Form DS-160 

Individuals entering the U.S. for temporary employment require a  work visa. If you are entering the U.S. as a tourist or for a short-term business trip, a visa may not be required if your country of nationality is visa exempt or participates in the Visa Waiver program. More information can be found here.

The first step to applying for a U.S. visa is to complete the DS-160. After submitting the application, you must pay the MRV fee and book an appointment at the appropriate consulate. The booking process varies by consulate. Please refer to the homepage of your specific location for further instructions.

Instructions on how to complete the visa application process can be found here, while answers to specific questions on Form DS-160 can be found here.

Guidance is also available on the Department of State website.  

Generally the following documents are required for all visa interviews:

• Passport valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in the U.S.  Persons whose passports will expire sooner should renew their passports before applying for a visa.  Visitors from some countries are exempt from the “six-months beyond” rule;
• Old passports with valid U.S. visa stamps;
• One 50mm X 50mm (2" x 2") photograph per photo guidelines
• Receipt showing payment of the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee;
• Confirmation page from completed Form DS-160;
• I-797A Approval Notice, if applicable; and
• A copy of the petition filed on your behalf, which generally includes:
  • A letter of support outlining your job duties;
  • An employment offer letter, or proof of continuing employment if already employed with petitioner;
  • A copy of the certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) for H-1 and E-3 applicants;
  • Originals and copies of educational documents; and
  • Copies of any supporting exhibits directly related to your qualifications for the visa.

If spouse and/or children will be accompanying you now or in the future, they must each complete a DS-160 application as an H-4/L-2 Spouse/Child/Dependent, pay the MRV fee, and book an appointment as described above. (Applicants may book and appear at the interview together with the principal spouse, or after the principal spouse has received their visa). Please bring the following per applicant:

• Passport valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in the U.S.  Persons whose passports will expire sooner should renew their passports before applying for a visa.  Visitors from some countries are exempt from the “six-months beyond” rule;
• Old passports with valid U.S. visa stamps;
• One 50mm X 50mm (2" x 2") photograph per photo guidelines
• Receipt showing payment of the visa application fee;
• Confirmation page from completed Form DS-160;
• I-797A Approval Notice, if applicable; and
• Original and copy of Marriage Certificate and/or Birth Certificate(s).

Dependents traveling without a principal applicant should also bring proof of their spouse's passport biographical page, U.S. visa stamp, I-797A Approval Notice, and proof of their spouse's current employment.

Additionally, our website has helpful resources regarding How to Complete the Visa Application and DS-160. Notwithstanding the list above, you must review the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate you are applying through for requirements and procedures, which frequently differ from other consulates. Please be aware that you and/or your co-applicants may be required to pay additional fees for visa issuance based on country reciprocity schedules and regulations.