Photo PassMake my photo US visitor visa (B-1/B-2): application and interview guide
Understand B-1, B-2 and combined B-1/B-2 visitor visas, DS-160, interview preparation, supporting evidence, entry conditions and the separate role of the visa photo.
What this visa or program is
US visitor visas are temporary nonimmigrant visas. B-1 covers permitted short business activities; B-2 covers tourism, family visits and certain medical treatment; a combined B-1/B-2 visa is common.
Some travellers can use the Visa Waiver Program instead, but eligibility depends on nationality, travel history and other conditions. A visitor visa is not permission to work, permanently reside or undertake activity outside the admitted category.
- Category
- Temporary visit
- Main form
- DS-160
- Decision
- US embassy or consulate
- Entry
- CBP decides at the border
This independent guide explains the normal route, not a personal eligibility decision. Immigration rules, fees and appointment procedures can change; check the linked authority and the office handling your application before submitting or paying.
Who needs it?
- Travellers whose nationality or circumstances require a visitor visa rather than ESTA/Visa Waiver travel.
- Tourists, people visiting family or friends, and eligible short business visitors.
- Applicants travelling for medical treatment must also show the treatment purpose, arrangements and ability to pay.
Core eligibility
- Have a genuine temporary purpose consistent with B-1 and/or B-2 activities.
- Show a residence and strong reasons to leave the United States after the visit.
- Demonstrate that travel costs can be covered and that the proposed itinerary is credible.
- Be otherwise eligible under US immigration law; previous refusals, overstays, arrests or misrepresentation must be answered truthfully.
Documents and information to prepare
- Valid passport and DS-160 confirmation page.
- Fee receipt and appointment confirmation where the post requires them.
- A compliant photo if the upload fails or the embassy requests a printed copy.
- Purpose-of-travel evidence, itinerary, funding evidence, employment/study/family ties and case-specific documents. No single unofficial checklist guarantees approval.
How to apply, step by step
Choose the correct visitor category
Confirm that the proposed activity is permitted under B-1, B-2 or the combined category.
Complete DS-160
Submit the online form accurately and save the barcode confirmation page.
Pay and schedule
Follow the exact fee and appointment procedure of the embassy or consulate where you apply.
Prepare for the interview
Bring the post’s required documents and be ready to explain purpose, duration, funding and reasons to return.
Attend and follow case instructions
The officer may approve, refuse or request additional administrative processing or evidence.
Timing and fees
- The nonimmigrant-visa application fee and appointment procedure can change. Confirm them on the relevant embassy or consulate website before paying.
- Wait times vary significantly by post, season and visa category. Do not buy non-refundable travel before a visa is issued.
Validity and stay conditions
- Visa validity and number of entries depend partly on nationality reciprocity and the consular decision; read the printed visa.
- Visa expiry governs when it can be presented for entry, not how long a person may stay. CBP determines the authorized stay at each admission.
Photo requirements
DS-160 includes a digital-photo step. Some applicants must also bring a printed photo, particularly if the upload is unsuccessful or the post instructs them to do so.
- Colour photo taken within the last six months
- Square digital image; the standard service preset exports 600 × 600 pixels
- Plain white or off-white background, neutral expression and full face
- No eyeglasses except a documented rare medical exception
Common refusal or delay risks
- An unclear or impermissible purpose of travel.
- Insufficient evidence of temporary intent, funding or ties outside the United States.
- Inconsistent DS-160 and interview answers, missing material facts or false documents.
- Prior immigration violations or other statutory ineligibility.
After approval
- Check name, passport number, category and expiry on the visa.
- Carry purpose and accommodation details for travel; a visa does not guarantee admission.
- Follow the electronic I-94 admission period and do not work or overstay.
Official sources and next check
Use these authority pages to verify live eligibility, fees, forms, dates and submission instructions:
Prepare the photo when the application is ready
First confirm the correct visa route and current checklist. Then use the matching preset to crop and export the portrait privately on your device.
Create a US visa photo