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1. Steps to prepare a complete set of documents for applying for a US tourist visa
Step 1: Prepare your passport
Ensure your passport contains all necessary information, a signature, and is valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to leave the US. In other words, your passport must remain valid throughout your stay in the US.Step 2: Take a passport photo
Take a 5x5cm photo with a white background. Visa photos in general, and US visa photos in particular, are very strict, so you must adhere to the standards, even if it's a photo that makes you cringe. The photo must clearly show your face, both ears, and forehead. After taking the photo, instruct the photographer to provide both printed and digital copies. The digital copy will be uploaded when completing the DS160 online form.Step 3: Fill out the DS160 form
After gathering some basic documents, access the following website to fill in the DS160 form: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. This is a lengthy information declaration form that may seem overwhelming at first glance. However, completing the information online will save you a lot of time, effort, and expenses when applying for a visa. So, be patient, read the requirements carefully, and provide accurate information:
- Create a personal profile: Copy the APPLICATION ID, create a security question, and then continue filling out the form step by step. The purpose of the APPLICATION ID and creating a security question is to allow you to complete the form over multiple days in case you need to leave in the middle of filling it out or need to verify information. The APPLICATION ID will be valid for 30 days, so please take note.
The APPLICATION ID will be valid for 30 days, please take note. @namriver
- Fill out personal information: Basic information includes name, date of birth, gender, place of birth, contact information, etc. These are fundamental details for any citizen of any country.
Basic information includes name, date of birth, gender,... @namriver
Enter your ID card number in this box. @namriver
- Fill out information about the standard passport: You just need to open your passport and quickly fill out the information.
You just need to open your passport and quickly fill out the information. @namriver
- List details about your trip to the US: Just like applying for a tourist visa in any country around the world, the more detailed and clear your travel plan is, the more persuasive it becomes, showing that you have really researched, looked up information, and prepared very carefully for this trip. As you go, be sure to click SAVE at the end of the page.
Listing detailed information about your trip to the US increases persuasiveness. @namriver
- Fill in information for fellow travelers by selecting YES and following the instructions. If traveling alone, select NO.
Fill in information for fellow travelers by selecting YES and following the instructions. If traveling alone, select NO. @namriver
- Declare information about your previous visits to the US: Select YES and follow the instructions. If this is your first visit to the US, select NO.
Information about your previous visits to the US, select YES and follow the instructions. If this is your first time, select NO. @namriver
- Provide details about someone in the US who can confirm information for you: This person can be anyone you know, such as exchange student friends, neighbors, relatives... You must provide them with information about your trip as you have declared in this form. In case the Embassy wants to verify your travel itinerary.
Provide details about someone in the US who can confirm information for you. @namriver
- Provide information related to family
Information related to family. @namriver
- Fill in information related to current education and employment
Information related to current education and employment. @namriver
Fill in the information accurately. @namriver
- Provide information about the countries you have visited before applying for a US visa: This is one of the most important pieces of information and is considered an advantage for those who have traveled or worked abroad multiple times. Therefore, the more detailed and the more countries you have visited, the better.
Provide information about the countries you have visited before applying for a US visa. @namriver
- Answer security and safety questions: Simply answer YES or NO. However, 99.99% of the time, answering NO will suffice.
Answer security and safety questions. @namriver
- Upload passport photo after obtaining the soft file: The system will automatically check the image standards with a size of 5x5 and a white background. If it meets the requirements, the screen will display the message “PHOTO PASSED QUALITY STANDARDS”.
Upload passport photo after obtaining the soft file. @namriver
- Double-check the information: This part is quite important. If you have been patient enough to fill out all the information, then spend a few more minutes to double-check thoroughly, ensuring that what you have provided is true.
Double-check the information, this part is quite important. @namriver
Check one last time before sending. @namriver
- Submit form DS160: Click the “SIGN AND SUBMIT APPLICATION” button. After you complete and submit, you will receive a confirmation email with a confirmation page containing the 5x5 photo you uploaded and a series of codes. Print out 2 copies for use when paying fees and attending the interview.
Click the “SIGN AND SUBMIT APPLICATION” button. @namriver
Print out 2 copies for use when paying fees and attending the interview. @namriver
Step 4: Pay visa fees
Print the confirmation page and take it to the post office to pay the US visa fee, which is $160 (about 3,650,000 VND). Post office staff will guide you on filling out the form and submitting the payment. After completing the procedure, you will receive a receipt provided by the post office. Keep the receipt safe to bring to the interview. The US visa fee has a peculiar feature that regardless of whether you pass or fail, this fee is non-refundable.Step 5: Schedule an appointment with the Embassy
Make sure to revisit the website by noon the next day after postal fee payment to schedule your appointment step by step. After providing the information, the Embassy will inform you of the nearest interview schedule for you to conveniently select the interview date and time as well as the visa delivery address if approved (the visa will be affixed to your passport and sent to you via postal service). Before the interview, bring all necessary documents including photos, passport, ID card, payment receipt, and the interview appointment letter. Place all required documents in a neat envelope and confidently attend the interview.
Your American dream is getting closer, despite the slight complications! @Internet
Step 6: Prepare some additional documents
The following additional documents aim to demonstrate your ability to finance your trip and ensure your return home when the journey ends. While these documents are not mandatory, in some cases, Embassy officials may inquire, so it's best to be fully prepared in advance. - Invitation letter from relatives, friends, or organizations if invited to visit the US. If traveling independently, it's advisable to have a clear itinerary. - Financial proof is crucial in most visa applications in any form. Typically, you can provide some of the following documents: the latest 3-month salary confirmation from the company, property ownership, transportation means, savings account... This is evidence to ensure you have stable finances in Vietnam and can afford the trip. - If traveling as a family, you must present marriage and birth certificates of children. - If you are employed, you may bring a company introduction letter with confirmation. If you are still studying, bring a school confirmation letter, academic transcripts, or diplomas. This demonstrates that you have a stable job and life in Vietnam, just traveling for a few days before returning home. - Regarding air tickets, it's not advisable to purchase them in advance as it's uncertain whether you will be granted a visa or not.
Remember these tips when applying for a US visa to increase your chances of success! @Internet
2. Tips for the US tourist visa interview
Some countries issue visas only through application review, while others may invite you for an interview if the information you provide is not clear. However, for the US visa, you are required to attend an interview at the Embassy or Consulate.Information about the US Embassy
There are some important notes for the US visa interview such as:
3. Receiving the result of the US tourist visa application
If your visa application is approved, they will keep your passport to affix the visa and send it by mail.The US visa process is very fast, if you fail, they will notify you immediately after the interview, without waiting around. If you are not granted a visa, don't be discouraged, you can go through the process again from the beginning and apply for another interview, when you have experience from the previous one.
You will receive the result immediately after the interview ends. @Hùng Lê
When it comes to applying for a US visa, you can't predict anything. Some people get approved on their first try while others get rejected multiple times. That's why many say that applying for a US visa is neither easy nor difficult, it's just unpredictable.The instructions above provide a relatively comprehensive guide to the US visa application process. Just think that everything is easy and you can do it all. To easily apply for a US tourist visa, you can also apply for a South Korea visa and a Japan visa beforehand at:
