Visa field guide · US
Plan your United States application
From DS-160 to the departure gateSee the common routes, understand the hand-offs, then confirm every requirement on the official website.01 / ROUTES
Choose the route that matches your trip
These are starting points—not an eligibility decision. Open the official route before you apply.- ↗B1/B2 visitor
Temporary travel for tourism, business, or both.
- ↗F-1 student
Academic study at an approved US school or programme.
02 / JOURNEY
What the application journey usually looks like
The exact order can vary by visa, nationality and application location. “If asked” steps are conditional.- 01Choose your visa
Confirm the nonimmigrant category that matches your purpose.
- 02Fill the DS-160 online form
Enter your information in the Department of State’s DS-160 system and save the confirmation page.
GUIDELENS HELPS HERE - 03Pay & book interview
Follow the embassy or consulate’s local instructions to pay and schedule.
- 04Attend interview
Bring the required passport, confirmation and evidence; an interview may be required.
IF ASKED - 05Receive decision
The consular post tells you the outcome and passport return process.
- 06Travel
Check the visa details and entry rules before departure.
03 / BEFORE YOU START
Four things to know before you start
- Where you start
- The Department of State DS-160 website, followed by the embassy or consulate’s local appointment system.
- Appointment
- A visa interview is generally part of the nonimmigrant process, subject to the consular post’s current rules and any waiver eligibility.
- Biometrics
- Fingerprints are normally collected as part of the consular process; follow the post’s instructions.
- After approval
- Check the visa in your returned passport before making final travel arrangements.
04 / PRACTICAL GUIDE
Practical US visa notes worth knowing
Small distinctions can change what you prepare, what you bring, and what happens at the border.- 01
Save the DS-160 application ID
Keep the application ID while the form is in progress, then save and print the barcode confirmation page. The confirmation page—not the full application—is required so the consular post can retrieve your DS-160.
US Department of State · DS-160 FAQs ↗ - 02
Use the route that matches your purpose
Visitor, student and work routes are not interchangeable. Your intended activity should match the visa category and the information in your application and interview.
US Department of State · Visa categories ↗ - 03
The visa is permission to travel—not guaranteed admission
A valid visa lets you travel to a US port of entry and request admission. CBP makes the admission decision and determines the authorised period of stay.
US Department of State · Visa basics ↗ - 04
Check the I-94 after arrival
Your visa expiry date is not the same as the date you must leave. Check the admission record issued by CBP and follow the “admit until” date or status shown there.
US Customs and Border Protection · I-94 ↗
05 / PREPARE
Information worth gathering before you open the form
Not every item applies to every route. Use the official checklist generated for your application.Current passport and details of previous passports
US travel plan and intended address
Travel history and previous US visa details
Education and employment history
US contact, school or programme information
Route-specific evidence requested by the consular post
06 / OFFICIAL
Continue with the official authority
You remain responsible for reviewing and submitting your application.