Seven Steps for Preparing for Your Visa Interview

Below are the basic steps to apply for a nonimmigrant visa. If you are renewing a visa, you may qualify to renew it by mail or drop box. Please click on the “Visa Renewal” on the left hand side to see if you qualify.

Please note: More information is available by clicking on the steps highlighted in blue.

STEP 1. Complete the application form DS-160. Beginning May 17, 2010, the US Consulate General will require all nonimmigrant visa applicants to submit DS-160 for the interview and will no longer accept the DS-156 (except for Fiancee visa and Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor visa applicants).

Questions about the DS-160? Please refer to the FAQs by clicking here.

NOTE: Applicants applying for Fiancee Visas and Treaty Trader/ Treaty Investor Visas cannot use the DS-160 and must, instead, use Form DS-156.

STEP 2. Pay the application fee.

STEP 3. Prepare a 5cm x 5cm copy of the application photo used for the DS-160. Bring one copy with you to the interview. Please click here.

STEP 4. Prepare supporting documentation.

STEP 5. Obtain a valid passport. You must hold a passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date of at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.

STEP 6. Schedule an interview appointment online. Click here to schedule an appointment through our online appointment system. For additional tips and information on the online appointment system, including expedited appointment requests, click here.

WARNING: Do not make more than one appointment at a time. Multiple appointments created for one applicant will result in having all appointments cancelled.

APPOINTMENTS FOR STUDENT (F-1, M-1) AND EXCHANGE VISITOR (J-1) VISA APPLICANTS: You may apply for an expedited visa appointment by clicking here if there are no online appointments available in time for the expected start date of your program if you fall under the following circumstances:

- You are a student visa (F-1, M-1) applicant with no previous refusals for a student visa in the last 12 months.

- You are renewing a student visa.

- You are an exchange visitor visa (J-1) applicant with no previous refusals for an exchange visitor visa in the last 12 months.

STEP 7. Appear for your interview at the Consulate

You should arrive no earlier than 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

If your visa is approved, your visa will be delivered by an express courier service within three business days. The delivery fee is either 30,000 VND or 50,000 VND depending upon your shipping address. This fee is payable only in cash VND.

If your visa application is denied, your passport will be returned to you, along with all your supporting documentation, immediately at the end of the interview. Please see our section on Visa Denials for additional information. Nonimmigrant visa applicants should hand carry any supporting documentation for consideration to the interview. Supporting documentation sent directly to the U.S. Consulate on behalf of a nonimmigrant visa applicant will not be considered and the sender will not receive confirmation of receipt.