Overview:
If you want to work in the United States temporarily as a nonimmigrant, under U.S. immigration law, you need a visa specific to the type of work you intend to do. Most categories of temporary workers require that a prospective employer or agent submit a petition approved by USCIS before you can apply for a work visa.

All applicants for H, L, O, P, and Q visas must have their petition approved by USCIS. The petition and Form I-129 must be certified before you can apply for a work visa at the U.S. Embassy. When your petition is certified, your employer or agent will receive the Notice of Action, Form I-797, which serves as notice of certification of your petition. The consular officer will verify the authenticity of the petition through the Department of State’s Petition Information Management Service during your interview.
You must bring your I-129 petition receipt with you to your interview at the U.S. Embassy in order to verify the authenticity of the petition. Please note that approval of the petition does not guarantee issuance of a visa if you are ineligible for a visa under US immigration law.

Visa descriptions and qualifications

(H-1B)  Specialized occupation:
An H-1B visa is required if you are coming to the United States in order to provide services in a prearranged professional job. To qualify for this visa, you must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent degree) in the specific specialty in which you seek to work. USCIS will determine whether your employment constitutes a specialized occupation and whether you are qualified to provide services. Your employer must submit a work status application to the Department of Labor in relation to the terms and conditions set out in its employment contract with you.

(H-2A) Seasonal Agricultural Workers:
The H-2A visa allows U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural job openings for which U.S. workers are not available. The H-2A nonimmigrant classification applies to you if you seek to perform agricultural work or agricultural services of a temporary or seasonal nature in the United States on a temporary basis. In addition, your U.S. employer (or an association of U.S. agricultural producers named on behalf of the joint employer) must file Form I-129  and the Nonimmigrant Worker Petition on your behalf.

(H-2B) for skilled and unskilled workers:
This visa is required if you are coming to the United States to perform a job that is temporary or seasonal in nature and for which there is a shortage of American workers. The employer must obtain certification from the Department of Labor confirming that there are no qualified American workers for the type of employment upon which the petition is filed.

(H-3) Trainee:
An H-3 visa is required if you are coming to the United States to receive training from an employer in a field other than graduate education or training for a period of up to two years. You may be paid for your training and may undertake manual labor. Training may not be used to provide productive employment and may not be available in your home country.

(H-4) Dependents:
If you are the original holder of a valid H visa, your spouse or unmarried children (under age 21) may receive an H-4 visa to accompany you to the United States. However, your spouse/children are not permitted to work while they reside in the USA.

(L-1) Transferees from internal companies:
An L-1 visa is required if you are an employee of an international company that temporarily relocates you to the main branch, subsidiary, or branch of the same company in the United States. The international company may be an American or foreign corporation. To qualify for an L-1 visa, you must be at the managerial or executive level or have special knowledge and be assigned a position within a U.S. company at any of these levels although not necessarily the same position you previously held. In addition, you must be employed outside the United States at an international company continuously for one year during the three years preceding your application to enter the United States. Knowing that you may only apply for an L-1 visa after the company you work for or its branch in the United States receives a certified petition from USCIS, whether on a comprehensive or individual basis.

(L-2) Dependents:
If you are the original holder of a valid L visa, your spouse or unmarried children (under the age of 21) can receive a secondary visa. Due to the new change in law, your spouse may seek an employment authorization. Your spouse must enter the United States on his or her L-2 visa, then submit a completed Form I-765 (obtained from USCIS) along with the visa fee. Your children are not allowed to work while they live in the United States of America.

Visa (O):
O visas are issued to persons with special abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business and sports or outstanding achievements in motion pictures and television production and their support staff.

(P) Artists and writers:
P visas are issued to certain athletes, artists, writers, and support staff members coming to perform in the United States.

Visa (Q):
Q visas are issued if you are traveling to the United States to participate in an international cultural exchange program for the purposes of providing practical training, employment, and sharing the history, culture, and customs of your home country. You must submit a petition in your name to the program sponsor and have it addressed

Overview:
The United States of America welcomes foreign citizens who come to the United States to study. Before applying for a visa, all visa applicants must be approved and approved by their school or program. Once accepted, educational institutions will provide each applicant with the required credentials that must be submitted when applying for a student visa.

Visa descriptions and qualifications:
F-1 Visa: This is the most common type of student visa. If you want to engage in academic studies in the United States at an accredited school, such as an accredited U.S. college or university, a private high school or an accredited English language program, you need an F-1 visa. You will also need an F-1 visa if your program of study takes more than 18 hours per week.

M-1 Visa: If you plan to engage in non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the United States, you need an M-1 visa.
Public schools in the United States of America:

US law does not permit foreign students to study in public elementary school (kindergarten through eighth grade) or publicly funded adult education programs. Hence, F-1 visas cannot be issued to study at these schools.

However, an F-1 visa can be issued to study in a public high school (9th to 12th grade), but the student’s stay in school is limited to 12 months. The school must also state on Form I-20 that the student paid the unsubsidized cost of education along with the amount provided by the student for that purpose.

Note: Holders of A, E, F-2, G, H-4, J-2, L-2, M-2, or other secondary nonimmigrant visas may enroll in elementary and secondary schools.

Helping students find a school in the United States: We advise students who want to enroll in an American educational institution to contact and visit http://www.amideast.org/egypt.

Application Items: If you are applying for an F or M visa, you must submit the following:
–    Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application Form (DS-160).
–    A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date of at least six months beyond the expected period of stay in the United States (if more than one person is listed in your passport, each person who desires a visa must apply).
–    One 5cm x 5cm photo taken within the last six months.
–    A receipt showing payment of a $160 non-refundable non-immigrant visa application processing fee paid in local currency.
–    I-20 form approved by your school or program in the USA.
–    Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Fee Receipt for Form I-901 showing that you paid the SEVIS fee. More details are available on the SEVIS website.
In addition to these terms, you must provide an interview appointment letter confirming that you have booked an appointment through this service. You may also bring any supporting documents that you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.

How to apply:
Step 1: Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application Form (DS-160).
Step 2: Pay the visa application fee.
Step 3: Schedule an appointment at this web page. Three pieces of information are needed so you can schedule your appointment:
o    Your passport number
o    CGI reference number from your visa fee receipt. (Click here if you want to find the number.)
o    The ten-digit bar code number from your Form DS-160 confirmation page.
Step 4: Visit the US Embassy on the date and time of your visa interview. You must bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, the DS-160 confirmation page, a photo taken within the previous six months, your current passport, all old passports, and your original visa fee payment receipt. Applications that do not include all of these items will not be accepted.

Supporting documents:
Supporting documents are one of many factors the consular officer will consider in your interview. Consular officials consider each application individually and take into account professional, social, cultural and other factors during adjudication. Consular officers may also consider some of your specific intentions, long-term plans and ambitions within your country of residence. In addition, each case is independently examined and deemed appropriate under the law.

Warning: Do not submit false documents. Fraud or counterfeiting can result in permanent visa ineligibility. If privacy is a concern, the applicant must bring documents to the U.S. Embassy in a sealed envelope. The US Embassy will not make this information available to anyone and will respect the privacy of the information.

In addition, you must bring the following documents with you to your interview:
–    Documents demonstrating strong financial, social, and family ties to your home country, which will oblige you to return after the end of your study program in the United States.
–    Financial documents and any other documents that you believe will support your application and that provide reliable evidence that you have sufficient funds currently available to cover all expenses for the first year of study and that you have access to sufficient funds to cover all expenses during your stay in the USA. M-1 visa applicants must demonstrate their ability to pay all education and living expenses for the entire period of their anticipated stay.
–    No copies of bank statements will be accepted if you do not also provide original copies of bank statements or bank books.

If you are financially supported by another person, bring proof of your relationship with that sponsor (such as a birth certificate), their most recent original tax forms, their bank books, and/or fixed deposit certificates.
–    Academic documents demonstrating academic preparation. Useful documents include school transcripts (preferably originals) with grades, public examination certificates (levels or otherwise), approved test scores (SAT, TOEFL, etc.) and diplomas.

Dependents: A spouse and/or unmarried children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the original visa holder in the United States for the duration of his or her stay must obtain secondary F or M visas. There is no secondary visa for parents on F or M visas.

As for family members who do not intend to reside in the United States with the original visa holder, but only wish to visit him, they may be eligible to apply for visitor (B-2) visas.

Your spouse and dependents may not work in the United States on an F or M visa. However, if your spouse or child wishes to be employed, they must obtain the appropriate work visa.

Supporting Documents for Dependents: Applicants with dependents must submit the following:
–    Proof of the student’s relationship with his/her husband/wife and/or child (such as marriage or birth certificates)
–    It is preferable for families to apply for their visas at the same time, but if the spouse and/or child must apply separately at a later date, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa along with all other required documents.

additional information:
Optional practical training:
F-1 visa holders may be eligible for up to 12 months of optional practical training following completion of all training program graduation requirements (non-thesis or equivalent) or after completion of all requirements. The optional practical training will be separate from the student’s academic work and will not normally be reflected in time during the student’s academic program or on the date of completion of study. In addition, students applying for an F visa for elective practical training may submit Form I-20 with the original end-of-study date by which they can complete the course of study. However, the I-20 must be affixed with the official seal of the specific school to indicate approval of the optional practical training program that extends beyond the end of the regular period of study. In addition, the student must have proof that USCIS has certified his or her practical training program or that an application is being considered for this matter either in the form of an approved Employment Authorization Card or Form I-797 showing that he or she has An application is being considered for the Optional Practical Training Program.

Validity of study visas after a period of suspension from study:
Students who have been away from school for more than five months may apply for and receive a new F-1 or M-1 student visa to return to school following travel abroad as described below.

Students within the United States of America:
Any student (F-1 or M-1) may lose this status, if he or she does not resume studies within five months from the date of transfer of schools or programs under immigration law. If any student loses status, and if USCIS does not reinstate the student’s status, the student’s F or M visa will be invalid for future travel back to the United States. For more information, see the USCIS website and instructions for applying for an Extension/Change of Nonimmigrant Status Form I-539 for reinstatement.

Students – returning to the USA after traveling abroad:
Students who leave the United States for a break in study of five months or more can lose their F-1 or M-1 status if their activities abroad are not related to the course of study. Therefore, in advance of travel, students can check with their school official if they have questions about whether the activity is related to their course of study.

If an expired and previously used F-1 or M-1 visa is presented to a CBP immigration inspector at a port of entry by a returning student who has been outside the United States and out of student status for more than five months, the CBP immigration inspector may see Border Protection states that the student is denied due to not having a valid non-immigrant visa. The CBP Immigration Inspector may also cancel the visa after granting the student permission to withdraw the application for admission. Based on the above, it is appropriate for students to apply for new visas at the U.S. Embassy abroad in advance of traveling to the United States to return to their studies after an absence of more than five months for reasons unrelated to their program of study.

Religious worker visa

Overview:
The R visa type is for individuals seeking to enter the United States to work in a religious capacity on a temporary basis as defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Qualifications:
Religious workers include persons authorized by a recognized body to conduct religious worship and assume all duties normally performed by authorized members of that clergy and those working in religious professions or positions. You must meet the following criteria if you are seeking a religious worker visa:
–    You must be a member of a recognized religious denomination such as a reputable non-profit religious institution in the United States.
–    Your religious organization and its branches must either be tax-exempt or qualify for tax-exempt status.
It should also be:
a) A member of your congregation for two years immediately prior to submitting your application for religious worker status.
b) You plan to serve as a representative of your denomination or in the religious profession of a reputable non-profit religious organization (or a tax-exempt affiliate of a similar organization).
c) Resident and physically present outside of the United States for a prior year if previously spending five years in this category.
There is no requirement that you have a residence outside the country that you do not intend to leave. However, you should endeavor to leave the United States at the end of your legal status barring any indications or evidence to the contrary.

Petitions:
The prospective employer must file Form I-129 and Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker with USCIS. For more detailed information regarding filing Form I-129 as well as the requirements, please refer to USCIS’s R-1 Temporary Nonimmigrant Religious Worker webpage.

Note: The prospective employer must submit the petition as soon as possible (but no more than six months before the start of expected employment) in order to provide adequate time to process the petition and visa.

The petition and Form I-129 must be certified before you can apply for employment at the U.S. Embassy. When your petition is certified, your employer or agent will receive the Notice of Action, Form I-797, which serves as notice of certification of your petition. The consular officer will verify the authenticity of the petition through the Department of State’s Petition Information Management Service during your interview.

You must bring your I-129 petition receipt with you to your interview at the U.S. Embassy in order to verify the authenticity of the petition. Please note that approval of the petition does not guarantee issuance of a visa if you are ineligible for a visa under US immigration law.

Application Items: If you are applying for a religious worker visa, you must submit the following:
–    Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application Form (DS-160) Visit the DS-160 website for more information about the DS-160.
–    A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date of at least six months beyond the expected period of stay in the United States (if more than one person is listed in your passport, each person who desires a visa must apply).
–    A 5cm x 5cm photo taken within the last six months.
–    A receipt showing payment of a $190 non-refundable non-immigrant visa application processing fee paid in local currency.
–    The receipt number printed on your certified I-129 petition. Please note that Form I-797 is no longer required for the interview.

In addition to these terms, you must provide an interview appointment letter confirming that you have booked an appointment to apply. You may also bring any supporting documents that you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.

How to apply:
Step 1: Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application Form (DS-160).
Step 2: Pay the visa application fee.
Step 3: Schedule an appointment at this web page. Three pieces of information are needed so you can schedule your appointment:
o    Your passport number
o    CGI reference number from your visa fee receipt. (Click here if you want to find the number.)
o    The ten-digit bar code number from your Form DS-160 confirmation page.
Step 4: Visit the US Embassy on the date and time of your visa interview. You must bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, the DS-160 confirmation page, a photo taken within the previous six months, your current passport, all old passports, and your original visa fee payment receipt. Applications that do not include all of these items will not be accepted.

Supporting documents:
Supporting documents are one of many factors the consular officer will consider in your interview. Consular officials consider each application individually and take into account professional, social, cultural and other factors during adjudication. Consular officers may also consider some of your specific intentions, long-term plans and ambitions within your country of residence. In addition, each case is independently examined and deemed appropriate under the law.

Warning: Do not submit false documents. Fraud or counterfeiting can result in permanent visa ineligibility. If privacy is a concern, the applicant must bring documents to the U.S. Embassy in a sealed envelope. The US Embassy will not make this information available to anyone and will respect the privacy of the information.

In addition, you must bring the following documents with you to your interview:
–    A letter from an authorized official or a special authorized unit of your employing organization certifying that your religious membership is outside the United States

Overview:
Personal or domestic servants who accompany or report to an employer to the United States may qualify for B-1 visas. This category of domestic workers includes, but is not limited to, cooks, butlers, drivers, maids, butlers, nannies, maternal assistants, and gardeners.

Otherwise, companions or dependents of an employer who is a foreign diplomat or foreign government official may be eligible for an A-3 or G-5 visa depending on the employer’s visa status.

Qualifications:
If you are a domestic employee and want to apply for a B-1 visa, you must show the following:
The purpose of the trip is to enter the United States for the purposes of working as a domestic employee.
You plan to remain in the United States for a specific, limited period of time
That the employer meets the specified qualifications
You have proof of binding social and economic ties abroad
You have a residence outside the United States along with other binding ties that guarantee your return outside the country at the end of your contract.

Accompanying a nonimmigrant visa holder:
If you are a domestic employee who would like to accompany or join an employer who is not a US citizen or legal permanent resident and is seeking entry into or already in the USA under a B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O or P visa or Q or R nonimmigrant, you may be eligible for a B-1 visa provided that:
– Have at least one year of experience as a personal or household employee as certified by previous employers
– You have been employed by an employer outside the United States for a period of not less than one year prior to the date of the employer’s admission into the United States of America, or
– The employer-employee relationship must exist immediately prior to the time of the employer’s application and the employer can show that it has regularly (either annually or seasonally) employed a domestic helper for a period of years prior to the time of its application.
– You will not have another job and will receive a free room and a return flight ticket from the employer as described in the terms of the employment contract.

Accompanying an American citizen:
If you are a domestic employee and would like to accompany or join an employer who is a US citizen in the USA, you may be eligible for a B-1 visa if the US employer normally resides in the USA and is traveling outside the USA temporarily or is undergoing an international move Recurring employment lasting two years or more and will, as a condition of employment, reside in the United States for a period of residence not to exceed four years.

In addition to:
An employer-employee relationship must have existed between you for a period of at least six months before the employer was accepted into the United States, or alternatively, the employer regularly employed domestic workers in the same capacity while abroad.
– Have at least one year of experience as a personal or household employee as certified by previous employers.
– You will not have another job and will receive a free room and a return flight ticket from the employer as described in the terms of the employment contract.

Note: You cannot qualify for a B-1 visa if the US citizen will reside permanently in the USA even if you were previously employed by the US citizen outside the country.

Accompanying legal permanent residents of the United States:
Legal permanent residents of the United States (green card holders) are not permitted to bring their domestic workers on a B-1 visa basis under any circumstances.

Contract requirements for B-1 visa holders
As a domestic worker applying for a B-1 visa, your employment contract signed by both you and your employer must include the following:
– A description of your duties in the United States of America.
– The number of hours you will work each week.
– Number of authorized holidays, leave days and absences for each year
– Weekly day/days off
– The salary amount, which must be at least the prevailing wage or the minimum hourly wage under federal law (whichever is greater) in the state in which you will be employed for all hours worked. You can find current minimum salaries in the United States here and current prevailing salaries here.
– A certificate that you will receive free room and meals.
– A certificate that the employer will guarantee that you will not work for others while you work for the employer
– A certificate that you will not accept any other employment offer while working for the employer
– A certificate that the employer will not keep your passport
– A certificate that both parties understand that you cannot be asked to remain on the property after working hours without compensation
– A certificate that the employer will pay your initial travel expenses to the United States and subsequently to your future place of assignment with the employer or to your country of residence upon termination of employment.

Accompanying holders of A-1, A-2 or G-1 – G-4 visas (A-3 or G-5 visas):
If you are a companion, servant, or personal employee of someone on an A-1, A-2, or G-1 to G-4 visa, you are eligible for the appropriate A-3 or G-5 classification. You must show your eligibility for an A-3 or G-5 rating (e.g. a letter of reference from a previous employer, proof of previous employment in that sector, etc.). Consular officials must ascertain the official status of the employer and the intention of both parties to enter into (or remain in) an employer-employee relationship. In addition, domestic assistants for diplomats (A3) and staff of international institutions (G5) must first be registered in the Department of State’s Foreign Mission Management Information System before applying for a visa. For details about registering in the Foreign Missions Management Information System, please contact the Missions Office

Overview:
The Media Visa (I) is a nonimmigrant visa provided to foreign media representatives traveling temporarily to the United States to engage in their profession while their organization’s office is in a foreign country. However, there are some procedures and fees under immigration law that are linked to the policies of the traveler’s home country, and thus the United States follows the same behavior, which is called “reciprocity.” Procedures for applying for media visas to foreign media representatives of a specific country will consider whether the visa applicant’s government grants the same privileges or treats press/media representatives from the United States the same.

Qualifications:
There are very specific requirements that must be met by applicants in order to qualify for media visas under US immigration law. To qualify for an Media (I) visa, applicants must demonstrate that they are suitably eligible to be issued an Media Visa.

Media visas are offered to representatives of foreign media outlets, including members of the journalism, radio, film, or printing industries whose activity is essential to the function of the foreign media outlet, such as reporters, film crews, editors, and persons in similar positions who travel under U.S. immigration law to the United States. Americans to pursue their profession. The applicant must be associated with the eligible activities of a media organization whose head office is in a foreign country. The activity must be informational and generally related to newsgathering or reporting on actual current events to be eligible for a media visa. It is worth noting that the consular officer will determine whether the activity qualifies for a media visa or not. Reporting on sporting events is usually a suitable reason for a media visa. Other examples include, but are not limited to, the following types of media-related activities:
– A key employee of a foreign information media outlet associated with filming a news event or documentary.
-Members of the media associated with the production or distribution of a film will only be eligible for a media visa if the material being filmed will be used to disseminate information or news. In addition, the primary source and distribution of financing must be outside the United States of America.
– Journalists working under contract. Persons holding credentials issued by a professional journalistic organization, if the work is under contract on a product that will be used abroad by a media or cultural medium to publish information or news that is not intended for commercial entertainment or advertising. Please note that a valid employment contract is required.
– Employees of independent production companies when such employees hold credentials issued by a professional journalistic organization.
-Foreign journalists working for a foreign branch office or foreign affiliate of a U.S. network, newspaper, or other U.S. media outlet if the journalist is going to the United States to report on current events in the United States individually for a foreign audience.
– Authorized representatives of tourism offices that are controlled, operated or supported either in whole or in part by a foreign government and that are primarily associated with the dissemination of actual tourism information about that country and are not eligible for an A-2 visa.
– Technical industry information. Employees in U.S. offices of organizations that distribute technical industry information.

Freelance journalists will only be considered for an I visa if all of the following requirements are met. The journalist must be:
– Holds credentials issued by a professional journalistic institution.
– Be contracted with a media organization.
– Publishes information or news that is not intended primarily for commercial entertainment or advertising.
Photographers are permitted to enter the United States on B-1 visas for the purpose of taking photographs provided they do not receive any income from a US source.

Limitations:
Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program who want to enter the United States temporarily as representatives of foreign media while carrying out their work as media workers or journalists must first obtain a media visa to come to the United States. They cannot travel without a visa on the basis of the Visa Waiver Program, nor can they travel on a visitor (Type B) visa. Attempting to do so may result in being denied entry into the United States by a Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of arrival. The list below describes situations in which a visitor visa or Visa Waiver Program may be used.

Traveling on a visit visa
A visit visa can be used if your purpose of travel is one of the following activities:
Attending a Meeting or Conference: A representative of a media outlet travels to the United States to attend conferences or meetings as a participant, but does not prepare a report on the meeting either while in the United States or upon return under a visitor visa. Because the distinction in immigration law is whether they will pursue their profession.

Speaking to Guests, Lecturing, or Participating in Any Academic Activity: Media representatives must hold a visitor visa when traveling to the United States for the purposes of speaking to guests, lecturing, or participating in any other transient academic activity at a related, affiliated, or non-profit entity. A non-profit research institution, government research institution, or institution of higher education from which the applicant is receiving an honorarium. However, these activities must not last more than nine days at an individual organization and the speaker must not have received payment from more than five organizations for these activities in the last six months.

Purchasing Media Equipment: A visitor visa can be used by foreign media employees to purchase US or h media equipment

Overview:
Generally, the B-1 visa is for travelers who are consulting with business partners to attend an educational, scientific, professional, or business-related forum, to settle property, or to negotiate a contract. The B-2 visa is for travel for recreational purposes in nature, including tourism, visits with friends or relatives, medical treatment, and activities of a friendly, social, or service nature. The B-1 and B-2 visas are usually combined and issued as one visa: the B-1/B-2 visa.

Qualifications:
If you are applying for a B-1/B-2 visa, you must satisfy a consular officer that you qualify for a U.S. visa consistent with the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act assumes that every B-1/B-2 applicant is a prospective immigrant. You must overcome this legal presumption by showing:
–     The purpose of your trip to the United States is a temporary visit, such as business, pleasure, or medical treatment.
–    You plan to remain in the United States for a specific, limited period of time.
–    Proof of funds covering your expenses while in the USA.
–    You have residence outside the United States, as well as binding social and economic ties that guarantee your return to the country at the end of your visit.
–    Personal, domestic and crew members working on board ships within the outer continental shelf may qualify for B-1 visas under certain circumstances.

Order items:
If you are applying for a business/tourist visa, you must provide the following:
–    Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application Form (DS-160).
–     A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date of at least six months after the expected period of stay in the United States.
–     One 5cm x 5cm photo taken within the last six months.
–     A receipt showing payment of the $160 non-refundable non-immigrant visa application processing fee paid in local currency.
–    In addition to these terms, you must submit an interview appointment letter confirming that you have booked an appointment to apply. You may also bring any supporting documents that you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.

How to apply:
Step 1: Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application Form (DS-160).
Step 2: Pay the visa application fee.
Step 3: Schedule an appointment at this web page. Three pieces of information are needed so you can schedule your appointment:
–    Your passport number
–    CGI reference number from your visa fee receipt.
–    The ten-digit bar code number from your DS-160 confirmation page.
Step 4: Visit the US Embassy on the date and time of your visa interview. You must bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, the DS-160 confirmation page, a photo taken within the previous six months, a current passport, and all old passports. Applications that do not include all of these items will not be accepted.

Supporting documents:
Supporting documents are one of many factors the consular officer will consider in your interview. Consular officials consider each application individually and take into account professional, social, cultural and other factors during adjudication. Consular officers may also consider some of your specific intentions, long-term plans and ambitions within your country of residence. In addition, each case is independently examined and deemed appropriate under the law.

Warning: Do not submit false documents. Fraud or counterfeiting can result in permanent visa ineligibility. If privacy is a concern, the applicant must bring documents to the U.S. Embassy in a sealed envelope. The US Embassy will not make this information available to anyone and will respect the privacy of the information.

In addition, you should bring the following documents with you to your interview: Always prefer originals to copies and you should bring these documents to your interview. Do not fax, email, or mail any supporting documents to the U.S. Embassy.

–    Current proof of income, tax payments, real estate ownership, business ownership or assets.
–    Your travel itinerary and/or any other explanation of your planned trip.
–    A letter from your employer explaining your position, salary, length of employment, any authorized leave, and business purpose, if any, of your trip to the United States.
–    Criminal record in relation to any arrest or conviction anywhere, even if you have completed your sentence or have subsequently been pardoned.
In addition, depending on the purpose of travel, you should consider bringing the following:

Students:  Bring your latest school results, school records, and degrees/diplomas. In addition, bring proof of financial support such as monthly bank statements, fixed deposit vouchers, or other evidence.

Working adults: Bring a letter of employment from your employer and pay stubs for the last three months.

Entrepreneurs and company managers: Bring proof of your position in the company and the compensation you receive.

Visiting a relative: Bring copies of your relative’s proof of status (such as a green card, naturalization certificate, valid visa, or similar).
Previous visitors to the United States: If you have previously visited the United States, bring any documents proving your immigration or visa status.

Supporting Documentation for Applicants Seeking Medical Treatment: An applicant seeking to travel to the United States for the primary purpose of medical treatment or examination must apply for a B1/B2 visa; Please submit the documents described in the “Tourism and Business Travelers” section and provide the appropriate section