Seven steps for preparing for your visa interview

Below are the basic steps to apply for a visa (unless indicated otherwise, it is not necessary to follow these steps in chronological specific order). If you are renewing a visa, you may qualify to renew it by mail. Please click on the “Visa Renewal” link on the left hand side to see if you qualify.

Please note: More information is available by clicking on the steps highlighted in blue.

STEP 1. Complete the application form DS-160. Visa applicants must submit a completed DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application for all nonimmigrant visa categories, except for applicants applying for Fiancee Visas and Treaty Trader/ Treaty Investor Visas.  

Questions about the DS-160? Please refer to the FAQs by clicking here.

The Department of State deployed an updated version of the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application on June 25, 2011 with additional questions and improved translations in some languages. 

NOTE: Applicants applying for Fiancee Visas and Treaty Trader/ Treaty Investor Visas cannot use the DS-160 and must, instead,  use Form DS - 156.

STEP 2. Pay the fees (Application, Issuance and SEVIS fees, if applicable)

STEP 3. Prepare a 5cm x 5cm copy of the application photo used for the DS-160. Bring one copy with you to the interview.

STEP 4. Prepare supporting document

STEP 5. Obtain a valid passport: You must hold a passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date of at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S. Children must have a separate passport even if traveling with a parent.

STEP 6. Schedule an interview appointment online: Click here to schedule an appointment for an interview at the U.S. Embassy Hanoi.  If you want to have an interview appointment at the U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City, please click here.

Note: Do not make more than one appointment at a time. Multiple appointments created for one applicant will result in having all appointments for that applicant canceled.

APPOINTMENTS FOR STUDENT (Visa F-1, M-1) AND EXCHANGE VISITOR (Visa J-1) VISA APPLICANTS: You may apply for an expedited visa appointment if there are no online appointments available in time for the expected start date of your program if you fall under one of the following circumstances:

1. You are a student visa (F-1, M-1) applicant with no previous refusals for a student visa in the last 12 months.

2. You are an exchange visitor visa (J-1) applicant with no previous refusals for an exchange visitor visa in the last 12 months.

3. You are renewing a student/exchange visitor visa.

STEP 7. Appear for your interview at the Embassy

You should arrive at no earlier than 20 minutes before or after your scheduled appointment. Minors under the age of 17 MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to the interview.

If your visa is approved, your visa will be delivered by EMS express courier service, normally within three business days. The delivery fee is available on EMS web-site. This fee is payable only in VND cash.

If your visa application is denied, your passport will be returned to you, along with all your supporting documentation, immediately at the end of the interview. Please see our section on Visa Danials for additional information. Nonimmigrant visa applicants should hand to carry any supporting documentation for consideration to the interview. Supporting documentation sent directly to the U.S. Consulate on behalf of a nonimmigrant visa applicant will not be considered, and the sender will not receive confirmation of receipt.

* For any further request, feel free contact us.