Introduction
US B1/B2 Visitor Visa Application Guide: Planning a trip to the United States can be exciting until you reach the visa application stage. Then the questions begin: Where do I start? What documents do I need? How much does the application cost? What happens at the interview? And perhaps the biggest question of all: How can I give myself the best chance of getting a US visitor visa?
The good news is that the B1/B2 visa application process is easier to understand when you break it down into individual steps.
The B1/B2 visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa generally used for eligible travelers visiting the United States for business-related activities, tourism, vacations, visiting family or friends, or certain medical purposes. The U.S. Department of State explains that visitor visa applicants must demonstrate that they qualify under U.S. immigration law and that their planned visit fits the visitor visa category.
This 2026 guide walks through the process from completing the DS-160 to preparing for the interview and understanding what happens after a decision.
Important: Visa requirements, fees, appointment procedures and processing arrangements can change. Always verify the latest instructions on the official U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy or Consulate website before submitting an application.