How do I know if I need a U.S. visa?

Requirements depend on your nationality, purpose of travel, and length of stay. Use the State Department’s Visa Wizard and check the Visa Waiver Program rules.

Can I use ESTA instead of a visa?

If you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you may be able to travel with ESTA instead of a visa.

Where can I check official fees and processing times?

Use the Department of State visa fee schedule and appointment wait times tool, plus the USCIS processing times tool for petition-based steps.

United States Visa & Immigration Guide

Official sources referenced

Visitor visas (B-1/B-2) (Department of State)Visa Waiver Program (Department of State)ESTA application (CBP)DS-160 online application (Department of State)DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (Department of State)Visa photo requirements (Department of State)Visa fee schedule (Department of State)Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)Visa interview information (Department of State)USCIS processing times tool

Explore sections

Guides library Visa Guides by country Browse by goal Forms guides Find My Visa

Popular visa categories

Start with the category that matches your goal, then drill into specific visa types. Use the View all links to see the full list for a category.

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Family

View all family visas →

CR-1/IR-1

Eligibility, documents, and planning checklist for U.S. spouse immigrant visas (CR-1/IR-1).

K-1

Eligibility, documents, and planning checklist for the K-1 fiancé(e) visa and consular process.

L-2

Eligibility and planning checklist for dependents of L-1 visa holders.

O-3

Eligibility and planning checklist for dependents of O-1 visa holders.

F-2

Eligibility and planning checklist for dependents of F-1 students.

J-2

Eligibility and planning checklist for dependents of J-1 exchange visitors.

Work

View all work visas →

H-1B

Eligibility, requirements, and planning checklist for the H-1B specialty occupation visa.

O-1

Eligibility, documents, and planning checklist for the O-1 extraordinary ability visa.

H-2B

Eligibility, documents, and planning checklist for the H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visa.

H-2A

Eligibility, documents, and planning checklist for the H-2A temporary agricultural worker visa.

L-1

Eligibility, documents, and planning checklist for L-1 intracompany transfers.

E-1

Eligibility, documents, and planning checklist for E-1 treaty traders.

Study

F-1

Requirements, documents, and planning checklist for F-1 academic students.

J-1

Requirements, documents, and planning checklist for J-1 exchange visitors.

M-1

Eligibility and planning checklist for vocational or non-academic students.

Visit & tourism

B-1

Eligibility, documents, and planning checklist for B-1 business visitors.

B-2

Eligibility, documents, and planning checklist for B-2 tourism and visits.

Other pathways

View all other pathways visas →

EB-1

Eligibility and planning checklist for EB-1 priority workers.

EB-2

Eligibility and planning checklist for EB-2 advanced degree or exceptional ability.

EB-3

Eligibility and planning checklist for EB-3 skilled workers and professionals.

EB-4

Eligibility and planning checklist for EB-4 special immigrants.

EB-5

Eligibility and planning checklist for EB-5 immigrant investors.

Eligibility and planning checklist for U nonimmigrant status for crime victims.

Eligibility and planning checklist for T nonimmigrant status for trafficking victims.

VAWA

Eligibility and planning checklist for VAWA self-petitioners.

SIJ

Eligibility and planning checklist for Special Immigrant Juvenile status.

Asylum

Eligibility and planning checklist for asylum applicants.

Refugee

Eligibility and planning checklist for refugee admissions.

TL;DR

Confirm whether you need a visa using the official Visa Wizard and VWP rules.
Pick a visa category based on your purpose, then compare the specific visa types.
Verify fees, wait times, and interview requirements with official tools before applying.

Who needs a U.S. visa?

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality, your purpose of travel, and how long you plan to stay. The State Department’s Visa Wizard is the official starting point for determining the right category.

Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries may be eligible to visit with ESTA instead of a visa. Always confirm eligibility with the official program page and ESTA site.

Eligibility tools

Visa Waiver Program countries Entry restrictions overview

Requirements at a glance

Requirements vary by visa type, but most pathways include an application form, a valid passport, and supporting evidence tied to your purpose of travel (employment, study, family, or visit).

Use the dedicated requirements page for a structured overview, then follow the official sources for your visa category.

U.S. visa requirements overview

Documents and evidence

Expect identity documents (passport), application confirmations (DS-160 for most nonimmigrant visas or DS-260 for immigrant visas), and evidence tied to your purpose (employment, admission, or family relationship).

Photo requirements are standardized by the State Department, and consular posts may request additional documents based on your case.

U.S. documents checklist

Key forms to know

Many U.S. visa and immigration processes rely on specific forms. Start with these high-traffic guides and follow the official instructions for your category.

How to apply for a U.S. visa U.S. visa interview prep U.S. documents checklist U.S. visa requirements overview DS-160 guide I-485 guide I-130 guide N-400 guide

Fees (verify before you pay)

Fees depend on the visa category and whether a USCIS petition is required. Always verify the latest fee schedule with the Department of State and USCIS before paying.

Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa fee schedule (Department of State)

Processing times (check official tools)

Timelines vary by location and visa type. Use the State Department’s wait times tool for interview appointments and the USCIS processing times tool for petition-based steps.

Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)

Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS processing times tool

Next steps

Pick one of these exits depending on how ready you are to apply.

Find My Visa

Build a sequenced plan with checklists and official sources.

Browse visa types

Explore categories to compare visa options quickly.

Read preparation guides

Review interview, photo, and document guides.

FAQs

Where do VisaMind’s U.S. requirements come from?

We cite official U.S. government sources such as the Department of State, USCIS, and DHS. See the Sources section for every page.

Can I travel without a visa?

Some travelers may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA. Always verify eligibility on the official State Department and CBP sites.

Do all U.S. visas require an interview?

Interview requirements vary by visa type and embassy. Always confirm with official guidance.

Sources

Last reviewed: 2026-01-29

Important

VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Next steps

Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.

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