How to be ready for your tourist visa interview

Updated: May 23, 2017

So you’re going to visit the United States to see the sights and have fun? Excellent. But take care of your visa before you book the flight and reserve your hotel room. The best way to ensure a hassle-free trip is to build in enough time to have your visa ready when you’ll need it.

Here are the steps you need to follow to complete the visa application process:

Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application and pay your visa fee

You’ll need to upload a photo of yourself. Have a professional visa photo service snap the pic if you can. Make sure it fits the photo requirements.

Complete Form DS-160 and print the confirmation page to bring to your interview.

Once you have completed the DS-160 application you will be able to create your profile in the online applicant system, choose your passport delivery method, pay your fee, and schedule an interview.  For more information about paying your visa fee click here.

Schedule an interview

You can schedule your interview after your payment receipt has been activated. For more information about payment options and receipt activation times, click here. To schedule an appointment you will need your DS-160 number and payment fee receipt number.  

Attend your interview

Come to AIT for your interview.  Don’t forget to bring any required documents for your visa type.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your check-in process when you arrive.

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa.

Receive your visa

If your visa is approved, your passport with visa will be returned to you via CF Express. You can track your passport online to learn how soon your passport will be ready for pickup or delivery by the courier.