Nonimmigrant Visas

How Do I Apply?

Please read the seven steps carefully before process your visa application.

• Step 1: Pay the application fee
• Step 2: Prepare an appropriate Photo
• Step 3: Fill in the online visa application form (DS-160)
• Step 4: Gather the required documents
• Step 5: Make an appointment for the interview
• Step 6: Appear for the interview
• Step 7: Arrange for passport delivery (for approved applicants)

Step 1: Pay the non-refundable application fee of HK$1040 (the equivalent of US$131) per application at Dah Sing Bank in Hong Kong. The fee receipt is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Please check with your local Dah Sing Bank branch to ensure that it accepts payment of the application fee. For branch locations, click here.

Step 2: Visa applicants will be required to upload a proper photo when filling in the DS-160 application form. Applicants must also bring a photo with them to their interview. Photo specifications are very exact. Click here for instructions.

Step 3: ALL visa applicants are required to fill in the online application form (DS-160) which can be filled out by clicking here. After completing the DS-160, the applicant will electronically transmit the application and will be provided with a confirmation page that includes some biographical information and a bar code with a confirmation number. Applicants must bring this confirmation page with them to their interview. Please see Step 5 to make an appointment for interview.

The DS-160 is also available in Chinese (simplified). You may select "中文(簡体)" in the "Select Tooltip Language" box at the top of the page. When you move the cursor and point it to the English text, a box with translation in simplified Chinese will pop up.

If the online application has not been completed fully and accurately, the applicant will be requested to return with a new completed application. To view Frequently Asked Questions about DS-160, please click here.

Step 4: Gather the required documents: (1) the DS-160 application form confirmation page, (2) the application fee bank receipt, (3) a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the United States, (4) Passports containing all previous U.S. visas, even if expired, (5) your appointment confirmation sheet (see below,) and (6) suggested supporting documents. In certain circumstances, an applicant may apply using a passport with less than six month validity. For example, HKSAR, British National (Overseas) ("BNO") and Macau SAR passport holders may apply for a new visa even if their passports have less than six months validity remaining. However, it is recommended that all applicants have at least six months validity.

Petition based visa applicants (H, L, O, P, Q and R visas) should provide the receipt number of the approved I-129 or I-797 to us at least two business days prior to your visa interview. You may do this by faxing a copy of the I-797 Notice of Approval to +852 2147-3586, or by emailing the receipt number and the name of the petitioner and beneficiary to hongkongpims@state.gov. Please note that this email address is not for inquiry. If you have any questions about visa matter, please use our Visa Inquiry Form.

Step 5: Click here to make an appointment online. (Please schedule only one appointment per each visa applicant. If you schedule numerous appointments, they will not be accepted.) Alternatively, for information on how you can make an appointment through our Visa Information Call Center, click here.

For information on emergency appointments, click here.

For information on expedited appointment for business travel, click here.

Certain applicants, including Macau residents, fiancée /spouse (K) and spouse (V) visa applicants, applicants age 80 or over, and applicants under age 14, do not require appointments. Please click here for more information.

Step 6: Go to the Consulate General at your specified appointment time. All persons and property entering the U.S. Consulate are subject to search for security purposes. Weapons or any item that may be used as a weapon, all electronic devices, any liquids and/or flammable items (including cigarette lighters and matches) are not allowed in the Consulate building, so please leave such items at home. After inspection, mobile telephones may be checked at the door of the Consulate building, but may not be brought inside. At the interview, the primary applicant will be the only person allowed into the building, except in the case of minor children (age 17 and under). Parents or guardians are advised to accompany a minor child. Children under age 14 who are resident in Hong Kong or Macau and have not been refused a visa do not need to appear in person. However, if the child is not present, only the parent or legal guardian can apply on the child's behalf. Please bring proof of relationship or legal guardianship such as an original birth certificate or court document. Please click here for more information. Applicants age 80 or over who are resident in Hong Kong or Macau and have not been refused a visa do not need to appear in person. Please click here for more information.

Step 7: Most applicants will be told immediately following the interview whether or not they will be granted a visa. Approved applicants must then go to the Hongkong Post Services window in the Non-Immigrant Visa section waiting room to arrange for delivery and to pay the postage fee. Hong Kong Post will deliver the passport and visa approximately 3-4 working days after the interview. Please note that there is no same day delivery of visas except in rare cases of humanitarian or medical emergency. The courier service fee is HK $25 for Hong Kong residents and HK96 for residents of Macau. The fee will be assessed per applicant and must be paid in cash. Please click here for more information on the courier service.

 

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Last modified: October 14, 2009