Resources - Immigrant Info

Types of U.S. Visas

1) Nonimmigrant Visas — Temporary

For visits that are temporary (e.g., tourism, business, study, work, exchange programs).
Examples include:

B-1/B-2 — Business/Tourist
F-1 — Student
H-1B — Specialty worker
J-1 — Exchange visitor

2) Immigrant Visas — Permanent

For permanent residence (green card). Usually starts with a petition by a qualifying family member or employer.

📋 General Steps to Apply for a U.S. Visa

1. Determine the Type of Visa You Need

Use the official Visa Wizard to identify the right category based on your purpose of travel.
If your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you may not need a visa at all — just an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

2. For Nonimmigrant Visas: Complete Form DS-160

Almost all nonimmigrant applicants must fill out Form DS-160 online.
Be accurate — once submitted, you cannot edit the form.
After submission, print the confirmation page with the barcode — you’ll need it later.

Immigrant visas use a different form (typically DS-260) after petition approval — this process starts with an approved petition from a U.S. sponsor (family or employer).

3. Pay the Visa Application Fee

You’ll pay a non-refundable visa fee (amount depends on visa type).
For many temporary visas it’s about $185 (e.g., B1/B2), but work or specialty visas may be higher.

4. Schedule Your Visa Appointment

You’ll normally need to schedule two appointments:

Biometrics/Document Drop (fingerprints and photo)
Consular Interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country or country of residence — this requirement is strict under current policy (no third-country stamping allowed as of late 2025).

Some applicants (young children, seniors) may qualify for an interview waiver — check local embassy rules.

5. Prepare for the Visa Interview

Bring these at minimum:

✔ Valid passport (must be valid at least 6 months after your planned U.S. stay)
✔ DS-160 confirmation page
✔ Visa fee payment receipt
✔ Appointment confirmation
✔ Supporting documents: financial proof, ties to your home country, invitation letters, etc.

For student visas (F-1), you’ll also need your I-20 and proof of SEVIS fee payment.

6. Attend the Interview

A consular officer will ask questions about your trip and background.
Answer clearly and bring only truthful documents.
They decide on visa approval, refusal, or administrative processing — which may delay your case.

7. After the Interview

If approved, your passport with visa will be returned to you (by pickup or mail).
You must enter the U.S. before your visa expires — and admission is ultimately decided by Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.

📌 Special Notes

🇺🇸 Immigrant Visa Process (Green Cards)

Starts with petition approval by USCIS.
After that, you complete an immigrant visa application through the National Visa Center and attend an interview abroad.

🎓 Current Policy Changes

Recent U.S. policy changes may affect where you interview and requirements, like ending third-country visa stamping and expanding interview requirements.