U.S. Visa Application Process (Including All Categories)

1. Determine the Visa Type You Need

• Identify the appropriate visa category for your trip to the U.S.
• Review the visa type to ensure it matches your purpose of visit.

2. Gather the Required Documents

• Depending on your visa category, gather the necessary documents (e.g., passport, visa petition, DS-160, financial proof, invitation letters, etc.).

• For Business and Tourist Visas (B1/B2): Passport, photo, DS-160 form, etc.
• For Student Visas (F-1): I-20 form from the school, financial documents, DS-160 form.
• For Work or Exchange Visas (H-1B, L-1, J-1): Petition from the employer, DS-160 form, job offer or contract details, etc.

3. Fill Out the DS-160 Form

• Complete the DS-160 form based on the specific visa category you are applying for.
• Each visa type will have different requirements and additional questions on the DS-160 form.
• Submit the completed DS-160 form online.

4. Submit DS-160 & Create Profile

• Once the DS-160 form is completed, submit it.
• Create a profile on the U.S. Travel Docs website for processing the application.

5. Review Profile & Make Payment

• Review the profile details carefully.
• Pay the visa application fee based on your visa category.
• Important: Once the payment is made, no changes can be made to the DS-160 form or profile.

6. Payment Confirmation & Activation

• After the payment is processed, the profile will be activated for scheduling the appointment.
• You will receive a confirmation receipt from VFS via email.

Important Note:

• Visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The visa fee receipt is valid for scheduling an appointment within one year of payment.
• You can reschedule the appointment once using the same fee.

7. Book Appointment for OFC & Consular Interview

Depending on your visa category, book appointments for:

1. 1st OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) appointment.
2. 2nd Consular Interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

8. Submit Documents & Prepare for Interview

• Submit the required documents based on your visa type.
• Carry all necessary documents to the visa interview, including passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, and any specific documents required for your visa category.

Important Notice (Changes from January 1, 2025)

• You can schedule your first nonimmigrant visa appointment at your preferred location, regardless of visa category.
• You are allowed to reschedule the appointment once if necessary.
• If you miss your appointment or need to reschedule a second time, you will need to repay the visa fee.
• Wait times for appointments may vary, so ensure you can attend on the selected date.

Summary of Common U.S. Visa Categories

• B1/B2: For business or tourism purposes.
• F-1: For students studying in the U.S.
• H-1B: For specialized workers.
• L-1: For intra-company transferees.
• J-1: For exchange visitors (research scholars, teachers, etc.).
• O-1: For individuals with extraordinary abilities or achievements.