How to Apply for a B1/B2 Visitor Visa
If you are a foreign national planning to visit the United States temporarily for business or pleasure, you may need to apply for a B1/B2 Visitor Visa. Here are the steps to apply for a B1/B2 Visitor Visa:
- Determine if you need a visa: Citizens of certain countries may be eligible to visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. Check if you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program at the U.S. Department of State website.
- Complete the online application form: Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form (Form DS-160) on the U.S. Department of State website. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before you start filling out the form.
- Pay the application fee: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (currently $160 for a B1/B2 Visitor Visa) online or at a designated bank.
- Schedule an appointment: Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. Wait times for appointments vary by location, so plan ahead.
- Attend the visa interview: Attend your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Be sure to bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, and any supporting documents (such as letters from your employer or evidence of your ties to your home country). Be prepared to answer questions about your purpose of travel, length of stay, and ties to your home country.
- Wait for a decision: After your interview, you will be notified if your visa application has been approved, denied, or requires further administrative processing. Processing times vary, so be prepared to wait several weeks for a decision.
If your visa application is approved, your B1/B2 Visitor Visa will be stamped in your passport and will indicate the dates you are authorized to stay in the United States. Be sure to check the visa carefully to make sure it is correct before you leave the embassy or consulate.
