How to Apply

Each visa applicant must present his application during an appointment with a US Consular officer.  (Limited exceptions are available for government officials travelling on official business.)  Each traveler, regardless of age, must obtain his or her own visa. Please click on the links below for more information about each step in the process.

Before your visa interview

1. Complete the application form which can be found on Consular Electronic Application Center  Instructions page. The application form must have your name, date of birth and place of birth exactly as listed in your passport. The name must be copied directly from the passport and every name in the passport must be included in the application. An incorrect name entry or spelling mistake will result your having to re-submit the application, thereby delaying the interview by several days. Each traveler must have their own application form, even if traveling as part of a family. After submitting your application form, print the confirmation page. You will need to bring only the confirmation page to your visa interview.
2. Have a photo taken. The photo must meet the requirements listed on the web site.  Please bring the photo to the American Embassy on the day of your interview.  Submitting a photo more than 6 months old could lead to a delay in the issuance of your visa.   
3. Schedule an appointment.

On the day of your interview

1. Gather your supporting documents.  These documents include any that demonstrate your strong ties to a country outside of the United States.  Some applicants, such as students, will need to bring additional documents (DS-2019 or I-20) from an American college or university.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. Interview with consular officer

At the conclusion of the interview the consular officer will inform you whether you have qualified and, if so, when the visa will be issued.