Embassy of the United States

Visas

This page provides visa information for travelers to the United States who wish to visit, work or study for a temporary period. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of your travel.

Who needs a visa?

Anyone who is not eligible to enter the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or is not exempt from the visa requirement, or whose registration has been denied under ESTA.

With limited exceptions, nonimmigrant visa applicants aged 14 to 79 are required to schedule an appointment for an interview with a U.S. consular officer. The Embassy does not accept walk-in applications.

Applying for a non-immigrant visa

There are several steps in the non-immigrant visa application process:

1. Before beginning the application process, you should determine which type of visa is appropriate for your purpose of travel. A list of visa types can be found here. 
2. Please complete and submit the DS-160 interactive online application form.
   
   •    Frequently Asked Questions about using the DS-160
   •    The DS-160 is required for all non-immigrant visa applicants (with the exception of individuals applying for K, N, S, T, or U visas, who should use the DS-156)
   
   STOP: YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR DS-160 APPLICATION BEFORE SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT
3. Schedule an appointment using the NIV Appointment System.
4. Please remember to pay for the courier service. Information on the delivery fee and service is available here.
5. Come to the Embassy on the day of your interview. Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your interview time and  be aware of our security requirements. Please bring the following documents:
   
   
   • Your passport
   • DS-160 Confirmation Page
   • Visa fee in either US Dollars or Czech Crowns (please see How To Pay Fees)
   • Receipt for the courier fee (please see How To Pay Fees)
   • One 5cm by 5cm photo on a white background
   • Envelope with the address to which you wish to have your passport delivered
   
   You may also wish to bring any of the recommended documents listed below:

• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Letter of Employment
• Invitation letter from the US business or individual you will be visiting
• Copy of transcripts and confirmation of studies for students
• Business registration documents for business owners
• Marriage certificates for couples; birth certificates if a child is applying for a visa
• Petitions and supporting documents for certain work visas

Depending upon the type of visa you are applying for, there will be additional required documents.

For E-2 investor visa applicants

• Review the requirements for E-2 investors on the main State Department website.
• Please submit E-2 application packets to the Consular Section at least two weeks prior to your scheduled interview.  It is recommended that packets be submitted via courier to:
  
  U.S. Embassy
  Consular Section
  Tržiště 15
  118 01 Praha 1 - Malá Strana
  Czech Republic

For F or M visa applicants:

• Original I-20 form
• SEVIS fee payment receipt- www.fmjfee.com
• For returning students, a copy of your transcript or a letter from your current school stating that you are in good standing

For J visa applicants:

• Original DS-2019 form
• SEVIS fee payment receipt- www.fmjfee.com
• For Summer Work and Travel students, your index and confirmation of studies
• For high school exchange students, contact information for your host family in the U.S.

For H, L, O, P, and R visa applicants:

• I-797 Approval notice
• Supporting documents
• For L blanket visa applicants, the new I-129S form

For C1 or D visa applicants:

• Work contract or letter
• Seaman’s book, if applicable
  
  

All applicants for Non-Immigrant visas should come prepared to present these recommended documents. This is not a requirement, nor is the list meant to be comprehensive, but these documents are often requested by Consular Officers during the visa interview. Not all documents will apply to all applicants, nor will all documents be reviewed.