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Update January 10, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Temporary Worker Visas

Visas for Members of the Foreign Media, Press, and Radio

Treaty Trader & Treaty Investor and Australians in Specialty Occupations

Visas for Canadian and Mexican USMCA Professional Workers

Domestic Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas for Certain Applicants

A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to work in the United States must first get the right visa.  If the employment is for a fixed period, the applicant can apply for a temporary employment visa.  There are 11 temporary worker visa categories.  Most applicants for temporary worker visas must have an approved petition.  The prospective employer must file the petition on behalf of the applicant.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews the petition. 

Temporary worker visa categories

Labor certification.

Certain visa categories need an approved labor certification. First, the prospective employer must apply for the labor certification with the Department of Labor .  Then, the prospective employer can file the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, with USCIS.  Please refer to the Instructions for Form I-129   on the USCIS website to confirm if you need  the labor certification.

Petition Approval

Some temporary worker categories are limited in the total number of petitions which can be approved on a yearly basis. Before an applicant can apply for a temporary worker visa, USCIS must first approve the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129 .    For more information about the petition process, see Working in the U.S. and Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Workers on the USCIS website.  Once USCIS approves the petition, it will send the prospective employer a Notice of Action, Form I-797. 

Important Notice: Same-sex Marriage

Effective immediately, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will adjudicate visa applications that are based on a same-sex marriage in the same way that we adjudicate applications for opposite gender spouses. Please reference the specific guidance on the visa category for which you are applying for more details on documentation required for derivative spouses. For further information, please see our  FAQ’s .

How to Apply

You may apply for a visa when USCIS has approved your petition. There are several steps in the visa application process. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Please visit the embassy or consulate website for instructions on how to apply.

Complete The Online Visa ApplicationComplete The Online Visa Application

  • Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
  • Photo –You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Applpicants of a certain age may not need to have an interview. Consular officers have the discretion to  interview any applicant, regardless of age.

You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you live.  However, it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category.  You should apply for your visa early.  Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment as a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

You will need to provide the receipt number to schedule an interview.  The receipt number is printed on your approved Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797.

Prepare for your Interview

  • Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. When your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

Reciprocity Fees

Nonimmigrant visa applicants from certain countries*/areas of authority may be required to pay a visa issuance fee after their application is approved. These fees are based on the principle of reciprocity:  when a foreign government imposes fees on U.S. citizens for certain types of visas, the United States will impose a reciprocal fee on citizens of that country*/area of authority for similar types of visas. 

Check the Reciprocity Fees

  • Fee payment information is available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.
  • L visa applicants included in a L blanket petition : must also pay the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee and may need to pay the Border Security Act fee. Select  All Fees  to learn more.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

  • Passport  valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).  Each person included in a single passport needs a separate visa application.
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page .
  • Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
  • Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements . 
  • Petition Receipt Number as it appears on your Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797.
  • L Visa Applicants  included in an L blanket petition, must bring Form I-129S to the interview.

Legal Rights and Protections

H-1B, H-2A, and H-2B visa applicants should read the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet before applying for a visa.  The pamphlet includes information on your rights in the United States and protection available to you.

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions on how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified.  

Most visa applicants, except H-1B and L, need to show their intent to return to their home country after their temporary stay in the United States. They can do so by showing proof of compelling ties to the home country, which may include:

  • A residence abroad which you do not intend to abandon
  • Your family relationships
  • Your economic situation
  • Your long term plans

Attend your Visa Interview

During the visa interview, a consular officer will determine if you are eligible for the visa.  The consular officer will also determine if the visa category is appropriate for your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may need further administrative processing . A consular officer will inform you if further processing is necessary for your application.

Depending on your nationality, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee.  You must pay this fee when the visa is approved.  The embassy will explain how your passport with visa will be returned to you.  Review the visa processing time , to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport).  A visa also allows you to request permission to enter the United States.  A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States.  When admitted, you may get an admission stamp or  Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Review the CBP website to learn more about entry requirements and customs restrictions.

Extending Your Stay

You must leave the United States on or before the date indicated on your admission stamp or Form I-94.  You can request to extend your stay by contacting USCIS.  Visit USCIS's Extend Your Stay website for more information.

Failure to leave the United States on time will result in you being out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of travelers who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). If you had a multiple-entry visa and it was voided due to you being out of status, it will not be valid for future entries into the United States.

Failure to leave the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas you may apply for in the future. Review Visa Denials and Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws to learn more.

Change of Status

While in the United States, you may be able to request a change to another nonimmigrant category.  See Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the USCIS website to learn more.

Requesting a change of status does not require that you apply for a new visa, as long as you remain in status. If you cannot remain in status while USCIS processes your change of status request, you must apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Additional Information

  • The approval of a petition does not guarantee that you will get a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
  • Spouse and Children –
  • Your spouse and unmarried, minor children may also apply for the same visa category as you to accompany or join you.  The only exception is for Cultural Exchange Visitor Q-1 visa applicants.  You must be able to show that you will be able to financially support your family in the United States.
  • For more information, visit USCIS’s Temporary Workers information and Employment Authorization website.
  • Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date.  Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review Visa Denials  for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials and waivers.

Visa Renewal

The same visa application process applies for first-time applicants and renewals. Please review How to Apply for more information.  Some applicants may be eligible for interview waiver.  Interview waiver allows eligible individuals to renew their visa without an in-person interview. To determine if you are eligible for interview waiver, please review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply.

I was refused a visa under section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review  Visa Denials  to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States. 

Review  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizen of Canada and Bermuda

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need visas to enter the United States as temporary workers.  These applicants do need a temporary worker petition approved by USCIS. For more information see the  U.S. Embassy Ottawa website , the  U.S. Consulate Hamilton website  and the  CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian temporary workers to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy Ottawa website in Canada.

Further Questions

  • Case-Specific Questions  - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  for contact information.
  • General Questions  - review  Contact Us .

More Information

A-Z Index Legal Rights & Protections Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials Temporary Workers-USCIS Fraud Warning Border Security/Safety Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Customer Service Statement

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

US visas and immigration

All enquiries about United States visas, immigration or citizenship should be directed to the relevant United States authorities.

If you have questions about ESTAs and the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) , contact  US Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Travel Communications Center on +1 202 325 8000.

If you're in Australia and have questions about US visas, immigration to the US or US citizenship, contact the US Embassy in Canberra  or one of the US Consulates in Sydney , Melbourne  or  Perth . 

If you're outside of Australia and not in the United States, contact your nearest US Embassy or Consulate .

If you're already in the United States, contact the US Department of State’s National Visa Center on +1 603 334 0700 or US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on +1 800 375 5283.  

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Apply for an immigrant visa

Learn about family-based, fiancee, and work visas and how to apply for each. Discover the Diversity Visa Lottery.

Immigrant visa to work in the U.S.

Learn about the requirements to apply for an immigrant visa through employment and how to sponsor a permanent worker.

Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (Green Card Lottery)

The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program awards up to 50,000 immigrant visas each year. Learn if you can apply, see the results, and know what to do if you are selected.

Family-based immigrant visas and sponsoring a relative

Learn how you may be able to sponsor a family member for a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

How to check the status of your visa application

Find out how to check the status of your visa application online. And to avoid delays, learn how to update your address if you move while waiting for your visa to be approved.

What happens if your visa application is rejected

Find out what to do if your visa is denied, and learn if you are eligible for a waiver of grounds of inadmissibility.

Learn about K-1 fiancé(e) visas and sponsoring a future spouse

If you are engaged to a U.S. citizen, you may be able to come to the U.S. to get married. Your future spouse must sponsor you, and you must apply for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa.

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america travel visa application

  • Passports, travel and living abroad
  • Travel abroad
  • Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the USA set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US embassy or consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19 while in the USA, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Passport validity

If you are visiting the USA your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. You don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

Global Entry programme

The US Customs and Border Protection programme Global Entry allows pre-approved travellers through border control faster at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can register to get a UK background check on GOV.UK . If you pass the background checks, you’ll be invited to apply for Global Entry.

Visa requirements

You will need either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver or a visa to enter or transit the USA as a visitor.

You are not normally eligible for an ESTA visa waiver if you have been in the following countries on or after March 2011:

  • North Korea

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you have travelled to or been in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021. You must instead apply for a US visa.

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you:

  • have been arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction)
  • have a criminal record
  • have been refused admission into, or have been deported from the USA
  • have previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver

Check the US State Department website for more information on US visas.

Applying for a visa

Visit the US Embassy for details on how to apply for a visa.

US visa appointments

Visa appointments at the US Embassy in London are limited. Plan your application as far ahead as possible before travel. If you need to travel urgently, you can request an expedited interview through the US Embassy’s appointment service provider.

Visit the US Embassy’s website for more information on visa appointments.

Children and young people

Under-18s must:

  • have a valid visa or ESTA visa waiver on arrival
  • be able to provide evidence about the purpose, location and length of their visit if asked by immigration officials
  • have written consent from one or both parents if travelling alone, with only one parent, or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian

The US authorities can stop you entering the country if they have safeguarding concerns about a child. If this happens, the US authorities will take the child into their care. Their return from the USA could take months. The FCDO cannot speed up the return of British nationals who are under 18 from the USA.

The US Government provides information about children under-18 travelling to the USA . If you have any questions, contact the US Embassy .

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COMMENTS

  1. DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

    The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé (e)) visas. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal ...

  2. U.S. Visas

    A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler's passport, a travel document issued by the traveler's country of citizenship. Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the ...

  3. How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

    Visitor (tourist) visa. The visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories: B-1 for business travel; B-2 for tourism and medical treatment; Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas, including: Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa; How to apply

  4. Visitor Visa

    A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny ...

  5. Visas

    Nonimmigrant visas allow people to visit the United States for short periods and for specific purposes. If you want to move here permanently, please see the information below on immigrant visas. A foreign national traveling to the United States for tourism needs a visitor visa (B-2) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

  6. USTravelDocs

    How to apply for your nonimmigrant visa for travel to the United States. What documents, photos and information you need to apply for your visa. Schedule your interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate General. Find important information about U.S. Embassies and Consulates General. Choose your specific location by clicking below.

  7. Official ESTA Application Website, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

    Traveler's home address and phone number. Traveler's emergency point of contact phone and email. Fee for application is $21.00 USD. Valid payment methods include MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover (JCB or Diners Club only), and PayPal. Traveler's aliases or other names (If Applicable). Traveler's National ID or Personal ID number (If ...

  8. Visit the U.S. as a tourist

    The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa.

  9. How to Apply / Visa Overview

    If required to apply for a visa to travel to the United States the process includes the following steps: ... Complete the online visa application form, DS-160. The DS-160 is a U.S. Government on-line form and can only be completed at https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC. Each applicant must complete this form before using any services on this website.

  10. Visas for U.S. citizens traveling abroad

    If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel abroad, you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements. While not all countries require visas for American travelers, many do. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool.

  11. How to apply for a U.S. Tourism or Visitor Visa (the B-2 visas)

    How to Apply. If you are applying for a visa for the first time, or are applying to renew a visa, Step One: Complete the online DS-160 and print the confirmation page for each person applying for a visa, regardless of age. Answer the questions to the best of your ability; we cannot assist you in completing the form.

  12. U.S. Visa Services

    Australian Diplomats and Officials. All officials traveling on behalf of the Australian federal government require visas to transit or enter the United States. You are not required to appear for an in-person interview, but you are required to submit an application to our office via VisaLink. Visalink.

  13. Entering the U.S.

    Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business. At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to: Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible. Complete your application fully and accurately.

  14. Visas

    U.S. Travel Docs is our official visa service provider and the only private company that the U.S. embassy and consulates in Germany authorize to provide visa information and visa application services. U.S. Travel Docs Website: www.ustraveldocs.com. Email: [email protected].

  15. Temporary Worker Visas

    A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to work in the United States must first get the right visa. If the employment is for a fixed period, the applicant can apply for a temporary employment visa. There are 11 temporary worker visa categories. Most applicants for temporary worker visas must have an approved petition.

  16. US visas and immigration

    If you're outside of Australia and not in the United States, contact your nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you're already in the United States, contact the US Department of State's National Visa Center on +1 603 334 0700 or US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on +1 800 375 5283. Top.

  17. Apply for an immigrant visa

    If you are engaged to a U.S. citizen, you may be able to come to the U.S. to get married. Your future spouse must sponsor you, and you must apply for a K-1 fiancé (e) visa. Learn about work and family-based visas and Green Cards. Find out about the Diversity Visa Lottery. Check the status of your visa appliciation online.

  18. U.S. Visa Services, New Zealand

    Visa Application Fee Announcement: All nonimmigrant visa application fee (also known as the MRV fee) payments made on or after October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days from the date a receipt is issued for payment of the MRV fee. Applicants must schedule an interview appointment or submit an interview waiver application during this 365-day ...

  19. Visas

    Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business. At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to: Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible. Complete your application fully and accurately.

  20. Visas

    The application fee for visitor and certain other non-immigrant visa categories will increase from $160 to $185, effective June 17, 2023. Similarly, the application fee for certain petition-based nonimmigrant visas for temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories) will increase from $190 to $205. The fee for a treaty trader, treaty ...

  21. Visas

    Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor visa purposes) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Not all countries participate in the VWP, and not all travelers from VWP countries are eligible to use the program.

  22. Entry requirements

    Visa requirements. You will need either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver or a visa to enter or transit the USA as a visitor. You are not normally eligible for an ...