US Visa Application Process (for children)

US Visa Application Process (General)

The US visa application process generally starts with determining the type of visa required, based on the purpose of travel to the United States. Applicants must complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application online and schedule an interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. It's important to pay the necessary visa application fee prior to the interview and prepare all required documents, which typically include a passport, photo, and confirmation page of the DS-160 form.

During the visa interview, a consular officer will assess whether the applicant qualifies for the visa category applied for. Biometrics may also be collected during the interview process. Following the interview, the visa processing takes place, and if approved, the visa is issued and attached to the applicant’s passport.

US Visa Application Process (For children)

It took me a full year to recover from the Schengen visa application, before I could muster up the courage to apply for a complex visa again. And this time I was aiming for a double whammy - US and UK visas, although the US visa was only for my children.

Why on earth would I want to go on holiday to the US at a time when the rand / dollar exchange rate was at an all-time low? Well, my husband and I both had 10-year US visas from our Caribbean cruise trip. They were going to expire in the next 2 years. To avoid having to apply for 4 visas at a later stage, we decided to use them while they were still valid and take the kids to Disney World Orlando.

Why go to the UK as well? I’ll save that for another post.

I completed the extremely comprehensive online application forms for US visas and had to pay a whopping R2488 for 2 kids. Then I was asked to courier the required documents  through to the US Embassy via my selected branch of their preferred courier, DHL, instead of submitting them electronically. From all my research and Google searches, I had never come across this process before and thought that everyone had to go in for interviews after submitting their documents electronically.  However, most people probably applied for themselves as well as their children at the same time.

Anyway, we handed the documents to DHL Rivonia Road on a Tuesday morning. I tracked the applications online with anxious regularity and on the following Monday (a week later), I received a notification that the documents were ready for collection from DHL - with the official visas within. Shew, no interview was required - what a relief - although if there was one it would have probably gone like this

Interviewer to kids “ Why do you want to go to the USA?”

Kids “ We want to go to Disney World.”

Interviewer: “ Why?”

Kids: “It looks like fun.”

US Visa

For more information on how to apply, go to:

https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-za/niv/information/niv

https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-za/niv/information/required_docs

Here are some practical tips for applying for a U.S. visa:

1. Apply Early: Visa processing times can vary, so it's wise to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
2. Complete Forms Accurately: Ensure all information on the DS-160 form is complete and accurate. Mistakes can lead to delays or denial of your visa.
3. Gather Necessary Documents: Prepare all required documents before your interview. This includes your passport, photographs, previous visas, and any other documents that support your visa application.
4. Prepare for the Interview: Be ready to clearly and honestly explain your reasons for traveling, your plans in the U.S., and your ties to your home country. The interview is a crucial part of the process.
5. Check Visa Specific Requirements: Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, there may be additional requirements. Make sure to check the specific requirements for your visa category.
6. Follow Embassy/Consulate Instructions: Each U.S. Embassy or Consulate may have specific instructions for visa appointments and procedures. Follow these instructions carefully.
7. Maintain a Positive Attitude: Be polite and respectful during your interview. A positive attitude can make a significant difference.

By following these tips, you can help ensure a smoother process for your U.S. visa application.

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Sara Essop

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.