Quick answer: To apply for a US nonimmigrant visa, you choose the right visa category, complete Form DS-160 online, pay the application fee ($185 for visitor, student and exchange visas; $205 for most work visas), book an appointment at the US embassy or consulate in your country of nationality or residence, and attend an in-person interview. Since September 2025, almost all applicants must interview, and some embassies now also collect a $250 visa integrity fee when the visa is issued.
A nonimmigrant visa is for a temporary stay: tourism, business, study, temporary work or exchange programs. If you plan to live in the US permanently, you need an immigrant visa or green card instead; see how to get a green card. Last reviewed October 2026 against State Department sources.
Common US nonimmigrant visa types
| Visa | Purpose | Application fee |
|---|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 | Business visits and tourism | $185 |
| F-1 / M-1 | Academic or vocational study | $185 |
| J-1 | Exchange visitors | $185 |
| H-1B, L-1, O-1, P, Q, R | Petition-based work visas | $205 |
| E-1 / E-2 | Treaty traders and investors | $315 |
| K-1 | Fiancé(e) of a US citizen | $265 |
Fees are from the State Department fee schedule. Some nationalities also pay a reciprocity fee at issuance.
Do you need a visa at all? Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries can usually visit for up to 90 days with an ESTA instead. See ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program.
How to apply for a US nonimmigrant visa, step by step
- Pick the right category. Your purpose of travel decides it. Work and study visas need paperwork first: an approved petition (I-797) for H, L, O, P and R visas, an I-20 for students, or a DS-2019 for exchange visitors.
- Complete Form DS-160 on the official CEAC website. Answer every question truthfully and keep the confirmation page.
- Pay the application fee through the embassy’s appointment system.
- Book your interview at the US embassy or consulate in your country of nationality or residence. Since September 6, 2025, applying in a third country is generally not accepted.
- Attend the interview with your documents. Fingerprints are taken at the appointment.
- Pay any issuance fees (the $250 visa integrity fee where collected, plus reciprocity fees) and collect your passport.
Who still gets an interview waiver?
Since September 2, 2025, the old waivers are gone for most people, including children under 14 and adults over 79. The main remaining exceptions are diplomatic and official visas, and some applicants renewing a full-validity B-1/B-2 visa within 12 months of expiry who were 18 or older when it was issued, were never refused, and apply in their home country. Even then, the consulate can still require an interview. More detail is in our US visa interview waiver guide.
Documents to bring
- Passport valid at least six months beyond your stay
- DS-160 confirmation page and fee receipt
- Appointment confirmation and a US-standard photo if requested
- Category documents: I-797 approval, I-20 and SEVIS receipt, or DS-2019
- Proof of funds and ties to home: employment letter, property, family
Why nonimmigrant visas get refused
Most refusals fall under Section 214(b): the officer presumes you intend to immigrate unless you show strong ties to your home country and a clear, temporary purpose. Practise with our B1/B2 interview questions. Some nationalities may also be asked to post a US visa bond.
FAQ
How long does a US visa take?
Mostly it depends on appointment wait times at your embassy, which range from days to many months. Check current waits on travel.state.gov. Administrative processing after the interview can add weeks.
Can I apply for a US visa in another country?
Generally no, not since September 2025. Apply where you’re a national or legal resident, with only limited exceptions.
Is the visa application fee refundable?
No. The application fee isn’t refunded if you’re refused. The $250 integrity fee may be refundable later if you follow your visa terms.
What’s the difference between a visa and status?
The visa lets you travel to a US port of entry. Your status, and how long you can stay, is set by the officer at entry and recorded on your I-94.
Official sources to check before you apply or travel
Visa rules, fees, processing times and entry requirements change often. Always confirm the current requirements on the official government website, or with the embassy or consulate, before you apply, pay or travel. One Visa Center is an independent information site, not a law firm or government agency, and this article is not legal advice. Read how we research, fact-check and use AI tools in our Editorial Policy.
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