Visa types
B1/B2 visitor visa
The most common US visa, for tourism, visiting family, medical treatment and short business trips such as meetings and conferences.
F-1 student visa
For academic study and language schools; requires a Form I-20 from your school and SEVIS registration.
J-1 exchange visitor visa
For Work and Travel, internships, research and exchange programmes; requires a DS-2019 from the programme sponsor.
Typical documents
- Passport valid for your trip
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Proof of application fee payment and appointment confirmation
- Recent photo meeting the DS-160 requirements
- Previous passports and any earlier US visas
- Employer letter, payslips and SGK service record
- For business owners: tax registration and trade registry gazette
- Bank statements and proof of assets
- For students and exchange visitors: Form I-20 or DS-2019 and SEVIS fee receipt
- Documents supporting your purpose of travel (invitation, conference registration, etc.)
Document lists vary by applicant and by consulate; the consulate's current official list is always the one that counts.
How to apply
- 1
Identify the visa category that fits your purpose of travel.
- 2
Complete the DS-160 online and save the confirmation page.
- 3
Pay the application fee through the official appointment system.
- 4
Book an interview at the Embassy in Ankara or the Consulate General in Istanbul.
- 5
Prepare your documents and get ready for the interview.
- 6
Attend the interview; if approved, collect your passport by the method indicated.
Practical tips
- Anything on your DS-160 can come up at the interview, so your answers should match the form.
- At the interview, explain your purpose of travel and your ties to Türkiye (work, family, study) briefly and clearly.
- Most applicants now attend an in-person interview; interview waivers apply only in limited cases.
- Appointment wait times vary, so plan your travel dates around appointment availability.