How to apply for a US B1/B2 visa
Direct answer: The State Department's steps are: 1) complete the online DS-160 and print the confirmation page; 2) schedule an interview; 3) pay the non-refundable visa application fee (the official page currently lists $185; check the official source); 4) gather your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and photo; 5) attend the interview (with digital fingerprints). Some cases go to administrative processing. The exact order can vary by U.S. embassy or consulate.
Source: Visitor Visa
The application steps the State Department lists
The State Department says there are several steps to apply for a visitor visa, and that the order and how you complete them may vary by U.S. embassy or consulate — so follow the instructions on the website of the post where you apply.
First, complete the online DS-160 and print the confirmation page to bring to your interview; you upload your photo while completing the DS-160, and it must meet the photo requirements. Second, schedule an interview — generally at the embassy or consulate in the country where you live. Interview wait times vary by location, season, and visa category, so apply early.
- Complete and print the DS-160 confirmation page (photo uploaded with the form).
- Schedule the interview at the post in your country of residence, and apply early.
Source: Visitor Visa · DS-160 overview
Paying the fee and gathering documents
The State Department says you pay the non-refundable visa application fee if required before your interview, and that a visa issuance fee may also apply after approval depending on your nationality. Its visitor-visa page currently lists the visa application fee as $185 — confirm the current amount on the official page and the instructions of the post where you apply.
Before the interview, prepare: a passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay (unless exempt by a country-specific agreement), the DS-160 confirmation page, the fee payment receipt (if you must pay before the interview), and your photo (bring one printed photo if the upload failed). Each person who needs a visa — including family members listed in your passport — files a separate application.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee (official page currently lists $185; verify).
- Passport generally valid 6+ months beyond your stay.
- Bring the DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and photo.
Source: Visitor Visa
The interview, supporting evidence, and entry
At the interview a consular officer determines whether you qualify, and digital fingerprints are taken. The State Department says additional documents may be requested to show the purpose of your trip, your intent to depart the United States, and your ability to pay the costs; evidence of employment and family ties can help. Importantly, applicants must qualify on their ties abroad, not on assurances from U.S. family or friends — a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed and is not one of the factors used to decide the visa.
The State Department also stresses that a visa only allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission; it does not guarantee entry. CBP officials at the port of entry decide admission and, if admitted, provide an admission stamp or Form I-94. After the interview, some applications require administrative processing.
- Qualify on your own ties abroad; show purpose and intent to return.
- Invitation letter / Affidavit of Support is not required and not a deciding factor.
- A visa is not entry — CBP decides admission at the port of entry.
Source: Visitor Visa
Keep practice in its proper boundary
A mock interview can help you check whether you can explain this real information clearly and consistently. Keep the boundary explicit: it is not legal advice, an embassy service, and cannot decide eligibility or predict a result. The real process, fees, and documents are governed by the current official pages and the instructions of the post where you apply.
Source: Visitor Visa
Official sources
Updated 2026-07-20