Check your passport expiration date. Many countries require that a passport be valid for at least six months beyond the visa date. They may also require a new, machine readable passport. Make sure your passport meets these requirements before applying.
Read and review the visa application carefully. The application will list the requirements for your visa and prepare you for gathering your information.
Check to see if the application can be filed online. This may help you to save time. Some countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, have applications that can be filled out using a computer and then printed, which results in a legible, clear application.
Have your photos taken. Your visa may require photographs of an approved style and size; have these photographs taken and label them clearly on the reverse side.
Gather your supporting documents. These will vary depending upon your visa type, but will include your application, application fee and passport. It may also require school approvals and proof of tuition, bank statements, birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce or death decrees, tax returns and proof of travel plans.
Prepare a set of copies and originals for all submitted documents. This may help you prevent delays due to lost or missing information.
Schedule your visa interview. This process depends upon your type of visa. Some interviews may be scheduled online or by phone while others are scheduled for you by the consulate or embassy.
