Hello there, welcome to the forum!
There are two types of US visas that you can apply for, namely: a non-immigrant visa and an immigrant visa. I'm assuming that you're going to be applying for the non-immigrant visa, which also has other subtypes, like has been mentioned by other members. These are the tourist visa, work visa, student visa and many more. Again, I'm assuming that you're going to be applying for a tourist visa.
What you first need to do is make sure that you have completed all the required documents for the visa. This is the crucial part of the application process. If you miss only one requirement, you risk having your visa denied already. So in advance, make sure you have the following requirements:
- A passport valid for travel for the United States, with at least six months of validity and blank pages
- A duly completed DS 160 form
- Copies of your older passports (if any)
- A printed copy of your appointment letter
- Proof of income like pay slips
- Business ownership proof or property ownership proof
- Authentic tax payment proofs
- Criminal and court records
- Your itinerary and reason for visiting the US
- If you're employed, a letter from your employer detailing your position in the company, your salary, your previous vacations, etc.
- If you're visiting a relative, photocopy of their green card, valid visa or other information about them
- If you're not working yet, bring proof of financial support from parents like a monthly bank account statement
So once you have gathered all these documents, you can then start your application process. Here are the steps you need to take for this:
- Complete the DS 160 form in the US Consular Electronic Application Centre website. Read everything carefully and answer slowly to avoid obtaining mistakes. Once you click submit, you cannot make any changes from the application anymore. Select which visa type is appropriate for you as well.
- Once you have completed the form, you now need to pay the visa fees. You would be prompted to create a profile and from there, choose which mode of payment is best for you.
- After paying the visa fees, you would need to log into the profile you created and schedule the appointments. You need two appointments: one for the Visa Application Center for the taking of biometrics and the other for the Embassy or Consulate interview. The appointment for the Visa Application Centre must be scheduled prior to the Embassy interview.
- You need these information for scheduling the appointments: Your passport number, your receipt for the visa fee and the 10-digit barcode number from the DS 160 form.
- Once you have scheduled the appointments, you are then set for the biometrics and interview. Print the copy of your confirmation letter and bring this on the day of your interview and biometrics.
For the biometric appointment, you only need to bring your passport, DS 160 confirmation page and appointment confirmation page. All the other documents can be brought during the Embassy interview.
Here are some tips to ensure that you obtain that US visa:
- Arrive early, at least 15 minutes before your schedule. This way, you can get through security and all the other processing counters with more time to spare before your interview.
- Wear something formal or at least look decent. But it's always better to assume the interview as a business meeting so wear clothes for the meeting accordingly. This can be a tie for men or a formal dress for women.
- If you can speak English fluently, then it's better to speak English so that you can tell the officer exactly what you want to tell him. But if you're not that good with English, you can opt for an interpreter which can help you relay your message to the officer.
- If you have proof of visiting other countries, like your previous passports, then bring it. If the officer can see that you do travel a lot and come back home, then your visa application might be approved more easily.
- Be honest and speak clearly. Be concise with your answers and don't beat around the bush. These officers are knowledgeable and experienced with their jobs so they do know how to judge applicants accordingly.
- You need to prove that you have the capacity to pay for this trip so they would ask about your current occupation and the salary you're making. So be prepared for that and it helps if you do have proof that you can pay for this trip.
I would say that it's better to apply for a US visa if you have visited other countries. This way, they would know that travelling is a part of your life and that you won't be overstaying in the US.
I hope this helps! Good luck.
