You will need to take this with you to your interview. Confirmation of the appointment date and time will be sent by email together with a receipt for the application fee. On confirmation that your payment has been accepted, the operator will schedule the appointment. Payment is made at the time of scheduling the non-immigrant visa interview with the Operator Assisted Information Service (see the section on arranging an interview). This must be filled out online.Ī non-immigrant visa application costs $160 which is approximately £100. STEP 1 – Complete the visa application formįirstly, you will have to complete a non-immigrant visa application form (DS-160). Step 4 – Arrange an interview at the embassy – You need to arrange and attend an interview at the US Embassy with the Visa Coordination Officer.Step 3 – Provide official confirmation of your criminal record – You do this by obtaining a police certificate from ACPO issued less than six months before your visa interview.Step 2 – Provide details of your criminal record – You do this by completing a Personal Data Sheet (VCU01).Step 1 – Complete the online visa application form – You need to complete a non-immigrant visa application form (DS-160) and pay the appropriate fee.If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime, you are required to do the following – each step is explained in more detail below: If issued, they are valid for a maximum of 10 years, but the length of the visa will vary depending on the circumstances In general, holidaymakers to the United States will require a valid B-2 visa. What is the process for applying for a B-2 visa (Holiday visa)?įor more information on applying for different types of visa click here to read information on the US Embassy website. Therefore, final travel plans or the purchase of non-refundable tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued and you are in receipt of your passport. No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. The Embassy recommends that individuals apply for visas well in advance of their proposed date of travel. Further information on Visitors Business and Pleasure B-2 Visas can be found here. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting forms electronically and therefore it’s necessary for you to have internet access. Non-immigrant visas cover visits for tourism, business, work or study. An immigration inspector at the port of entry will determine the visa holder’s eligibility for admission into the US.Ī non-immigrant visa is required by anyone seeking temporary admission into the US who is not eligible to travel visa free under the VWP. How do I apply for a visa?Ī visa is issued by a US Embassy and entitles the holder to travel to the US and apply for admission. Requirements may vary for other types of visa. The information below relates to applying for a Visitors Business and Pleasure B-2 Visa. If you’re not able to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you will have to apply for a visa if you want to visit the United States. It’s also worth considering what other information you may need in preparation for your interview at the US Embassy. Once you have established that you are not eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) it’s important to have a good understanding of the costs and time involved in applying for a visa. It forms part of our information on travelling to the US including This section focuses specifically on the visa application process for those travelling to the US for 90 days or less for leisure or business purposes who have a criminal record.