How to Get a Visa or Passport
For travel in to and out of the United States either a passport or visa is required, depending on the traveler's country of citizenship, purpose of visit and length of stay. Understanding the application process and the associated guidelines will make the endeavor as pain-free as possible.
- For a U.S. passport:
- DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport
- Social Security number
- Primary evidence of U.S. citizenship (one of the following): previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport; certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state; consular report of birth abroad or certification of birth; naturalization certificate; certificate of citizenship
- 8-by-11 photocopy of primary evidence of U.S. citizenship
- Applicable fees
- Two passport-size photos
- Additional requirements for applicants under 17:
- Both parents or guardians with photo identification
- Photocopy of parent/guardian photo identification
- Evidence of parental relationship, such as minor's certified U.S. birth certificate with both parents' names
- For a visa:
- Nonimmigrant visa application, Form DS-156, completed and signed
- Supplemental nonimmigrant visa application, Form DS-157 for males 16 to 45
- A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States
- One 2-by-2 photograph
- Processing fees
- Additional documents as required by student, work or immigrate visa
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Instructions
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Begin by researching visa status. Whether an individual needs a visa depends on his home country and purpose of visit.
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Make an appointment with your local consulate or embassy. Be knowledgeable about wait times, interview appointments and visa processing at the local embassy or consulate.
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Submit appropriate forms and documents at appointment. Prepare to be fingerprinted, interviewed and processed.
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Wait. The consulate officer's decision can take months. If denied, a new application can be submitted with new evidence. According to the U.S. Department of State, "In the absence of new evidence, consular officers are not obliged to re-examine cases."
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Ensure that all required documents are accounted for and not expired. Photocopies should be on plain white 8 1/2 by 11-inch standard paper stock, showing the front and the back of your ID.
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Verify fees online (see Resources). Fees vary according to age of applicant, how soon passport is needed and whether a previous passport has been obtained.
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Fill out DS-11 application. Do not sign.
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Apply in person at an approved facility. Passport acceptance facilities generally include post offices and regional passport agencies. The U.S. Department of State offers an online passport acceptance facility search engine (see Resources).
