The US visa application process is quite lengthy and time-consuming. You must apply well in advance. 

Here is what the US visa application process looks like:

Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form 

Carefully fill out the DS-160 Form (Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form) online. Save your Application ID for future reference. If you fail to upload the photo when completing the DS-160 Form, take a printed photo with you during the VAC appointment.

Step 2: Pay the visa fees

Create an account on the USA government website. Once created and logged in to the government website, proceed to pay your visa fees. Make sure to take a screenshot of your payment receipt once your visa payment is done.  

Step 3: Schedule visa appointments

After paying the fee, schedule the VAC (for biometrics) and embassy appointments (for a personal interview) on the website. If you are applying through an authorised visa channel, then they will book the appointments for you. The VAC appointment needs to be scheduled at least one day before the interview date. 

Step 4: Visit for biometrics 

Go to the VAC to submit your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). 

Step 5: Attend the visa interview 

Visit the embassy/consulate on the day of the interview. You will be required to submit your supporting documents and answer any questions asked by the officer. 

Step 6: US visa approval

The visa officer will inform you of the visa decision immediately after your interview. If approved, you can submit your passport for visa processing. 

Step 7: Passport collection

After your visa is processed, you can pick up your passport from the US passport collection centres. If you opt for a courier service, then it will be delivered to the address you provided.

Here is a sample of the US tourist visa:

During your VAC or biometrics appointment, you must carry the appointment confirmation page, DS-160 Confirmation page, Aadhar Card, and passport (including your old passport, if applicable).

During your US visa interview, carry the following documents: DS-160 Confirmation page, appointment confirmation page, Aadhar Card, passport (including your old passport, if applicable), fee payment receipt, proof of the trip’s purpose, proof of intent to return and proof of sufficient funds.

Once your US visa is approved and stamped, you will be communicated via mail or SMS. There are primarily two ways of passport collection:

• Self-pick-up: If you opted for a passport pick-up location when scheduling the appointment, you can collect your passport from the designated collection centre.

• Courier delivery: If you opted for courier delivery, your passport will be sent to the address you provided.

At the time of collection, ensure you have a government-issued ID, visa appointment confirmation page and notification indicating your passport is ready for pick-up.

Yes, the consular interview is a mandatory part of the US visa application process. However, children under 14 and applicants aged 80 and over are exempt from the visa interview requirement.

Yes, you can reschedule a US visa interview through the US State Visa Appointment Service. After scheduling an interview for the first time, you can reschedule it twice.

Typically, the US consular visa interview does not last more than 5-10 minutes. In some cases, the interview is wrapped up as fast as within 3 minutes.

We understand that, for many, the most nerve-wracking part of the US visa application process is the interview, as there is no definitive guide on what questions may be asked or how to answer them. Each interview is unique, with questions varying based on the type of visa you are applying for, as well as your personal and travel details.
However, despite the uncertainty, there is one thing that you can do, and that is be prepared from your side. Here is how you can do this:

However, despite the uncertainty, there is one thing that you can do, and that is be prepared from your side. Here is how you can do this:

Know the details you mention in the application by heart!

• The first is the most basic step, and that is to be thorough with the information you provide in the DS-160 Form. Whether it’s employment, travel history, health, criminal record, or even your sponsor-related, make sure that you clearly remember everything. If a question is asked and you do not provide the correct information, it can raise red flags.  

Be honest and consistent.

• Honesty and consistency are utmost crucial for a successful visa interview. Do not try to hide anything. Consular officers are trained to detect discrepancies and dishonesty, so presenting your genuine situation in a straightforward manner will build credibility and trust. If the consular guesses that you are hiding something, the decisions will likely not be delivered in your favour. 

Apply through authorised channels.

• If you are unsure or feel underconfident, it is best to apply through authorised channels like Atlys, which provide end-to-end support. In simple words, from filling out the visa application form to the interview process, you will receive the guidance of visa experts. They can personally assist you in preparing for the visa interview, increasing your chances of a US visa approval. 

Present yourself professionally. 

• Although there is no official dress code for the US visa interview, this does not mean that a casual attitude will not affect your interview. First impressions do matter, so present yourself professionally. Do not be late for the interview and, during the interview, maintain a positive and composed demeanour. Demonstrating professionalism and respect will lead to a favourable impression on the consular officer.

The most common questions asked are any combination of the following:

Purpose of visit

• Why do you want to go to the USA?

• What places do you plan to visit in the USA?

Duration and dates of stay

• How long do you intend to stay in the USA?

• Have you booked your flights?

Accommodation and travel plans

• Where will you be staying in the USA?

• Do you have relatives or friends in the USA?

Financial capability

• Who is sponsoring your trip?

• How will you finance your trip?

Employment and ties to home country

• What is your occupation?

• How long have you been working with your current employer?

• Do you have any dependents?

Previous travel history

• Have you ever visited the USA before?

• Have you travelled to other countries before?

Here are some of the most important guidelines to help improve your odds of a successful interview: 

Dress appropriately

• Dress in business casual attire to make a good impression. Dressing too casually can give the wrong impression about the seriousness of your application.

Be honest

• Always provide truthful answers. Consular officers are trained to detect dishonesty, and false information can result in visa denial and future ineligibility.

Be concise

• Answer questions directly and succinctly. Long-winded answers can seem evasive or scripted. Keep your responses clear and to the point.

Stay calm and polite

• Maintain a calm and polite demeanour. Nervousness is natural, but try to stay composed. Being rude or argumentative will harm your application.

Be ready for follow-up questions

• Be prepared to elaborate on your answers if asked. For example, if you mention you are visiting family, be ready to discuss who they are and where they live.

Explain ties to your home country

• Clearly demonstrate your intention to return to your home country. This can include discussing your job, family, property, or any other commitments that require your return.

Understand financial responsibility

• If you are asked about how you will finance your trip, have a clear explanation and supporting documents ready. This could include bank statements, sponsorship letters, or financial aid documents.

Although there is typically no specified deadline for filling out the DS-160 Form before the interview, it is generally recommended that the application be completed at least 48 hours before the visa appointment.

Any error in the DS-16 Form can directly lead to visa rejections. Follow these steps to ensure that you leave no room for error:

• Gather your documents: Before you start filling out the form, ensure that you have all the documents (like passport, travel itinerary, etc.) in front of you. This way, if you are confused, you can quickly refer to the documents, providing accurate information.

• 30-minute clock: It normally takes 30 minutes to complete the form. Make sure to start the application when you are free and there are minimal distractions.

• Entering the correct name: Please note that when filling out the visa application form, you will be required to provide both your first/given name and surname. But, if you only have one name in your passport, then you must mention that under “surname” and mention FNU under “given name.”

• Note down your application ID: Write down your application ID. If you cannot complete the form because of an unforeseen situation, you can save it and access it later with the application ID.

• Read each section carefully: Before providing information in each section, always be sure to read it thoroughly for accurate answers. If you are confused, consider referring to our detailed step-by-step guide on how to fill out the DS-160 Form.

Once you have completed the form, remember to print out the confirmation page. This page will be required when you visit your visa interview.  

No, typically, you cannot correct the DS-160 Form once submitted; however, you can fill out a new form, which will also be valid for your visa application. Follow the below instructions to fill out a new form:

1. Access the form: Visit the CEAC website and click on the “Retrieve an Application” option. This will automatically retain some information from the previous application. 

2. Make corrections: Make the corrections or provide the updated information and submit the revised form.

3. Confirmation page: Make sure to print the updated DS-160 Confirmation page.

Here are some of the common mistakes that applicants make, which often lead to the rejection of US visa applications:

• Incomplete or incorrect application form: Visa authorities verify the information you provide against your passport and supporting documents. Any mismatched or missing information can lead to visa rejection. You must ensure that you fill out every section on the DS-160 Form and that it matches the information provided in your supporting documents. 

• Insufficient funds for your trip: Proving sufficient funds is important to ensure that you can cover your expenses without needing to work illegally or becoming a financial burden on the country you visit. Make sure that you have the generally recommended minimum bank balance, and if not, consider using a sponsor. 

• Having an invalid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US. Make sure that before adding your travel dates to the visa application form, you check the validity of your passport. If it expires soon, renew it before applying. 

• Not showing enough ties to your home country: You must have strong proof to show the authorities that you intend to return and do not intend to overstay your visa. For this, you can include a letter from your employer stating your leave of absence and expected return date or property deeds. 

• Applying for the wrong visa type: A tourist visa to the US is only issued for tourism purposes and not for work or any sort of paid employment. If your reason for visiting is other than tourism and you apply for a tourist visa, your application is bound to be rejected.

Make sure that you are not making any of the above-mentioned mistakes by rechecking your documents for validity and information. This will eventually increase your chances of getting a visa approval.

Renewing the US visa essentially means extending the validity of a previously issued visa. Here’s how you can get your US visa renewed:

1. Determining eligibility: To apply for a US visa renewal, you must be a citizen or lawful resident of the country from which you are applying. Additionally, you must have a previous US visa, which is still valid or expired within the last 4 years. 

2. Gather the required documents: You must have a passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US), a recent passport-sized photograph, the DS-160 confirmation page, a fee payment receipt and an interview waiver letter, if eligible.

3. Complete the DS-160 form: Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website and complete the details. Once done, submit the form and print the confirmation page with the barcode. 

4. Access the appointment website: Login to your account on the US State Visa Appointment website, ensure all your details are updated and proceed to schedule an interview. You will be asked questions to determine your interview waiver eligibility for visa renewal. If eligible, you will also be prompted to select the courier location where you will drop off and pick up your documents.

5. Pay the US visa renewal fee: Pay the US tourist visa renewal fee of $185. 

6. Print the Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter: After paying the fee, follow the instructions to access your Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter. This letter will serve as proof of your exemption from in-person biometrics and interview requirements. However, if you are declared ineligible, you will be directed to the interview appointment calendar to schedule an in-person interview. 

7. Drop off your documents: Since you do not have to attend the interview in person, you can drop off the required documents at the designated drop-off locations set by the US Embassy. Once done, a designated courier will deliver your documents to the US Embassy. 

8. Receive your renewed US visa: Within three weeks of submitting the documents, the US Embassy will return your visa-affixed passport and documents to the delivery address in your profile. You will also receive an email/SMS once your documents are ready for pickup at your selected courier location.