Photograph of a German passport on top of a stack of $50 US bills.

Planning a temporary stay in the United States? Whether it’s for tourism, business, work, or study, understanding the U.S. nonimmigrant visa process is crucial. At Gray Whale Law, we believe in simplifying complex legal procedures, and that’s why we’ve created this guide to break down the essential steps for obtaining a U.S. nonimmigrant visa in 2025.

What Exactly is a Nonimmigrant Visa?

A U.S. nonimmigrant visa is an official document placed in your passport that grants you permission to travel to the United States for a temporary period.  Generally, if you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need a visa to enter the country.  The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit: a vacation to Disney World, for instance, typically requires a B-2 tourist visitor visa, while entering the U.S. to attend a business conference typically requires a B-1 temporary business visitor visa.

The Nonimmigrant Visa Application Process: Two Key Steps

The U.S. nonimmigrant visa application process primarily involves two main stages:

1. Submitting the DS-160 Online Visa Application

Form DS-160 is the cornerstone of every nonimmigrant visa application. This online form is used for various temporary visas, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas, H-1B work visas, and K-1 fiancé(e) visas, among others. Each applicant, including spouses and children, must complete their own DS-160 application.

You can access the DS-160 form on the U.S. Department of State’s website: ceac.state.gov/genniv

Important Tips for DS-160 Success:

  • Gather Your Information: Be prepared to provide detailed personal and biographical information. This includes your passport details, addresses, travel history, employment information, and educational background. You may also need to upload a passport-sized photograph.
  • Utilize Official Resources: The Department of State provides a helpful Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section dedicated to the DS-160, which can guide you on required documents and answer common questions. You can find it here.
  • Language Assistance: The DS-160 website offers translation tooltips. You can select your preferred language from the dropdown menu at the top right corner. While the application itself must be completed in English, these tooltips can provide translations of questions in various languages for better understanding.
  • Save Frequently! The DS-160 system can time out and you may loose your progress if the window remains inactive for too long. Save your application regularly using the “save” button to avoid losing your hard work.
  • Note Your Application ID: When you begin the DS-160, the website assigns you an Application ID. Immediately print or save this ID! You will need it to access your application later.
  • Set a Calendar Reminder for Incomplete Applications: Draft DS-160 applications are automatically deleted if they have not been accessed for 30 days. If you cannot complete the form in one sitting, set a calendar reminder to access and save your application every few weeks to prevent it from being deleted.
  • Save Your Confirmation: Once you complete the DS-160, save your DS-160 confirmation page! You will absolutely need this confirmation for your visa interview appointment.

2. Scheduling and Attending Your Visa Appointment

After you’ve diligently completed and submitted your DS-160 application, the next critical step is to schedule a nonimmigrant visa appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Navigating the Appointment Scheduling Systems:

The U.S. Department of State utilizes different websites for scheduling visa appointments depending on the country where you are applying.The three main systems are:

The specific system you should use is determined by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of application.Embassies and Consulates in different regions use different systems. For example, many posts in Central and South America, and Africa use ais.usvisa-info.com, while posts in India, Australia, Japan, and South Korea often use usvisascheduling.com.

How to Find the Right Scheduling System:

The easiest way to determine the correct website is to visit the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you will apply.These websites usually provide direct links to the appropriate scheduling system.

Steps to Schedule Your Appointment:

  1. Create an Account: Visit the correct scheduling website and create a user account.
  2. Log In and Select Visa Category: Log in to your account and select the appropriate nonimmigrant visa category you are applying for.
  3. Pay the Visa Fee: You will be prompted to pay the nonimmigrant visa application fee. Visa fees vary depending on the visa category.
  4. Choose Your Appointment: After fee payment, you should be able to view available visa appointment dates and times and select one that works for you.

Important Considerations for Your Appointment:

  • Appointment Wait Times: Wait times for visa appointments vary significantly by consular office and can range from a few days to over a year. Check the wait times at your chosen embassy or consulate when planning your travel.
  • Expedited Appointments: If you have urgent travel needs and cannot find an available appointment online, you may be able to request an expedited appointment. Contact the embassy or consulate directly to inquire about their expedited appointment procedures.
  • Visa Interview: The final step for most applicants is attending an in-person visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Carefully review the instructions and required document list provided by the specific consular office for your interview. The embassy or consulate website is your best resource for this information. Note: Some consular posts may allow certain applicants to skip the interview altogether.

Visa Issuance and Entry to the U.S.:

Once your visa interview is complete (if required) and your application is approved, your visa will be issued and placed in your passport. This visa permits you to travel to the United States and seek admission in the nonimmigrant status indicated on your visa.

Download Your Comprehensive Guide

Want to keep this information handy and have it all in one place? We’ve compiled this guide into a downloadable PDF for your convenience! Click below to access your free copy of the “U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Processing: A Guide from Gray Whale Law.”

Click to Download: Gray Whale Law Guideto Nonimmigrant Visa Processing

Need Help Navigating the Nonimmigrant Visa Process?

U.S. immigration laws are notoriously complex and can be challenging to navigate. Eligibility requirements are often unclear, regulations change frequently, and government processing can be inconsistent.

At Gray Whale Law, we specialize in helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law. If you have questions about the nonimmigrant visa process or need assistance with your application, we are here to help.

Contact us today for a consultation and let us simplify your U.S. visa journey.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney at Gray Whale Law for advice tailored to your specific situation.