For years the United States of America has required that many people wishing to travel to the U.S. to study, visit or conduct business first obtain a visa. Recently, the U.S., like many other countries, has updated visa policies to increase security for citizens and visitors. Yet, much remains unchanged. Today, as in the past, most travelers to the U.S. must obtain a visa. The process still includes application forms and interviews as well as the collection and cross-checking of names in a highly sophisticated inter-agency database. Because of this process, many visas take at least several weeks, but some can take longer. While individual experience may differ, here are the basic steps you should follow and what you can expect throughout the process.

1. Make an appointment to visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Visa application procedures vary somewhat among Embassies and Consulates, depending on local needs. In most countries, you will need to make an appointment. This can be done by telephone, mail, over the Internet, or in person, depending on circumstances in your country. Wait times for appointments may be longer than in the past. Schedule your appointment as soon as you know you need to travel to the U.S.

2. Be sure to ask what fees are required and how they can be paid.
Application fees are non-refundable and must be paid before your appointment.

3. Get all your documentation ready. You will need:

• A valid passport

• Appropriate applications.

• Documents to support the application detailing employment, reason for travel and financial status

• Proof of payment of fees

Remember, as in the past, the consular officer may require additional information or application forms.

4. Submit your application, passport, and supporting documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Your application will then be reviewed by the consular officer and, in many cases, by officials in Washington, D.C. For most applicants, the visa is issued within a few weeks. There is no guarantee of obtaining a visa.

5. In some cases, additional reviews will be required.
Your information is submitted and checked in the world's foremost security database, which includes comprehensive information drawn from both U.S. and foreign law enforcement agencies worldwide. If your name or a close variation indicates security concerns, the process will be delayed. Additional steps will vary from requests for additional interviews and information to official registration and fingerprinting. This may add at least 4 to 6 weeks to the processing time. Registration upon arrival in the United States is mandatory in many cases but registration can be required in any case regardless of country of origin.

6. A visa allows you to travel from your country to a port of entry in the U.S.
In many cases, that port of entry will be the airport where you land. On the airplane you will be asked to complete a short arrival/departure form. When you deplane, follow directions for non-citizen entry. At the airport, a U.S. official will interview you and verify all of your paperwork. Once admitted ,you will receive an immigration stamp and proceed to baggage claim and U.S. Customs.

You may be informed by the consular office before leaving your country if you will be subject to special clearance procedures. Some travelers may be directed to private workstations in the arrivals hall, where special registration, photos and electronic (ink-less) fingerprints will be taken. Additional interviews and verification processes will also be conducted.