To get an application for a nonimmigrant U.S. visa approved, most applicants must attend a visa interview. This is a meeting where the applicant will meet with a consular officer and answer questions about their intended travel to the U.S., ties to their home country, their immigration background, and other related information. The officer will then determine their eligibility for the visa.
To schedule a nonimmigrant visa interview, applicants must first fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, or DS-160 form. The applicant must also provide supporting documentation and pay any requisite fees. The U.S. Embassy Visa Application Center (VAC) will then process the application. Once the applicant receives confirmation that their application has been processed, they may contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, either online or via phone, to schedule the interview. Following the interview, fingerprint scans may be taken. Applicants may be required to make two separate appointments for biometrics and the interview. It is important to note that these procedures may vary slightly based on the country one is applying from, and therefore following the instructions provided by that specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate is paramount.
For the interview, applicants should bring their passport, confirmation of payment, the DS-160 submission confirmation page, and other supporting documentation related to the type of visa sought.
If you have questions on obtaining a visa abroad, be sure to contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys!
