US B1/B2 visitor visa — step by step

Fill the DS-160 on the official portal (ceac.state.gov). Use the same name spelling as in your passport. Save the confirmation page with the barcode — you bring it to the interview. Answering inconsistently with your profile or social media handles can trigger refusal.

Pay the non-refundable $185 visa application fee. Keep the receipt number — it is required to schedule. Fee validity for booking is typically 1 year from payment.

Book through the official scheduling site for your country. Wait times vary hugely by location — check the posted wait times before picking a post. Rescheduling is possible but repeated changes can delay.

Passport valid 6+ months beyond stay, DS-160 confirmation, photo meeting exact specs, fee receipt, and evidence of strong ties to your home country (job, property, family, finances) plus purpose and ability to pay for the trip. Avoid fake or unverifiable documents.

A consular officer interviews you briefly. Be concise and truthful. The decision is usually given on the spot. Fingerprints are collected at the same visit.

If approved, the passport is returned in 1-2 weeks via courier. Some cases need administrative processing (weeks). Do not book non-refundable travel until the visa is in hand.