How to apply for a US visa?

Before planning a trip to the United States, you need to understand the entry requirements. There are two possible situations:

• If you’re a citizen of a country in the Visa Waiver Program, you only need to apply for travel authorization called ESTA. See my article on ESTA authorization and my tips for completing your ESTA application. Countries in the Visa Waiver Program include: France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco, Germany, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Brunei, Chile, South Korea, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Taiwan.
• If you’re not a citizen of one of these countries, you must apply for a visa.

Where do you apply for a US visa?

• To apply for a visa, start by visiting the official website of the US Embassy in your country of residence. For example, if you live in Algeria, go to the US Embassy in Algeria website.
• If you’re a citizen of Algeria, Morocco or Mali and you live in France, apply for your visa at the US Embassy in France.

Which type of visa should you apply for?

• You can choose between two types of visas: temporary stay visas and immigration visas. For a vacation to the United States, apply for a temporary stay visa.
• There are several types of temporary stay visas, and you need to choose the right one. For tourism, apply for a B-2 visa. For business travel, apply for a B-1 visa.

What’s the visa application process?

• The first step is online: everyone traveling to the United States, including children, must complete a DS-160 form and upload an identity photo. Submit the completed form through the internet.
• You then pay the visa fee. For a tourism visa, the fee is $160. Payment procedures vary by country and embassy, but instructions are provided on the embassy website you’re applying through.
• Next, schedule an appointment with a representative at the US Embassy in your country of residence.
• To schedule your appointment, you’ll need your passport number, the CGI reference number from your visa fee receipt, and the 10-digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

What happens at your embassy interview?

Arrive on time for your appointment. During the interview, a consular officer will determine whether to approve your visa by asking several questions. Bring the following documents:

• A printed copy of your appointment letter.
• The DS-160 form confirmation page.
• An identity photo taken within the last 6 months.
• Your current passport and any previous passports you have.

Important: if any of these documents are missing, your application will be rejected. The consular officer will also ask for:

• Current proof of income, tax payments, property ownership, business ownership, or assets.
• Your travel itinerary and/or details about your planned trip to the United States.
• A letter from your employer stating your position, salary, how long you’ve worked there, that your vacation is approved, and if applicable, the purpose of your business travel to the United States.
• Your criminal record, including any arrests or convictions anywhere in the world, even if you’ve already served your sentence.
• If you’re not a citizen of the country where you’re applying, a copy of your residence permit.

Important: do not submit false documents. If you attempt fraud, you risk permanent exclusion from the United States.
The consular officer will ask follow-up questions to verify you’re eligible for the visa. If everything is in order, you’ll receive your visa. Welcome to the USA!