How to Apply for a U.S. Visa

Filing for a U.S. visa can take anywhere from a few weeks to years, depending on the type of visa you want, your status in relation to the United States, and how successfully you complete the paperwork. Though no applicant can be guaranteed a visa, the following steps may save time in your attempt to get one.

Things You'll Need

• Phone Books
• Postage Stamps
• Envelopes
• Pens

Instructions

1. Call the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) office nearest you. The number will be listed in the government section of your phone book. If you do not live in the United States, call the nearest American embassy or consulate INS office.

2. Ask for all application documents for the visa you need. They will be sent to you.

3. Ask if you will need a U.S. sponsor - a U.S. resident who will take financial responsibility for you, should you not be able to support yourself. If so, begin your search for a sponsor immediately.

4. Fill out the preliminary application fully and neatly, and mail it back for processing, along with any photos, documents, and fees. Send by registered mail, and send only copies of documents (not the originals), unless otherwise requested.

5. Deliver all completed documents in person to save time and to find out whether your application is complete.

6. Obtain a second packet, depending on your residence status and visa, if your first packet was accepted.

7. Be prepared to have documents officially translated, if they are not already in English.

8. Contact your sponsor immediately (if you need one), and send him or her the necessary documents via registered mail. Have documents sent back express mail or registered mail.

9. Obtain all completed documents and call the INS for an interview/filing appointment, and perhaps a physical exam. This process can take two days and must be completed in person. You will be informed at that time whether you will be given a visa.

Tips & Warnings

• Make multiple copies of documents ahead of time. Depending on the visa, you may be asked for birth certificates, passports, U.S. tax returns for the last three years, social security numbers, proof of marital status, proof of student status, proof of military service, proof of clear criminal record from your local police department, proof of residence in the United States, children's birth certificates, letters from bank officers listing your U.S. bank holdings, photos to prove you and your spouse reside together.

• Be patient, persistent and polite. The INS office deals with thousands of people requesting visas.

• Get advice from any friends who have gone through the application process.

• Check INS Web sites, where you can often download INs forms and save a trip to the INS office. The sites also update users on changes in procedures and requirements (see Related Sites).

• Forms are also available by mail if you call 1-800-870-3676. Information at this number is available in both English and Spanish.

• Fees are not refundable.

• Not all INS offices accept in-person visits.

• You may have to pay for hotel accommodations when you travel to your interview.

• Successfully completing paperwork does not guarantee you will be given a visa.

• You can be denied entry into the United States at your point of entry even if you have been granted a visa.