 04: Passport

Enter your passport details such as the passport number, place of issue, date of issue and expiration.

Section 05: Travel

Enter the purpose of your trip, details of your travel plans and whether you or some else is paying for the trip.

Section 06: Travel Companions

Enter the details of your travel companions. If you will be traveling by yourself, simply select “No” and move on to the next section.

Section 07: Previous U.S. Travel

Enter information about your previous US visa and US travel details. If you have never been to the US, select “No” and move on to the next section.

Section 08: U.S. Contact

Enter the information about your point of contact in the US. If you are a tourist, enter the details of your hotel or family/friend where you will stay.

Section 09: Family

Enter your father’s and mother’s information and details of any relatives that you have in the US.

Section 10: Work / Education / Training

Enter your employment, education and travel history information. This section is applicable only to certain applicants. If you do not see this section, simply move on to the next section.

Section 11: Security and Background

In this section, read and answer each and every security question. Every security question is important so make sure to answer accurately.

Section 12: Photo

In this section, upload your photo as per the photo requirements. This section is not applicable to applicants from certain countries. So if this section is not shown, move on to the next one.

Section 13: Review

In this section, review the information you have entered so far. This section will have 7 subsections, so take your time and review each and every detail for accuracy. Past this step, you cannot correct any information.

Section 14: Sign and Submit

In this section, electronically sign application and submit it. If someone helped you in filling out the form, enter their details and electronically sign the form.

To make this process easier, I have prepared a step-by-step guide with screenshots on how to fill DS-160 form . Refer to this guide and follow along.

How to Print DS-160 Confirmation Page?

After you submit your form DS-160, a confirmation page will be displayed. Click on the “Print Confirmation” button to print it on a letter size or A4 sheet. If you do not have access to a printer, save it as a PDF so you can print it later.

If you have already submitted your DS-160 but did not print your confirmation page, follow the below steps.

• Step 1: Go to the CEAC website and click on the “Retrieve an Application” button.
• Step 2: Enter your 10-digit application ID number (DS-160 confirmation number) and click on “Retrieve Application”. This will retrieve your submitted DS-160.
• Step 3: Click on the “Print Application Confirmation” button. A new window will open, displaying your confirmation page.
• Step 4: Click on the “Print” button to print your DS-160 confirmation. If you do not have access to a printer, save the confirmation page as a PDF so you can print it later.

After printing, keep the confirmation page in your records as you will need this for your visa interview appointment.

How to Retrieve DS-160 Form After Submission?

Follow the below steps to retrieve a DS-160 form after submission.

• Step 2: Enter your 10-digit application ID (also called DS-160 confirmation number) and click on “Retrieve Application”. This will retrieve your submitted DS-160.

You can edit the form or print the confirmation from here.

How to Edit DS-160 Form After Submission?

Follow the below steps to edit a DS-160 form after submission.

• Step 3: Click on the “Create a New Application” button. This will create a new form DS-160 and auto-populate the information from your old DS-160.
• Step 4: Make edits where necessary and submit the form. A new DS-160 confirmation will be displayed. Click on the “Print” button to print this new confirmation page.

How to fill out DS-160 for a family?

If you are applying for a US nonimmigrant visa as a family, each family member must submit a separate form DS-160. Follow these steps for completing the form for everyone in the family.

• Step 1: Start your (primary applicant) DS-160 form first. Add your family members as your travel companions.
• Step 2: After submitting your form, on the “thank you” page, you will be given the option to create DS-160 forms for your family members.
• Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions from there, some of the common information (such as travel dates, companions, etc) will be copied over to your family members’ forms. This saves time and helps to avoid making mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to fill out the ds-160.

It takes about 60-90 minutes to complete the DS-160. If you don’t have the information required handy, it can take days to fill out the form. In such a case, you can save the form and revisit it as and when you gather the information necessary.

Do I need to complete DS-160 before visa appointment?

Yes, you must complete and submit form DS-160 before your visa appointment. Completing the DS-160 form is a prerequisite to scheduling a visa appointment.

Can someone else complete the DS-160 on my behalf?

Yes, someone else can complete your DS-160 on your behalf. But they must identify themselves at the end of the application within the “Sign and Submit” section. After which, you must personally review and sign the completed form before submitting it.

Can I make changes to my DS-160 form after submission?

Once you submit your DS-160 form, you cannot make any changes to it. However, you can create a new form and submit it with the correct information. You can pre-fill the new form DS-160 by using “Retrieve Application” with your old DS-160 Application ID.

What is an online nonimmigrant visa application?

Form DS-160 is also referred to as a nonimmigrant visa application form. The US Department of State assigns a number to each immigration form and hence the name DS-160. DS may stand for Department of State but there is no official documentation to confirm. 

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

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Form DS-160, Explained

How to file an online application for a temporary u.s. visa, in this guide.

• DS-160 processing time
• Who needs to complete Form DS-160?
• Required documents
• How to fill out Form DS-160
• What happens next?
• DS-160 FAQs
• Related Information

What is Form DS-160?

Form DS-160 also called the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is an online form used to apply for temporary U.S. visas including the B-1/B-2 visitor visas , and also for K (fiancé(e)) visas . The electronic form collects personal, educational, professional, and other information (such as your passport number).

The DS-160 form is an essential part of the visa application process because it provides the U.S. Department of State with the necessary information to determine whether or not an applicant is eligible for a nonimmigrant visa. It’s important that it is completed correctly.

Get a tailored visa plan from forms to interview

Though there is no cost to file the DS-160, you still have to pay the fees for the specific visa for which you’re applying.

• For most non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas, such as tourist, business, or TN visas, the fee is $185.
• For petition-based visas, the fee is typically $190.

These fees vary depending on the type of visa, so be sure to check which fees apply to your specific situation.

There is no processing time for Form DS-160. Once you’re done filling it out online, you simply print the confirmation page and bring that with you to your visa interview.

If the application is approved during the interview, the average processing time for Tourism and Visitor visas is 7-10 working days, plus time for delivery.

Everyone who plans to visit the United States on a temporary visa, such as the B1/B2 visitor visa, or who is coming to the United States on a K-1 visa in order to get married, must complete and file Form DS 160. Mexican citizens applying for a TN visa also need to fill out and submit Form DS-160 (Canadian citizens applying for a TN visa do not need to file the DS-160).

Each visitor, including a child, needs their own DS-160. If an applicant is aged 16 or younger, or is physically unable to complete the form themselves, they can be helped by a third party. That person must be identified at the end of Form DS-160, on the “Sign and Submit” page.

In order to complete Form DS-160, you will need your:

• Travel itinerary
• National ID number issued by your home country
• Social Security number or U.S. Taxpayer ID if you have one

You will also need access to your travel and employment history, as well as simple biographical information about your family members and travel companions.

If you’re coming to the United States to study, you will need a copy of your SEVIS ID , which you can find on your I-20 or DS-2019, along with the address of the school or college you’ll be attending. Temporary workers should keep a copy of their I-129 handy if they have one.

Finally, you will need a recent photograph that meets U.S. government guidelines saved digitally on the computer you’ll use to complete the form.

Form DS-160 must be filled in and filed online on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. CEAC is a Department of State online application center where applicants can submit forms, fees, and documents. There is no paper version of Form DS-160. You can view a sample Form DS-160 to help you prepare, but you must still complete the online version. The government estimates that it will take roughly 90 minutes to complete the form.

You can save your progress as you complete Form DS-160, and return to it later as long as you complete the process within 30 days. You can also save your DS-160 to your computer’s hard drive and upload it again when you’re ready to continue.

If you’re completing multiple DS-160s for your family, you can create a family application that will automatically fill in some details for each family member. To do this, first, complete one DS-160. On the “Thank You” page that follows the confirmation page, you’ll see an option to create a family application. Remember, while this will automatically complete some parts of the DS-160 for each family member, everyone still needs their own individual DS-160.

Getting started

To fill out Form DS-160, you will begin by choosing the location where you’re applying for your visa. Don’t worry too much about this: if you have to travel unexpectedly while your application is pending, you’ll be able to schedule your interview at whatever embassy or consulate is most convenient, even if it’s in a location other than the one you first chose.

On the next page, you will see your Application ID. You will also be asked to provide the answer to a security question. Write these down and keep them safe: together, they will let you access your application again later.

You can also find your Application ID on the top right corner of each page of the DS-160. If you forget your Application ID, you can retrieve it online using your security question.

Remember that your saved Form DS-160 will only remain available for 30 days. If you need more time, you can download your DS-160 to your computer and upload it again later.

Now, let’s go through Form DS-160 section by section.

Part 1: Personal Information

In the first part of Form DS-160, you will provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, and marital status.

You will also be asked for your nationality, your passport or national identification number(s), and your U.S. social security number or taxpayer ID number, if you have them

Part 2: Travel Information

In this section, you will explain your travel plans, including the purpose of your trip to the United States, your dates of arrival and departure, and the U.S. address at which you will stay. If you don’t have specific plans, you can provide estimated dates.

Part 3: Travel Companions

Here, you can fill in the details of anyone traveling with you. This might include family, friends, or members of an organized tour group. You don’t need to include work colleagues traveling with you. Either way, remember that everyone who travels still needs their own Form DS-160.

Part 4: Previous U.S. Travel

Next, you will be asked if you have ever visited the United States before. If you have, you’ll need to provide dates and details.

You’ll also need to indicate if you’ve ever been denied a U.S. visa, or if you’ve ever filed an immigrant petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Part 5: Address and Phone Number

This section is straightforward: simply enter your current address, phone number, and email address. You can enter an alternate mailing address if you wish.

You will also be asked to list all the social media accounts you’ve used over the past 5 years. You don’t need to provide passwords, but you should list all the “handles” or user IDs you’ve used on sites like Twitter and Facebook. This is a recent addition to the DS-160, with USCIS officials now required to check your social media activity while reviewing your application.

Part 6: Passport Information

On this page, you will be asked for your passport information. You may be asked for a “Passport Book Number,” sometimes also called an “inventory control number.” Not all passports have this number, so if your country doesn’t use them just check “Does Not Apply.”

You will also be asked if you have ever had a passport lost or stolen. If you have, you’ll have to supply further details.

Part 7: U.S. Point Of Contact

In this section, you’ll list a person in the United States who knows you and can verify your identity. If you don’t yet know anyone in the United States, don’t worry — you can simply submit the name of any business or organization you intend to visit during your trip.

Part 8: Relatives

Next, you will provide basic details about your father and mother. You may also be asked to provide details of any family members currently in the United States.

If you are married, you will also be asked for your spouse’s name, date of birth, nationality, and home address.

Part 9: Work, Education, and Training

In this section, you will fill in the details about your occupation, educational background, and employment history going back 5 years.

You will also be asked for your travel history, and for details about any special skills you possess, or any military groups, charities, or professional organizations of which you have been a member.

Part 10: Security and Background Information

Here, you will answer “yes” or “no” to 25 questions on security and background issues. Make sure you read these questions carefully and take care when answering, as mistakes here could adversely affect your application.

Part 11: Applicant Photo

You will need to upload a photo of yourself that conforms to U.S. Department of State guidelines . Once you’ve uploaded the photo you’ll be able to adjust the size and crop the image to make sure it fits the requirements.

The photo you submit when you file your DS-160 isn’t a substitute for the passport-style photo required for many visa applications. You will still need to bring a printed photograph to your visa interview.

Part 12: Review, Confirm Location, Sign, and Submit

Almost done! You will now be asked to review the entire form. This is the last opportunity to check whether your answers are accurate. You will then be asked to confirm the location from which you are applying so that your application can be sent to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate. Finally, you will be asked to read some terms and conditions, and then submit the form.

After submitting the form, you will click “next” to access your official confirmation page. You must print the confirmation page and present it to consular officials at the time of your interview.

After filing Form DS-160, you will need to print the confirmation page. This will be required when you interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. If you forgot to print your confirmation page when you first filled out DS-160, you can log in again using your Application ID and security question in order to print it out.

Your Form DS-160 will then be sent to the appropriate embassy or consulate for processing. You should check with your local embassy or consulate for information about how to schedule your visa interview. When you attend your interview, you’ll need to bring your DS-160 confirmation page with you, along with any other forms or documents required for your specific visa.

You can check the status of your DS-160 application at any time by visiting the U.S. Department of State website .

There is no fee to file Form DS-160. However, you will still need to pay the fees for the visa you’re applying for.

All individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States are required to complete Form DS-160. This includes applicants for tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and work visas.

You can access the DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Application Form) on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. You will need to create an account and login before you can begin filling out the form.

You will need your passport, travel itinerary, national ID number issued by your home country, dates for the last five trips you took to the U.S., employment history, and a photo that meets government requirements.

The amount of time it takes to complete Form DS-160 varies depending on the individual applicant. However, it is generally recommended that you allow at least one hour to complete the form.

You sign the DS-160 electronically by clicking the “Sign Application” button at the bottom of the form.

No, you are only required to bring your printed DS-160 confirmation page showing your application ID number to your interview.

Yes, you can print another copy of your DS-160 confirmation page on the CEAC website. Select the embassy or consulate at which you’re applying and click “Option C-Retrieve Application” on the Getting Starting page. Once you enter your Application ID number you will be able to view and print your confirmation page.

Yes, all individuals who are applying for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States are required to complete Form DS-160, regardless of whether they are applying for a new visa or a renewal of their existing visa

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A Guide to U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas

If you would like to visit the United States and you're not a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you will have to get a nonimmigrant visa to make the trip. Nonimmigrant visas are available for different travel reasons, and U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide grant them for a temporary period. This guide explains what U.S. nonimmigrant visas are and who needs to get one. We also describe the different types of U.S. nonimmigrant visas and the application process step by step.

Written by Jonathan Petts .  Updated December 7, 2022

What Are U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas?

Unlike immigrant visas, such as green cards , which are for people who plan to permanently live in the United States, nonimmigrant visas are for those who want to make short visits. Nonimmigrant visas are available for tourism, college, or business purposes. They usually have a set end date.

Who Needs a Nonimmigrant Visa?

If you are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and plan to temporarily come to the United States, you need a nonimmigrant visa. 

However, for foreign nationals from certain home countries, you won't need one as long as you visit the United States for less than 90 days for tourism, business, or while in transit. This program is called the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and it applies to people from 40 countries and territories, including most within the European Union. In addition, most Canadians will not need a visa to enter the United States unless they plan to work, study, invest, or immigrate.

The Visa Waiver Program has multiple rules for eligibility. You have to enroll in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program before air travel. You can only stay in the United States for a maximum period of 90 days with no extension. You cannot have a history of having a U.S. visa refused or denied. You will also have to prove you have strong ties to your home country and won’t overstay your visa.  

What Are the Nonimmigrant Visa Types?

There are three primary nonimmigrant visa categories. You can visit the United States for temporary tourism or business, study, and work. 

Visitor Visas (B Visas)

If you plan to visit the United States for tourism or temporary business, you need a B-1 or B-2 visa unless the Visa Waiver Program covers your home country. For your U.S. visa application, you will have to provide documents to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that explain the reasons for your trip and your trip itinerary. 

Your visa validity could last between three months and 10 years and depends on your home country. You can enter the United States anytime, either once or multiple times within the period of time that the visa is valid. 

How Long Can I Stay With a Visitor Visa?

The government official from Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) at your port of entry determines how long you can stay in the United States. The maximum is six months. You may extend this time, but you will have to apply 45 days before the visa expires, and immigration authorities may reject your extension. Your I-94 Form will indicate the length of stay. This is different from your visa expiry date. You can only stay as long as the I-94 Form indicates. Still, you can leave and re-enter the United States again during the visa validity period. 

Study or Work-Exchange Visas (F, M, and J Visas)

If you plan to be a student in the United States, you will also need a visa. The first type of visa available to students is the F-1 visa for full-time students at an accredited educational institution. Institutions include colleges, high schools, seminaries, and conservatories. If you want to get a job, you can only have on-campus employment. The second type of visa is an F-2 visa, which is for spouses or children of F-1 visa holders. The final option is an F-3 visa for people who live in Canada or Mexico and commute to the United States for their studies. 

Another type of student visa is the M visa , for students at vocational or other accredited nonacademic institutions. However, language training programs fall under the F visa category. 

For work- or study-based exchange visitors, there is the J-1 visa. These visa holders could include teachers, interns, au-pairs, and other participants in exchange visitor programs. They must be part of a program that promotes cultural exchange. There are also specific categories of eligibility, such as proficiency in English. J-2 visas are for dependents of J-1 visa holders. 

Employment Visas (H, L, Q P, C, D, G Visas)

Work visas allow people to enter the United States for a temporary period. The visa does not apply to indefinite or permanent work — only U.S. citizens and permanent residents can work in the country permanently. Your employer needs to start the visa application process by filing a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If accepted, you can get a nonimmigrant work visa. 

There are multiple visa classifications for temporary workers. H-1B and H-1B1 visas are for professional jobs. These jobs must require at least a bachelor’s degree. You must have an employer sponsor. 

H-2A and H-2B visas are for seasonal work that don’t have available U.S. citizens as employees. This could include agricultural work. 

L-1A or L-1B visas are for people transferring from within a multinational company to a U.S. office. O-1 visas are for people with unique talents. P-1A, P1-B, P2, and P-3 visas are for artists and entertainers. Q visas are for people participating in international cultural exchange. C-1, D, and C-1/D visas are for crew members of ships or airline employees. 

G visas are diplomatic non-immigrant visas issued to individuals representing foreign governments who are working in international organizations in the United States.

How To Apply for a U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa

For a nonimmigrant visa application, you need to fill out Form DS-160 , pay a fee, and schedule an interview. Then, you need to get your documents and attend the visa interview. 

Step1: Complete Form DS-160

First, you need to fill out Form DS-160 . You will need to provide lots of personal information. This information includes travel history , employment history, information about your family members, and more. 

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

Next, you will have to pay an application fee. You will pay this to a consular section at a U.S. embassy or consulate responsible for visa services. The fee is $160. However, if you are a temporary worker, you will have to pay $190. You can pay this processing fee when you submit your application form.  

Step 3: Schedule Your Visa Interview

The next step for visa applicants is to schedule an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy. You should check ahead of time through the U.S. Department of State about appointment wait times. Check that there are no current travel restrictions, such as coronavirus pandemic-related ones. Your visa appointment wait time will depend on the U.S. Consulate General location you choose. 

Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents

You will have to bring documents to your interview. These include a valid passport, a passport photograph, the Form DS-160 confirmation page, proof of payment, and a printout of your interview appointment letter. 

You may also have to show proof of your nonimmigrant intent. This intent means evidence you will return to your home country after visiting the United States. For example, you may have to show your travel itinerary, employment documents from your home country, or invitation letters from family or friends. 

Step 5: Attend Your Visa Interview

At your interview, you will have to swear under oath and have your fingerprints taken. The consular officer will review your application and documents. They may ask questions about why you want to visit, your itinerary, and how you will pay for it. The interview may be short or long. It is essential to give accurate answers. 

Step 6: Receive a Decision From U.S. Embassy

After your visa issuance, you can travel to the United States anytime until the expiry date on the visa. You will show your visa and passport to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. 

Form I-94 is a record of your entries or exits from the United States. It is usually electronic now. You can either find it online or ask the officer at the port of entry for one. 

It is very important to know the entry date on your Form I-94. You want to ensure you will not overstay your visa. Your I-94 exit date could be earlier than your visa expiry date. The I-94 date takes precedence over your visa stamp, so make sure to check the form carefully. U.S. immigration law enforces strong consequences for overstaying your visa, including travel bans from the United States. 

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Common Nonimmigrant Visas

• Business/Tourist Visa
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• A List of NIV Types

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Citizens of qualified countries may be able to visit the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program . All travelers coming to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system prior to initiating travel to the United States.

If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program or are traveling to study, work, participate in an exchange program, or any other purpose that does not fall under a B visa purpose of travel; you will need a nonimmigrant visa.

A visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. A visa simply indicates that a U.S. consular officer has determined that you are eligible to apply for entry to the United States for a specific purpose.

Nonimmigrant Visas

A nonimmigrant visa is used by tourists, business people, students, or specialty workers who wish to stay for a particular period of time in the United States to accomplish specific purposes. According to U.S. visa laws and regulations, most nonimmigrant visa applicants must demonstrate to the consular officer that they have strong ties to their country of residence and must show that they intend to depart the United States after their temporary stay.

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Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please review the current wait time for an interview using the tool below. Not all visa applications can be completed on the day of the interview; please read the information below for more details .

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Global Visa Wait Times

Wait Time for Interview

The estimated wait time to receive a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate and is based on workload and staffing and can vary from week to week. The information provided is an estimate and does not guarantee the availability of an appointment.

Wait Time for Interview Waiver

Wait times for applicants eligible for Interview Waiver are applicable only for locations where applicants schedule appointments to submit their passport and any required documents to a U.S. embassy or consulate. The wait time estimate does not account for the time required for a consular officer to adjudicate the application nor mailing time of passports or other documents. Refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will apply to determine your eligibility for Interview Waiver and for instructions for submitting a nonimmigrant visa application. Note that applicants must be a national or resident of the country where they are applying to be eligible to apply via Interview Waiver.

Qualifications for an Expedited Interview Appointment

Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location. You should refer to the instructions on the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section  where you will interview, or on their online appointment scheduling site. You will need to provide proof of the need for an earlier appointment.

In all cases : You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.

Note: Travel for the purpose of attending weddings and graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, participating in an annual business/academic/professional conference, or enjoying last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments. For such travel, please schedule a regular visa appointment well in advance.

These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect some applications. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.

There are only two possible outcomes for U.S. visa applications. The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. At the conclusion of the administrative processing period, the consular officer might conclude that an applicant is now qualified for the visa for which he or she applied. The officer may also conclude that the applicant remains ineligible for a visa. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visas, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice:   Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

About Visa Processing Wait Times – Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

Information about nonimmigrant visa wait times for interviews and visa processing time frames are shown on this website, as well as on U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites worldwide. It should be noted that the “Wait Times for a Nonimmigrant Visa to be Processed” information by country does not include time required for administrative processing. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

In addition, it is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific  Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website  for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Embassy and Consulate websites will also explain any additional procedures for students, exchange visitors and those persons who need an earlier visa interview appointment.

About Wait Times

* Calendar days refers to every day of the week, including days when embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays).

† Work days refers only to days when the embassy is open and does not include weekends and holidays.      

‡ A, G, and NATO applications are excluded from these wait times, as they are processed separately.

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