How to Get Started to Apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa
- An applicant needs the following before scheduling an appointment:
- The valid passport number of each applicant.
- Proof that the visa application fee has been paid for each applicant (you will receive an MRV receipt number at a later step on this website). See Fee Payment Options.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, DS-160 confirmation (barcode) number for each applicant. (The final step after completing the DS-160 is to print the confirmation page with the bar code that appears on the screen.)
- Additional information may be required based on the type of visa for which the applicant is applying. For example, also include the following:
- SEVIS number from the Form I-20 for Student Visas (Fs and Ms) or Form DS-2019 for Exchange Visitors Visas (J) (The sponsoring organization will enter the principal applicant's name in the SEVIS system as well as the names of any family members who plan to travel with the principal applicant in order to generate the necessary SEVIS number on the I-20 or DS-2019 form(s). Each family member must receive their own DS-2019 with their own SEVIS numbers.)
- Petition Number from the Form I-797 for all Temporary Work Visas (H, L, O, P, Q, R) (Individuals may only apply for a temporary worker visa after U.S. employers have submitted an I-129 petition and USCIS has approved it. USCIS will then issue a Form I-797 which shows a confirmation receipt number. That receipt number is required in order to schedule an appointment through this service.)
- Case Number for Immigrant Visa applicants
Nonimmigrant Visa Forms
- DS-160
- The DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, is an application for a nonimmigrant visa. The DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State via the Internet. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal interview, determine an applicant's eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa. (The final step after completing the DS-160 is to print the confirmation page with the bar code that appears on the screen.)
- https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
- Complete the DS-160 application form only in English. Make sure that all information on the form is correct.
- Caution!!! Applicants who do not complete the DS-160 in English or who select the wrong gender on the form will be required to edit or submit a new DS-160.
- Frequently Asked Question Regarding the DS-160
- Can you help me with the DS-160? I don't know what to put for a certain field. I cannot upload my picture properly. I can't get a confirmation email. I can't print out my confirmation page.
- We provide a number of different services supporting the visa process including information and appointment scheduling; however, we cannot provide any advice to assist you or give you information or assistance on the form DS-160 found on the U.S. Department of State's Web site as that application is not run by us or integrated into our system. You may find FAQs for the DS-160 application form at:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_4401.html. - DS-156E
- Applicants for a Treaty Trader (E1) or a Treaty Investor (E2) visa are required to complete this form in addition to the DS-160.
- http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79963.pdf
- DS-156K
- Applicants for a Nonimmigrant Fiancé(e) Visa are required to complete this form in addition to the DS-160.
- http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/82063.pdf
Additional information concerning U.S. visas can be found at http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html.
