How to schedule US visa appointment- A step-by-step guide

After completing your DS-160, the next step in your visa application is to schedule US visa appointment. This requires paying the visa fee and selecting the location and date for your visa interview. Some countries require an additional appointment for biometrics at a Visa Application Center.

The US visa appointment available dates vary from country to country and location to location. You can check the current wait times for visa appointments at the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

You can schedule US visa appointment anywhere in the world. If you are traveling and would need to schedule your US visa interview appointment in a third country, you can very well do so.

It is not mandatory to schedule your appointment in the same location as in your DS-160. You are expected to schedule your appointment at the same location. But if you have to attend your visa interview at a different location, you are still allowed to do so.

IMPORTANT
You must complete the DS-160 form prior to scheduling your US visa appointment. If you haven’t yet, follow this detailed step-by-step guide on how to fill DS-160 form online for US visa.

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How to use this step-by-step guide?

There are two websites for scheduling US visa appointments. Which website to use depends on the country where you plan to schedule your visa appointment

This step-by-step guide is divided into 2 parts. PART 1 walks you through the procedure to schedule US visa appointments in Asia, Central America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Whereas, PART 2 walks you through the procedure for North and South America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

• PART 1: Schedule US visa appointment in Asia, Central America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East
• PART 2: Schedule US visa appointment in North and South America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East

I have listed out all sections and questions in this guide. For each question, there is a comment explaining what exactly needs to be entered.

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PART 1: Schedule US visa appointment in Asia, Central America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East

Determine the country where you plan to schedule your US visa appointment. If the country is in the below list, continue with instructions here from PART 1. If not GO TO PART 2.

ASIA

• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Cambodia
• China
• Hong Kong
• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Kazakhstan
• Laos
• Macau
• Malaysia
• Mongolia
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Vietnam

OCEANIA

• Australia
• Fiji
• New Zealand

EUROPE

• Austria
• Belarus
• Bulgaria
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• Georgia
• Germany
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Moldova
• Norway
• Poland
• Romania
• Russia
• Slovakia
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Ukraine

MIDDLE EAST

• Bahrain
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia

AFRICA

• Algeria
• Burkina Faso
• Egypt
• The Gambia
• Ghana
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Liberia
• Morocco
• Nigeria
• Sierra Leone
• Tunisia

CENTRAL AMERICA

• Costa Rica
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Nicaragua
• Panama

CARIBBEAN

• Haiti
• Dominican Republic

Before you jump into creating your profile and filling your appointment application, you must first read through the instructions thoroughly. Below are the steps to get to the instructions.

• Head over to the US Travel Docs website
• Select the country from the map where you would like to schedule your appointment
• Select “Yes” to the question “Is this your first time applying for a visa and/or visiting our site?”
• Select “Nonimmigrant” to the question “Are you applying for a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa?”
• Nonimmigrant visa information and instructions will be displayed
• Read through the instructions to familiarize yourself with the application, the steps and the payment options

01. New User Registration

After you read through the instructions, follow the below steps to register a new profile.

• Go to the US Travel Docs website
• Select the country from the map where you would like to schedule your appointment
• Select “No” to the question “Is this your first time applying for a visa and/or visiting our site?”
• Click on “Create Account” button under “APPLY FOR A U.S. VISA”
• You will be taken to “New User Registration” section

Enter the following information in “New User Registration” section

• Select Country For Visa [Comment: Country will automatically be displayed. This field is not editable]
• Email [Comment: Enter your email where you would like to receive communication]
• First Name [Comment: Enter your given name from the passport]
• Last Name [Comment: Enter your last name or surname from the passport]
• Password [Comment: Enter a new password for your profile]
• Confirm Password [Comment: Enter the same password as you entered above]
• I have read and understood the Privacy Policy [Comment: Check this box]
• Type in the characters displayed in the box below [Comment: Enter the captcha]

Click on the “Submit” button to register a new profile. Make a note of your username (your email) and password. You will need these credentials to save and come back to your application later.

Click on “New Application/Schedule Appointment” from the left side menu to start scheduling your appointment. When you click on “New Application/Schedule Appointment”, you will be taken to “Visa Type” section.

02. Visa Type

Enter the following information

• Select whether you are applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa or an Immigrant Visa [Comment: Select “Nonimmigrant Visa” for B1/B2. If you are scheduling an appointment for other types of visas such as H1B, L1, etc, select the appropriate type]
  • Immigrant Visa
  • Nonimmigrant visa

Click on “Continue” to go to the “Location” section.

03. Location

Enter the following information

• Please Select Your Country or State of Residence [Comment: Select the location where you want to schedule your visa appointment]

Click on “Continue” to go to the “Language” section.

04. Language

Enter the following information

• Language Of Interview [Comment: Enter the language in which you want to give your visa interview. You will be asked questions in this language]

Click on “Continue” to go to “Visa Category” section.

05. Visa Category

Enter the following information

• Please select a visa category that applies to you [Comment: Select “Business/Tourism, Crew and All Other Visas” from the options]
  • Business/Tourism, Crew and All Other Visas
  • Students and Exchange Visitors
  • L1 (Blanket)
  • H&L visas

Click on “Continue” to go to “Visa Class” section.

06. Visa Class

Enter the following information

• Select Visa Class: [Comment: Select “B1/B2 – VISITOR FOR BUSINESS AND PLEASURE” from the options]
  • B1 – VISITOR FOR BUSINESS
  • B1/B2 – VISITOR FOR BUSINESS AND PLEASURE
  • B2 – VISITOR FOR PLEASURE OR MEDICAL TREATMENT

Click on “Continue” to go to “Review” section.

07. Review

Enter the following information

• Please make sure all selected information is correct before continuing [Comment: Review the information and make sure everything you have entered is correct so far]

Click on “Continue” to go to “Personal Data” section.

08. Personal Data

Enter the following information

• PASSPORT DETAILS
  • Passport Number [Comment: Enter you passport number as in your passport and DS-160]
  • Passport Issuance Date [Comment: Enter your passport issue date]
  • Passport Issuance Place [Comment: Enter your passport place of issue]
  • Passport Expiration Date [Comment: Enter your passport expiration date]
  • Date of Birth [Comment: Enter your date of birth as shown in your passport]
  • Nationality [Comment: Enter your nationality]
  • First Name [Comment: Enter your given name from your passport]
  • Last Name [Comment: Enter your last name or surname from your passport]
  • Country of Birth [Comment: Enter your country of birth]
  • Gender [Comment: Enter your gender]
  • DS-160 Confirmation Number [Comment: Enter your DS-160 confirmation number]
• CONTACT INFORMATION
  • Phone Number [Comment: Enter your phone number]
  • Mobile Phone [Comment: Enter your mobile number]
  • Email [Comment: Enter your email]
• MAILING ADDRESS
  • Address Line 1 [Comment: Enter your address]
  • City [Comment: Enter your city]
  • State [Comment: Enter your state]
  • Postal Code [Comment: Enter your postal/zip code]

Click on “Continue” to go to “Dependents” section.

09. Dependents

Enter the following information

• Please click “Add by Name” or “Add Existing Applicant” if you have a group/family member (including a child) who needs to apply for a visa with you. [Comment: Click on the “Add by Name” button to add the dependents that need to attend the visa interview with you]

If you would need to add your dependents, click on “Add by Name” button and enter the following information.

• Relationship [Comment: Select the relationship of your dependent from the options]
  • Spouse
  • Child
  • Father
  • Mother
  • Daughter
  • Son
  • Other
• DS-160 Confirmation # [Comment: Enter your dependent’s DS-160 confirmation number]
• First Name [Comment: Enter your dependent’s given name from the passport]
• Last Name [Comment: Enter your dependent’s last name or surname from the passport]
• Gender [Comment: Select your dependent’s gender]
• Date of Birth [Comment: Enter your dependent’s date of birth as shown on the passport]
• Country of Birth [Comment: Enter your dependent’s country of birth]
• Nationality [Comment: Enter your dependent’s nationality
• Passport Number [Comment: Enter your dependent’s passport number]
• Passport Issuance Date [Comment: Enter your dependent’s passport date of issue]
• Passport Issuance Place [Comment: Enter your dependent’s passport place of issue]
• Passport Expiration Date [Comment: Enter your dependent’s passport date of expiration]
• Primary Phone # [Comment: Enter your dependent’s primary phone number]
• Alternative Phone # [Comment: Enter your dependent’s alternative phone number]
• Email [Comment: Enter your dependent’s email]

Click on “Save” to save your dependent’s information.

If you have more than one dependent that needs to attend the visa interview with you, click on “Add by Name” to add more dependents.

When finished adding all your dependents, click on “Continue” to go to “Age” section.

10. Age

Enter the following information

• Are you (the visa applicant) under 14 years or age? [Comment: Click “No” to continue]
• Are you (the visa applicant) 80 years of age or older? [Comment: Click “No” to continue]

11. Previous Visas

Enter the following information

• Do you have a previous B-1/B-2 visa (visitor visa)? [Comment: Click “No” to continue. Click “Yes” if you had a previous B1/B2 visa]

NOTE
If you select “Yes” to the above question, you will be asked a few questions to determine if you qualify for the visa renewal and interview waiver.

12. Documentation Delivery

Enter the following information

• Specify Documentation Delivery [Comment: Select “Pick Up” or “Delivery” from the options]
  • Pick Up [Comment: Select this option if you would like to pick up your passport from visa application center or courier head office]
  • Delivery [Comment: Select this option if you would like to receive your passport by mail to your home]

Click on “Continue” to go to the “Payment Options” section.

13. Payment Options

On this screen, you will see different payment options. Click on each option to see the instructions on how to make the visa fee payment.

At this point, the visa application is already saved. Familiarize yourself with the payment options and pick the payment method that works best for you.

Available Payment Methods

1. Electronic fund transfer (ETF) from a local bank account
2. Cash payment at a designated local bank
3. Country-specific local payment options (mobile payments, wallets, etc)

a. Electronic fund transfer (ETF) from a local bank account

Follow the below steps to pay your visa fee by electronic fund transfer

• On this screen, select Electronic Fund Transfer
• A unique account number will be displayed
• Make a note of this unique account number as you will need this to make your visa appointment
• Make an electronic fund transfer to this unique account number from your local bank account

You will be able to schedule your appointment on the next business day after the visa fee payment is made.

NOTE
If more details such as bank name, bank address, etc are required to make an electronic fund transfer, those details will also be displayed along with the unique account number.

NOTE
You must transfer the correct amount. Incorrect amounts can lead to delays.

b. Cash payment at a designated local bank

Follow the below steps to pay your visa fee by cash at a designated local bank

• On this screen, select Cash at Bank
• A link to download/print the visa application deposit/collection slip will be displayed
• Print the visa application deposit/collection slip
• Fill all the necessary details on the deposit/collection slip
• Take the deposit slip with you to the bank and make the visa fee payment
• You will be given a receipt, save the deposit slip and receipt

You will be able to schedule your appointment on the next business day after the visa fee payment is made.

c. Country-specific local payment options (mobile payments, wallets, etc)

Follow the below steps to pay your visa fee by a local payment option such as mobile payment, wallet, etc. These options differ from country to country.

• On the payment screen, select your country specific local payment option (such as mobile, wallet, etc)
• Instructions on how to make the payment will be displayed
• Make the visa fee payment and make a note of the receipt or transaction number

You will be able to schedule your appointment the next business day after the visa fee payment is made.

After the payment, come back to the website and login with your credentials. You will see a “Continue” option on the left side menu. When you click this “Continue” option, you will be taken directly to the “Payment” screen.

Enter the following information on the “Payment” screen

• Receipt Number [Comment: Enter the receipt number of your visa fee payment]

Click “Continue” to schedule your visa appointment.

NOTE
If your receipt has become active, you will be taken to the schedule appointment screen. If not, you will be shown an error saying that the receipt number is not valid. In that case, try again after some time. Remember that the receipt number becomes active on the next working day of your payment.

14. Schedule Fingerprints and Photo Appointment (applicable only in some countries)

On this screen, pick the date and time for your fingerprints and photo appointment.

Click on “Continue”.

Print your fingerprints and photo appointment confirmation. You will need a copy of this appointment confirmation for your fingerprints and photo.

NOTE
Appointment for fingerprints and photo is ONLY REQUIRED in certain countries such as India, Mexico, etc. The appointment for fingerprints and photo must be scheduled at least 1 day ahead of your actual visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.

15. Schedule US Visa Interview Appointment

On this screen, pick the date and time for your visa interview appointment.

Click on “Continue”.

Print your US visa interview appointment confirmation. You will need a copy of your appointment confirmation for your visa interview.

NOTE
The appointment for visa interview must be scheduled at least 1 day after your fingerprint and photo appointment.

NOTE
The US visa appointment available dates can vary greatly from location to location. There may be several days wait in certain countries and cities. Before you book US visa appointment, I recommend checking the current wait times at the Bureau of Consular Affairs website to get an idea on when you can find an available slot.

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PART 2: Schedule US visa appointment in North and South America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East

Determine the country where you plan to schedule your US visa appointment. If the country is in the below list, continue with instructions here in PART 2. If not, GO BACK TO PART 1.

ASIA

• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Kyrgyzstan

EUROPE

• Albania
• Andorra
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• France
• Greece
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Kosovo
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Portugal
• Serbia
• Spain
• Turkey
• United Kingdom

MIDDLE EAST

• Israel
• United Arab Emirates
• Iran

AFRICA

• Angola
• Cameroon
• Cabo Verde
• Congo, Dem Rep
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zambia

NORTH AMERICA

• Canada
• Mexico

CENTRAL AMERICA

• Belize

CARIBBEAN

• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Cuba
• Jamaica
• Curaçao
• Trinidad and Tobago

SOUTH AMERICA

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Bolivia
• Chile
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Guyana
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Uruguay
• Venezuela

01. Profile Creation

To create a profile, follow the below steps

• Go to the Visa Information and Appointment System for the Embassy of the United States website
• Select the country where you would like to schedule US visa appointment
• Click on “Apply” to go to the next step

a. Sign Up

Enter the following information on the next screen.

• Please select the condition that best applies to you: [Comment: Select “I have completed U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa application (DS-160) form and I need to apply for a visa” from the options]
  • I am a diplomat, other government official, Fulbright Scholar, or participant in another U.S. Government sponsored program.
  • I have completed U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa application (DS-160) form and I need to apply for a visa.
  • I am a Company, Travel Agent, or Other Organization that needs to schedule appointments for a group of people.
  • I need to apply for a K (Fiancé(e)/Spouse/Child) visa.
  • None of the above applies to me.

Click on “Continue” to go to the next step.

Enter the following information on the next screen.

• Given Name [Comment: Enter your given name from your passport]
• Surname [Comment: Enter your surname from your passport]
• Email [Comment: Enter your email]
• Email Confirmation [Comment: Reenter your email]
• Password [Comment: Enter a password for your profile]
• Password Confirmation [Comment: Reenter the password]
• Text Alerts [Comment: Select the check boxes to the terms of service and privacy policy]

IMPORTANT
It is very important that the information you enter must match with your passport and DS-160.

Click on “Create Account” to create a new profile. You will be taken to “Activate Your Account” screen.

b. Activate Your Account

Check your email for an activation email from the US visa info website. Click on the activation link in the email. You will be taken to the activation success screen.

Click on “Continue” to go to the next step. You will be taken to the “New Applicant” Screen.

02. Applicant Information

a. New Applicant

Enter the following information

• Given Name [Comment: Enter or review your given name from your passport]
• Surname [Comment: Enter or review your surname from your passport]
• Country/Authority that issued Passport [Comment: Enter the country of your passport]
• Country of Birth [Comment: Enter your country of birth]
• Passport Number [Comment: Enter your passport number]
• DS-160 Number [Comment: Enter your DS-160 number]
• Visa Class [Comment: Select “B1/B2 Business & Tourism (Temporary visitor)” from options]
  • B1 Business/Conference
  • B1/B2 Business & Tourism (Temporary visitor)
  • B2 Tourism/Medical Treatment
  • C1 Transit
  • C1/D Crewmember in transit
  • D1 Crewmember
  • E1 Treaty Trader / Child of an E1 / Spouse of an E1
  • E2 Treaty Investor / Child of E2 / Spouse of an E2
  • E3 Australian Spec. Worker
  • E3D Spouse or Child of an E3
  • F1 Student
  • F2 Spouse or Child of an F1
  • F3 Commuter Student
  • H1B Speciality Occupation
  • H1B1 Chilean or Singaporean Spec. Occupation
  • H1C Nurse in shortage area
  • H2A Agricultural Worker
  • H2B Nonagricultural Worker
  • H3 Trainee
  • H4 Spouse / Child of H1B
  • H4 Spouse / Child of H1B1
  • H4 Spouse / Child of H1C
  • H4 Spouse / Child of H2A
  • H4 Spouse / Child of H2B
  • H4 Spouse / Child of H3
  • I Foreign Media Representative / Spouse or Child of an I
  • J1 Exchange Visitor
  • J2 Spouse or Child of a J1
  • L1 Intra-company Transferee
  • L2 Spouse or Child of an L1
  • M1 Student
  • M2 Spouse or Child of an M1
  • M3 Commuter Student
  • O1 Extraordinary Ability
  • O2 Alien Accompanying/Assisting
  • O3 Spouse or Child of an O1 or O2
  • P1 Internationally Recognized Alien
  • P2 Artist/Entertainer Exchange Program
  • P3 Artist / Entertainer in Cultural Program
  • P4 Spouse or Child of a P1, P2, or P3
  • Q1 Cultural Exchange Visitor
  • R1 Religious Worker
  • R2 Spouse or Child of an R1
  • T1 Victim of Trafficking
  • T2 Spouse of a T1
  • T3 Child of a T1
  • T4 Parent of a T1
  • T5 Sibling of a T1
  • TD Spouse or Child of a TN
  • TN NAFTA Professional
  • U1 Victim of Crime
  • U2 Spouse of a U1
  • U3 Child of a U1
  • U4 Parent of a U1
  • U5 Sibling of a U1
• Date of Birth [Comment: Enter your date of birth]
• Gender [Comment: Enter your gender]
• Primary Phone [Comment: Enter your primary phone number]
• Text Alerts [Comment: Agree to terms of service]/li>
• Email Address [Comment: Enter your email address]
• Were you previously issued a visa to enter the United States? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” if you were issued a visa to the US before]
• Is the applicant traveling from another country to apply for a visa in
  [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” if you reside in a different country but will be traveling to this country for interview]

Click on “Create Applicant”. You will be taken to “Confirm Applicant and Visa Information” section

b. Confirm Applicant and Visa Information

Enter the following information

• Does this Visa Type match your travel? [Comment: Review information and select “Yes” | Select “No” if you see any discrepancy]

c. Special Conditions

Enter the following information

• Select the Conditions That Apply To This Applicant [Comment: Select the appropriate option]

Click on “Confirm” to go to “Dependents” section.

d. Dependents

Enter the following information

• Do you want to add another applicant? [Comment: Click “No” to continue to the next step | Click “Yes” if you have dependents that need to attend the interview along with you]

If you clicked “Yes”, enter the following details

• Given Name [Comment: Enter or review your given name from your passport]
• Surname [Comment: Enter or review your surname from your passport]
• Country/Authority that issued Passport [Comment: Enter the country of your passport]
• Country of Birth [Comment: Enter your country of birth]
• Passport Number [Comment: Enter your passport number]
• DS-160 Number [Comment: Enter your DS-160 number]
• Visa Class [Comment: Select “B1/B2 Business & Tourism (Temporary visitor)” from options]
  • B1/B2 Business & Tourism (Temporary visitor)
• Date of Birth [Comment: Enter your date of birth]
• Gender [Comment: Enter your gender]
• Primary Phone [Comment: Enter your primary phone number]
• Text Alerts [Comment: Agree to terms of service]
• Email Address [Comment: Enter your email address]
• Were you previously issued a visa to enter the United States? [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” if you were issued a visa to the US before]
• Is the applicant traveling from another country to apply for a visa in
  [Comment: Select “No” | Select “Yes” if you reside in a different country but will be traveling to this country for interview]

Click on “Create Applicant” to add the dependent. Repeat this step if you need to add more dependents.

03. Courier Details

Enter the following information

• Document courier pick up location (no extra fee) [Comment: Select the location where you would like to pick up your passport from]

Click on “Continue” to go to the “Payment” section.

04. Payment

On this screen, you will see different payment options. At this point, the visa application is already saved. Familiarize yourself with the payment options and pick the payment method that works best for you.

Available Payment Methods

1. Pay by Cash
2. Pay by Credit Card

a. Pay by Cash

Follow the below steps to pay your visa fee by cash at a designated local bank

• On this screen, select Pay by Cash
• The screen to download the instructions will be displayed
• Download and print the bank cash payment instructions
• The PIN and bank account numbers are unique to your visa payment
• Remit the exact amount shown in the instructions at the specified bank

Cash payments are automatically confirmed and updated in your application within 2 business days. Go back into your application and check the status of your payment. If you see a “still not confirmed” message, just wait for sometime and check again.

b. Pay by Credit Card

Follow the below steps to pay your visa fee by credit card

• On this screen, select Pay by Credit Card
• Enter your Billing Address
• Enter your Credit Card details

Click on “Make Payment”. Your payment will be confirmed and taken to “Schedule” screen.

05. Schedule

On this screen, pick the date and time for your fingerprints and photo appointment.

Click on “Continue”.

Pick the date and time for your visa interview appointment.

Click on “Continue”.

NOTE
Appointment for fingerprints and photo is ONLY REQUIRED in certain countries such as Mexico, etc.

06. Instructions

On this screen, your fingerprints/photo appointment confirmation, US visa interview appointment confirmation and instructions, will be displayed

Print your confirmations. You will need a copy of your confirmations for your fingerprints/photo and US visa interview.

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FAQS

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That’s it, folks! Follow this step-by-step guide to schedule US visa appointment. If you have any questions or stuck at any step, feel free to comment here or email me.