US Visa Guide 2024: Required Documents / Fees / Instructions / Interview + Table Link!

The United States has always been one of the most beloved travel destinations for Hongkongers. As Hong Kong is not a visa-exempt region for the US, both holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports and British National (Overseas) passports need to apply for a US visa in advance before entering the country. For many, the US visa application process can seem long and complicated, with interviews and paperwork being the most daunting aspects, worrying about their ability to handle them. But actually, applying for a US visa is not as difficult as it seems as long as you are well-prepared! This article will guide you through the US visa application process and provide some practical tips to help you easily obtain your visa and enjoy a trip to the United States!

US visas are divided into two main categories: short-term stay **"Nonimmigrant Visas"** and permanent residency **"Immigrant Visas"**. For general travel or visiting family, you can use the **"Nonimmigrant Visa"** B-1/B-2 visa. Upon successful application, a tourist visa is valid for 10 years. Common **"US Nonimmigrant Visas"** include: * **Business/Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2):** Applicable to business people (B-1) or tourists or those seeking medical treatment (B-2) staying in the US for a short period. * **Work Visa (H):** Applicable to short-term workers in the US, with the visa category determined by the type of work. * **Student Visa (F-1/M-1):** Applicable to those studying in the US, requiring prior acceptance and authorization from a school or program. * **Exchange Visitor Visa (J):** Applicable to those participating in exchange programs in the US, requiring prior acceptance and approval from the sponsoring organization. Other nonimmigrant visas include transit/crew visas (C/D), religious worker visas (R), domestic worker visas, journalist and media visas (I), treaty traders and investors (E-1/E-2) etc.

## Visa Types and Fees | Visa Category | Fee | |---|---| | B Business/Tourism, C-1 Transit, D Crewmember,
F Student, I Journalist or Media Professional, J Exchange Visitor,
M Student, T Refugee, TN/TD NAFTA Professional | HK$1,480 (US$185) | | CW Replacement Worker, H Short-Term/Seasonal Worker, Trainee, L Intracompany Transferee, O Person of Extraordinary Ability,
P Athlete, Artist and Entertainer,
Q International Cultural Exchange Visitor, R Religious Worker | HK$1,640 (US$205) | | E Treaty Trader/Investor,
Australian Workers - Professionals, Long-Term Investors | HK$2,520 (US$315) | | K Fiancé(e)/Spouse of a U.S. Citizen | HK$2,120 (US$265) | **Each visa category has its specific eligibility requirements and application procedures. According to US visa regulations, most non-immigrant visa applicants must demonstrate the following to consular officers:** * The purpose of the trip is temporary, such as business, tourism, or medical treatment. * You only plan to stay in the United States for a specified limited time. * You have the financial resources to support yourself during your stay in the United States. * You have a residence and other social or economic ties outside the United States to ensure you return home after your trip. **Applicants should choose the appropriate visa category based on their individual circumstances and carefully review the relevant eligibility requirements and application procedures to ensure a smooth US visa acquisition process. The visa application fee (known as MRV fee) varies depending on the visa category. *The visa application fee must be paid regardless of the success of the application and is non-refundable or transferable.* **

## U.S. Visa Application Step 1: Filling Out the DS-160 Form The first step in applying for a U.S. visa is filling out the **DS-160 form** and selecting your current country and city. After uploading documents and setting security questions, it's recommended to note down the application number in the upper right corner of the page for future login use. The DS-160 form consists of 10 sections, including personal information, travel details, family member information, and work history. Please read each question carefully and fill out the form truthfully, ensuring all information is accurate and complete. Also, the consulate **does not accept handwritten or typed application forms**. Completing the entire form takes approximately 45-60 minutes. You can pause filling it out during the process, but remember to click the save button; otherwise, if the form remains idle for over 20 minutes, the application will be marked as invalid. The form is individual-based, so even children must fill out their own application form. Please note that if the applicant has a Chinese name, they must enter a four-digit code (available on Hong Kong identity cards) in the DS-160 form. After successfully submitting the form, be sure to save and print the confirmation page with the computer barcode for use during the interview.

When applying for a non-immigrant visa to the United States, you need to upload a digital photo taken within the last six months to complete and submit the DS-160 form. On the day of your interview, you should also bring a copy of the photo to the consulate. Here are the detailed requirements for U.S. visa photos: * Your head height, from the top of your head including hair to the bottom of your chin, must be between 50%-70% of the total photo height. * Eye level height, calculated from the bottom of the photo to your eye line, should be between 55% and 70% of the photo height, or approximately 2/3. * Unless for religious purposes, you are not allowed to wear hats or head coverings that obscure your hair. Your full face must be visible, and there should be no shadow from a head covering on your face. * Since November 1st, 2016, wearing glasses is not permitted when taking visa photos. * The photo must be square, meaning the height and width are equal. * The minimum photo size is 600 pixels x 600 pixels (height x width). The maximum size is 1200 pixels x 1200 pixels (height x width). Be sure to carefully read the above requirements and ensure your photo meets the standards for a smooth visa application process.

**American Visa Application Step Two: Payment of Fees**

You can choose the following two ways to pay the non-immigrant visa application fee (MRV fee):

• Online Credit Card Payment: Log in to the US Consulate website, select the credit card payment method, and complete the payment easily.
• 7-11 Convenience Store Payment: Log in to the appointment system and print the visa application fee payment notice. When paying at a 7-11 convenience store, please present it. Be sure to keep the receipt, and use the payment number on the receipt to schedule an interview. This number cannot be reissued.

Notes:

• Regardless of which payment method you choose, you must schedule an interview or submit a non-interview application within 365 days of paying the MRV fee, otherwise it will expire and be invalidated.
• If you use online credit card payment, please keep your personal CGI number or transaction number for future inquiries.

## US Visa Application Step 3: Schedule Your Interview Get ready with the following information to easily schedule your US visa interview: 1. **Passport Number** 2. **Number on your payment receipt** 3. **10-digit code from your DS-160 confirmation page** **Step 1:** Log in to the **US Visa Appointment System**, and enter your 16-digit visa fee receipt number. [https://portal.ustraveldocs.com/?language=Chinese%20(Traditional)&country=Hong%20Kong](https://portal.ustraveldocs.com/?language=Chinese%20(Traditional)&country=Hong%20Kong) **Step 2:** Choose "Schedule Appointment," enter your personal information and that of any accompanying family members or travel companions, and select your document delivery location. **Step 3:** Confirm your visa payment to schedule your interview time. After completing these three steps, you have successfully scheduled your US visa interview! Please arrive on time at the designated location for your interview and bring all necessary documents with you.

Step 4 of the US Visa Application: Attending the Interview Interview Time and Location: Please arrive in person at the US Consulate on the date and time you scheduled your visa appointment. Interview Preparation: * Before departure, remember to bring all necessary documents and arrive at the consulate 15 minutes early for security check-in. * When entering the consulate, you can only bring a small bag (30 cm x 24 cm x 7.5 cm) or a small file folder containing your application documents. * All computers and electronic devices are prohibited from entering the consulate, including laptops, tablets, cameras, and camcorders. * Carrying lighters, food, and drinks is not allowed. Non-hazardous items can be stored at the guard checkpoint, including USB drives, smartwatches, and smartphones. Interview Process: * The interview lasts approximately 10 minutes in English and mainly focuses on understanding your purpose of travel to the US, length of stay, funding source, etc. Just answer honestly. * During the process, the interviewer will perform fingerprint scanning for the visa applicant. * Once the interview is complete, the officer will inform you immediately whether your visa application is approved. * If successful, you can expect to receive your passport and visa within approximately one week.

1. How long does it take to apply for a US visa? Common business/tourist visas typically take 10 working days from application submission to visa issuance. 2. How long is a US visa valid for? A US visa is valid for 10 years, but some individuals may only be granted 5 years. The interviewing officer determines the validity period based on the applicant's circumstances. 3. Can a US visa be extended? No, you must apply for a new visa. 4. Can BNO holders go to the US without a visa? No, BNO passport holders are not included in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and therefore need to apply for a visa when traveling to the US. 5. Do I need to apply for a visa if I'm transiting through the US? Yes, you need to apply for a visa even if you're only transiting through the US.