How to Apply
All applicants are required to fill out an electronic visa application form (EVAF) and schedule an interview online. Instructions regarding how to schedule an interview and where to obtain the application can be found here
Required Documentation
Each applicant for a visitor visa must provide the following:
- A receipt which shows payment for the nonrefundable $131 USD application fee (see the fees pagefor information on where to pay this fee)
- Application Form DS-156, completed and signed
- 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 U.S.
- One photograph 5 cm square (for each applicant) showing full face, without head covering, against a light background
Note: If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application and provide a photograph.
Males between the ages of 16 and 45 must also prepare and bring form DS-157 to their interview. The form is available here.There is no charge for this form. You must have Adobe Reader installed to open this form. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download it here
Strongly Recommended
Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly classifiable as visitors under U.S. law. Evidence that shows the purpose of the trip, arrangements made to cover the costs of the trip, and intent to depart the United States should be provided.
It is impossible to specify the exact evidence that applicants should provide, since circumstances vary greatly. Applicants should provide any relevant evidence substantiating the trip's purpose and demonstrating binding obligations, such as family ties, personal financial solvency in the form of active bank statements, or employment records, which would compel their departure from the U.S. to return abroad.
Qualifying for a Visa
Applicants for visitor visas must show they qualify under provisions of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. The presumption of the law is that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that.
- They have a residence outside the U.S. as well as strong ties (social, economic and cultural) which will compel their return abroad at the end of the visit
- They plan to remain in the U.S. for a specific, limited period of time
- The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. temporarily
If family or friends are inviting applicants on a personal visit or are acting as a sponsor, applicants should also bring the letter of invitation and proof of their family or friend’s immigration and financial status in the U.S. Guarantees by individuals or organizations that an applicant will return to the place of their residence does not relieve the applicant of proving that they meet the requirements detailed above. It is important that the applicant prove his/her qualifications. A sponsor in the United States cannot qualify on behalf of an applicant.
There are many other categories of applicants for whom non-immigrant visas may be issued. Following are a few common types that have additional documentary requirements.
- Students – Form I-20 (provided by your university in the U.S.), SEVIS fee receipt (this fee must be paid before an interview can occur. For more information on the SEVIS fee please see this page, and evidence of funds for studies.
- Temporary Workers – Petition approved by DHS.
- Exchange Visitors – Form DS-2019.
- Intra-company Transferees – Petition approved by DHS.
- Religious Workers – Proof of religious organization’s 501(c)(3) status.
Refused Applications
There is no minimum waiting period between a refusal and a subsequent application, nor is there a maximum number of applications allowed. However, a consular officer may not issue a visa unless the applicant can demonstrate evidence of a significant change in circumstances that would allow the refusal to be overcome.