The U.S. visa journey looks complex until you see it as a simple pipeline: choose the right visa, complete the DS‑160,
pay the MRV fee, book your VAC biometrics and interview, prepare documents, attend both appointments, and track your passport.
This page explains each step clearly so first‑timers, families, students, and business travellers can move from plan to approval with confidence.
How the Application Flows — From Idea to Visa in Hand
Pick the visa type (tourist, student, exchange, work category, etc.).
Create an applicant profile on the official appointment portal for your country/region.
Fill DS‑160 online at CEAC, save the Application ID, and print the confirmation page with barcode.
Pay the MRV fee using the appointment portal’s options and note the receipt number.
Book appointments: VAC (biometrics) and Embassy/Consulate interview.
Attend VAC with your passport and confirmation pages for fingerprints and photo.
Attend the interview, answer confidently, and submit any additional documents if asked.
Track status; if approved, your passport returns with a visa foil. If 221(g), respond as instructed.
Create a folder with sub‑folders: DS‑160, Payments, Appointments, Financial, Work/Study, and Travel. Keeping proofs tidy speeds up appointments.
Choose the Correct Visa Type
Choosing the right non‑immigrant visa sets the tone for everything that follows. Common categories include:
B1/B2 — Business & Tourist
Leisure travel, visiting friends/family, tourism.
Short business meetings, conferences, trade fairs.
No employment or long‑term study in the U.S.
F‑1/M‑1 — Students
F‑1 for academic programs, M‑1 for vocational training.
I‑20 issued by your school is mandatory; SEVIS fee applies.
For researchers/assistants, funding proofs help.
J‑1 — Exchange Visitors
Interns, trainees, scholars, physicians, teachers, au pairs.
DS‑2019 from your sponsor + SEVIS fee is required.
Some programs include a home residency requirement.
Unsure between B1 and B2? Most travellers use a combined B1/B2 visa. State your primary purpose clearly in the interview.
Create Your Appointment Profile & Gather Basics
Before you touch the DS‑160, collect the basics: a valid passport, a digital photo meeting U.S. specs (2×2 inches, plain white background), your work/study history, and your intended travel plan. Then create your profile on the official appointment portal for your country/region (often branded as U.S. Travel Docs). This account links your MRV payment, receipts, and appointment bookings.
One account per traveller (group scheduling is supported later).
Name & passport details must match your passport exactly.
Email & phone should be reachable for alerts and reschedules.
Use the same email across your DS‑160 and appointment profile—it makes retrieval and customer support easier.
Complete the DS‑160 Online Application
The DS‑160 is your primary application. It asks about personal data, travel intent, U.S. contacts, family, work/education history, and security questions. Save your Application ID and use the Save feature frequently. Upon final submission, print the confirmation page with barcode—you need it for VAC and interview.
Pro Tips for DS‑160
Consistency: Names, dates, and employers should match your proofs and resume.
Travel plans: Tentative dates are fine; honesty about purpose matters more.
U.S. contact: For tourism, a hotel/host address works; for students, your school’s address is typical.
Photo upload: Follow the pixel, background, and glasses rules strictly.
Never fabricate employment, income, or past travel. Consular systems and interviews surface inconsistencies quickly.
Pay the MRV Fee (Machine Readable Visa Fee)
After DS‑160, log into the appointment portal and generate payment instructions. Payment methods vary by country and may include online banking, card payments, IMPS/NEFT, or authorized cash counters. Your MRV receipt number unlocks appointment scheduling.
Visa Group
Typical MRV Fee (USD)
Notes
B1/B2, F, M, J
~185
Students/J‑1 also pay SEVIS I‑901 separately.
H, L, O, P, Q, R
~205–315
Employer petitions & extra fraud prevention fees may apply.
Petition‑based renewals
Varies
Check employer/attorney instructions.
MRV fees are generally non‑refundable and linked to your profile. Keep screenshots of transactions and the receipt number.
Book Appointments: VAC Biometrics & Consular Interview
With an active MRV receipt, choose dates for VAC (fingerprints and photo) and the Embassy/Consulate interview. Large cities can have longer waits; plan in advance, especially before school intakes or holiday seasons.
Rescheduling Rules
Most profiles allow limited reschedules—use them wisely.
Missing an appointment may lock your profile temporarily.
Keep an eye on cancellations to grab earlier slots.
Group/Family Scheduling
Add dependents to your profile for a common interview date.
The VAC visit is straightforward. Carry your passport, DS‑160 confirmation, and appointment page. Staff will capture fingerprints and a compliant photo. No interview is conducted here.
Arrive 15–20 minutes early; outside queues are common.
Avoid prohibited items; lockers may be limited.
Ensure your face is clearly visible (no hats, no tinted glasses).
If your uploaded DS‑160 photo failed, VAC will take a new one—keep your appearance interview‑ready.
Consular Interview
Bring your documents neatly organized. Most B1/B2 and student interviews last just a few minutes. The officer evaluates your purpose, ties to home country, financials, and immigration risk.
Must‑Carry Documents
Passport (valid 6+ months), DS‑160 and appointment confirmations, MRV receipt.
Financial evidence: recent bank statements, fixed deposits, sponsorship letters.
Work ties: employment letter, leave approval, salary slips, company registration if self‑employed.
Students: I‑20, SEVIS receipt, admission letters, fee/loan proofs, academic records.
Check visa foil for errors immediately and report any misprints.
Special Cases — Students, Workers, Families, Medical & More
Students (F‑1/M‑1)
Pay SEVIS I‑901 after receiving your I‑20; carry the receipt.
Academic evidence: transcripts, test scores, research/assistantship letters.
Strong plan to return (career pathway, family ties) helps counter 214(b).
Exchange Visitors (J‑1)
DS‑2019 and SEVIS I‑901 receipt are mandatory.
Some categories may trigger a two‑year home residency requirement.
Petition‑Based Workers (H/L/O/P/Q/R)
Carry the I‑797 approval notice and petition packet.
Employment letters, client/site details, and qualifications should align.
Medical Treatment Travellers
Doctor/hospital letters detailing diagnosis, treatment plan, and cost.
Proof of funds/insurance and post‑treatment plan at home.
Children & Older Applicants
Interview waivers may be available by age or renewal rules in some regions.
Carry birth certificates and relationship proofs for minors.
Common Errors That Slow or Sink Applications
Typos in names, passport numbers, or dates on the DS‑160.
Mismatched purpose between DS‑160 and interview answers.
Inadequate finances or unclear sponsorship documentation.
Submitting poor‑quality photos that don’t meet U.S. specs.
Overlooking prior visa history, overstays, or refusals on forms.
Do a final 10‑minute audit: identity block, travel purpose, employment/education history, and security questions should be error‑free.
Planning Timelines — When Should You Start?
Start 2–3 months before intended travel; students should begin even earlier due to school reporting and SEVIS steps. Business travellers should gather invites and meeting confirmations first, then target interview windows that suit their trip.
Stage
Typical Time
What You Can Do in Parallel
Document collection & DS‑160
3–7 days
Draft itinerary, book refundable stays, request employer/student letters.
MRV payment activation
Same day–3 days
Organize financial and property documents.
VAC + Interview slots
1–6 weeks
Practice concise answers; arrange travel insurance.
Itineraries, hotel bookings (refundable), insurance.
Digitize everything at 300–400 DPI. Name files clearly: Bank_Statements_Jan‑Jun.pdf, Employer_Letter_May.pdf, etc.
Do’s and Don’ts at a Glance
Do
Be truthful and consistent across forms and answers.
Carry originals where possible; keep copies neatly clipped.
Answer only what’s asked; stay concise and confident.
Respect security rules; phones and bags may be restricted.
Don’t
Don’t over‑explain or volunteer contradictory details.
Don’t present forged or unverifiable documents.
Don’t argue decisions at the window—ask about next steps instead.
Don’t make non‑refundable bookings before you have the visa.
Quick Wins
Practice a 20‑second summary of your trip purpose.
Keep a one‑page document index on top of your file.
Use a transparent folder; it speeds up security and counters.
Application Process — FAQs
No. DS‑160 is the application form. Appointments are booked separately via the official portal using your MRV receipt number.
You cannot edit a submitted DS‑160, but you can create a new one and update the confirmation number in your appointment profile before your interview.
Generally no. MRV fees are non‑refundable and non‑transferable. Plan carefully before paying.
If eligible, the portal guides you to submit documents without an interview. Follow packaging and courier instructions exactly; final decisions are still made by consular officers.
No. The visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry; Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers make the final admission decision.
221(g) means your case needs more documents or additional checks. Timelines vary widely—respond precisely via the channel mentioned on your slip.