For most people around the world, wanting to go to the US means that they need a visa. The reasons for wanting to go differ from just visits for tourism or business, working, studying, or permanently moving there. The country attracts a wide range of people who have various goals and want to achieve “the American dream”. However, there are many barriers and one of them is getting a visa. To apply for a US visa you will follow a straightforward application procedure and steps:

1. Check if you need a visa

Citizens of 39 visa waiver countries do not need to apply for a non-immigrant visa to visit the United States. However, you can find out if you need to apply for a US visa, by using the visa checker below.

2. Choose the visa type

The second step of the US visa application is to choose the type of US visa that you want to get. Since there are differences depending on the type of US visa you want to get, you should pay extra attention to choosing the right type of visa to apply for.

3. Fill in the Non-immigrant visa Application Form DS-160

Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application is the US visa application form that you must fill out if you are applying for a US nonimmigrant visa. The form can be found online on the website of the US consulate from which you are applying.

4. Pay your US visa application fee

The next step of the US visa application is paying the US visa application fees.

The Machine Readable Visa Fee for visa applicants depends on the type of visa one applies for. The schedule is tiered as follows:

• MRV Fee – $160
• Petition Based Applicants (H, L, O, P, Q, R) – $190
• E-1, E-2 & E-3 visa applicants – $205

Keep in mind that the visa fee is non-refundable if you decide to cancel your appointment or if your visa application is rejected.

In addition to US visa application fees, you could also be asked to pay US visa issuance fees. Visa issuance fees are determined by the relationship that the US has with your home country. This means that some applicants will have to pay them and some will not. Their amount varies from country to country.

To be able to proceed with your application, you must pay all the necessary fees and retain the receipts for proof.

5. Schedule a US visa interview

All US nonimmigrant visa applicants between 14 and 79 years old are required to go through a US visa interview. To have this mandatory interview, you must schedule an appointment with the US consulate or embassy from which you are applying. Since they might have a high workload and the wait time can range from days to weeks, you must make sure to schedule your interview as early as possible.

The moment that you submit your Form DS-160, you should make an appointment for your interview. You will then get an interview confirmation letter which you must bring on the day of the interview.

6. Compile the document file

In addition to your application form or Form DS-160, you must also submit documents required for your US visa application which prove to the US consulate that you meet the requirement for the nonimmigrant visa you are applying.

7. Attend the visa interview

The final step in the US visa application process is the US visa interview. You must appear on time at the interview with all your supporting documents. The official who will interview you will ask questions about your background and other relevant details based on the visa you have applied for. If you are going to the US to work, then the interview might be longer than if you were going only for a visit.

8. Wait for processing

After the visa interview, you must wait for your application to be processed. Processing times depend on the type of US visa you applied for, but they can range from a few days to a few months. When your visa is processed, you will find out whether you were approved or denied. You should only make travel arrangements after your visa is approved and not run the risk of making expenses in case it is denied.