Take one clear, front-view photograph. The photograph must measure at least two inches by two inches, with the applicant in front of a white or off-white background. Do not wear a hat or dark glasses. Wear eyeglasses if you wear them on a daily basis.
Scan the photograph at a resolution set to a minimum of 300 pixels per inch. Save the digital photograph as a JPEG image file.
Complete a DS-160 application online, filling out all the areas on the form, including your passport information. This nonimmigrant visa application is located on the U.S. Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center website. Upload the photograph onto the application. Submit the completed application online to the Department of State.
Print out the DS-160 barcode page. Save this confirmation page; it is not necessary to save the full DS-160 application.
Schedule an interview with the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate within the jurisdiction of your place of permanent residence. Visit the website of the particular embassy or consulate to schedule an interview, as well as learn of any country-specific documentation you need.
Pay the nonimmigrant visa applicant processing fee. The fee in 2011 is $140 USD for visitor visas and is nonrefundable. Pay the fee in advance of the interview, according to the specific instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country of your permanent residence.
Take the printed DS-160 confirmation page, which contains the application ID number, to the interview with the consular officer. Take the receipt for the visa application processing fee with you also. Bring with these documents any additional country-specific documentation and materials that are required.
