How to Apply for US Tourist Visa
If you are hoping to visit the US for a holiday or to visit with friends or relatives, you need to apply for tourist visa. You cannot use the tourist visa for any other travel purpose such as work, education, or permanent residence. In this article, we are going to explain to you how to apply for US tourist visa.
Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type
First, you must determine your visa type. This can be done by looking at the Visa Categories listed in the TRAVEL.STATE.GOV managed by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. Or you can also use the Visa Wizard to determine your visa type. Tourist Visa usually falls under visa category B. Visiting family and friends, medical treatment and transiting the US also fall under this visa category.
Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Form
Completing the DS-160 Form is the next step of this process. You can fill this form online here. Before filling this form, read all the guidelines very carefully. All the information you fill must be correct and accurate. Remember, that once you submit the form, you cannot make any changes.
All answers must be filled in English; you cannot use another language. (except when you are asked to write your name in your native language) You’ll also need some documents like your passport, national identity card when you are filling this form.
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment
Once you have completed the above two steps, you have to schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate of your country. The wait time for the interview may vary by location, visa category, location, etc. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for the visa early. You can also obtain some general information about the wait time and processing time from here.
Visa Fee
Sometimes you may be required to pay a visa fee before the interview. You can get this information from this visa fee page. The method of payment can vary according to different countries. Therefore, you should review the instructions available on the website of the embassy or consulate of your country.
Step 4: Collect Necessary Documents
After scheduling an appointment, you must gather all the necessary documents. The following documents are prerequisite documents for the interview.
Passport (Your passport should be valid for travel to the United States; it should also be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay.)
Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
Application fee payment receipt (If payment was required before the interview)
Photo (You’ll be required to upload a photo to the form DS-160, but if the upload fails, you must take one printed copy in the specified format.)
In addition to these documents, you may also be required to present documents that act as evidence of the purpose of your trip, your ability to cover the costs of the trip as well as your intent to leave the US after the trip.
Step 5: Attend the Interview
Visit the U.S. Consulate/Embassy on the date and time of the visa interview. Be sure to take all the necessary documentation with you.
If the visa is approved, you might have to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality). The officers at the embassy/consulate will inform you how your passport with visa will be returned to you.
