How do I apply?
In order to get a visa appointment, please follow the guidance on https://www.ustraveldocs.com/tr/en/step-2#how-to-apply-for-non-immigrant-visa page.
- Complete the DS-160 form: Fill out the online application at https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC.• Print the DS-160 confirmation page (barcode).
- Create your appointment profile:
- Go to https://www.ustraveldocs.com/tr/en/nonimmigrant-visa
- Click Create Account (upper-right corner).
- Enter the primary applicant’s passport number, date of birth, and nationality to open the profile.
- Claim a previously-paid MRV fee (if applicable): If you paid the MRV fee before May 19 2025, the system will prompt you to claim your existing record by validating your passport number and date of birth. If you recently paid and have a receipt number, enter it when asked; the system will mark the fee as “Paid” automatically.
- Select your visa type: Choose the visa category that matches your purpose of travel.
- Enter applicant details: Add the required personal data for each traveler in your group.
- Choose a document-delivery option – Select the address or pick-up point.
- Free courier pick-up from a designated location, or
- Premium home delivery (fee applies).
- Schedule and confirm your interview:
- Pick an available date and time.
- Review all information and click “Confirm”.
- Print or save your appointment letter.
- Prepare for your interviewReview the document checklist for your visa category at the same website and bring all required items, including:
- Passport
- One photo. Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html to see the photo requirements.
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Supporting documents
You can find the list of documents on the relevant visa category page.
If you need assistance, first complete the DS-160, then call the Visa Information Service:
- From Türkiye: +90 850 390 1950
- From the United States: +1 313 572 0883
For technical support or account issues, use the contact form at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/tr/en/contact-us.
If you do not have internet access, you may also get an appointment by calling the Visa Information Service directly (Please make sure to complete your DS-160 Non-immigrant Visa Application before you call) From Türkiye: +90 850 390 1950 From the USA: +1 313 572 0883.
Fulbright Scholars and Participants in Other U.S. Government Sponsored Programs: Applicants with Fulbright Scholarships or other scholarships sponsored by the U.S. Government cannot schedule their appointments through the regular appointment system as they are exempted from visa application fee. To request an appointment in Ankara please complete the DS-160 electronic visa application form first and send your appointment request from here. We will schedule you for an interview and send you a confirmation e-mail. To request an appointment in Istanbul please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul by clicking here.
Do I need a Nonimmigrant Visas appointment?
Applicants who meet the criteria below and would like to apply to renew their prior U.S. visas might not have to appear in-person for a visa interview.
All applicants must create an account on https://www.ustraveldocs.com/tr/en/step-2#how-to-apply-for-non-immigrant-visa and pay the visa application fee. The system will then ask a series of questions. Based on the information the applicant provides, the system will determine if the applicant qualifies for a personal appearance waiver. For applicants who do qualify for a personal appearance waiver, please note that such visas take approximately 4-6 weeks to process after they are received by the Consular Section due to reduced staffing. Once your passport is mailed to our office, we will not be able to locate your passport until your visa application has been processed. Carefully review the documents required for your visa class below. Submitting additional documentation will result in significant delays.
Note: E1/E2 visas are not eligible to renew by mail.
Who may qualify for the personal appearance waiver?
Renewals: Applicants who meet the criteria below and would like to renew their prior U.S. visas may not need an in-person interview when they apply for a visa:
- Applicants must be Turkish citizens or residents of Türkiye.
- Nationals or dual nationals of Cuba, Iraq, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen require an in-person interview.
- The previous visa must have been issued to you when you were age 14 or older, and you have provided 10-finger digital fingerprints.
- The previous visa must be currently valid or have expired within the last 12 months.
- Bio data must not have changed (name, place of birth, and date of birth).
Applicants should only mail the required documents, specified below. Please do not include additional items; they will not be returned and may result in delays in the processing of your visa application.
Applicants under the age of 14:
- Passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- One color photograph taken within the last six months against a white background, and 5cm x 5cm in size. Wearing eyeglasses is not allowed in visa photos; see photo requirements here.
- Copy of Turkish ID (nüfus cüzdanı)
- Copy of parents’ valid U.S. visa(s)
- Previous passport with U.S. visa (if applicable)
- One of the parents must have a valid U.S. B1/B2 visa
Applicants over the age of 79
- Applicant must turn 80 by the time of application.
- Note: Nationals or dual nationals of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen must appear in-person for an interview, regardless of age.
- Passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Previous original passport with U.S. visa
- One color photograph taken within the last six months against a white background, and 5cm x 5cm in size. Wearing eyeglasses is not allowed in visa photos; see photo requirements here.
B1/B2
- Passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Previous original passport with U.S. visa
- One color photograph taken within the last six months against a white background, and 5cm x 5cm in size. Wearing eyeglasses is not allowed in visa photos; see photo requirements here.
C1/D
- Passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Previous original passport with U.S. visa
- One color photograph taken within the last six months against a white background, and 5cm x 5cm in size. Wearing eyeglasses is not allowed in visa photos; see photo requirements here.
- Employment letter
- Original or copy of Seaman’s book
Students (F-M-J)
- Passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Previous original passport with U.S. visa
- One color photograph taken within the last six months against a white background, and 5cm x 5cm in size. Wearing eyeglasses is not allowed in visa photos; see photo requirements here.
- Valid I-20 or DS-2019 (Applicant should use the same SEVIS number from the previous issued visa.)
Temporary Worker/Employment or Trainees (H, L, O, P, Q, R)
- Passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Previous original passport with U.S. visa
- One color photograph taken within the last six months against a white background, and 5cm x 5cm in size. Wearing eyeglasses is not allowed in visa photos; see photo requirements here.
- Petition (Form I-129)
Treaty Trader / Treaty Investor Visa (E1, E2, E3)
- Please click this link for requirements and more information: https://tr.usembassy.gov/niv-treaty-trader-treaty-investor-visa/
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
The following is a list of documents required for your in-person interview only:
- Passport (for passport validity requirements please see https://www.cbp.gov/document/bulletins/six-month-club-update)
- DS-160– printed confirmation page only.
- One color photograph taken within the last six months against a white background, and 5cm x 5cm in size. Wearing eyeglasses is not allowed in visa photos; see photo requirements here.
- For Iranian nationals in all non-immigrant visa categories: Original Military card and translated English copy, original birth certificate (shenasnameh), original national ID card, all previous passports. Please see notes below for more info.
Some additional supporting documents may be necessary, depending on the visa classification. See below for more details. Please do not send these documents for mail-in renewals.
Visitor (B1/B2)/Transit (C): You may bring any documents you feel may support your application with you to the interview. To understand the qualifications for a B1/B2 visa please visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
Student Visas (F1, F2, M1, M2)
- SEVIS payment
- I-20 form generated by SEVIS issued by the school
- Proof of your ability to cover the cost of your program.
- Additional items: CV, invitation letter, military card, research plan
Exchange Visitor Visa (J1, J2)
- SEVIS payment
- DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status); or
- DS-7002 Form (Training / Internship Placement Plan) and,
- Proof of your ability to cover the cost of your program.
- Additional items: CV, invitation letter, military card, research plan.
Members of a Crew (D, C1/D)
- A letter from employer on letterhead stationery confirming employment with the company and the period of time in the United States
- Seamen should bring an employment verification letter, contract, and seamen’s book
Temporary Worker/Employment or Trainee (H, L, P, O, Q, R)
- For all petition-based visa types, you should bring your original petition (Form I-129) with you
Journalist (I)
- Copy of press ID as issued by employer
- Letter from employer stating occupation, whether the position is permanent or temporary, purpose of travel, and length of stay.
Note: Members of non-traditional press outlets may also be eligible for an I visa. For more information, please click here.
For Iranian nationals in all non-immigrant visa categories: Original Military service completion/exemption/deferment card and translated English copy, original birth certificate (shenasnameh), original national ID card, all previous passports.
Note: For F1 and J1 visa classifications, Iranian nationals are required to provide CV including list of publications and references; U.S.-based advisor’s resume/CV and list of publications; source of funding for research or degree; invitation letter university admission letter/employment offer letter, detailed study/research plan and its practical application; military service completion/exemption/deferment card.
Please Read Carefully: The United States Immigration and Nationality Act requires that non-immigrant visa applicants in most categories demonstrate sufficiently strong family, social and economic ties to their place of residences. Therefore, in addition to the above, the consular officer may ask to see supporting documents explaining the purpose of the trip and the applicant’s situation in his/her place of residence. Applicants may choose to bring supporting documents that substantiate the purpose of the trip to the United States and the intention to return to the country of permanent residence after a temporary visit. You should be prepared to present evidence of your ties as necessary.
Supporting documents to substantiate your ties may include some of the following documents: Proof of employment such as employee identification card, letter of employment; proof of income such as salary statement, bank account/books; proof of ownership of a business or property; evidence of your company’s overall financial status and/or tax liability; payroll records showing personnel employed, bank statements showing deposits and withdrawals; annual income/loss statements and net worth statements. Please do not show your credit cards because we do not consider them as financial assets. Third-country nationals must have their birth certificates/ID card (shenasnameh for Iranian nationals), marriage certificates if applicable, and evidence of military service or military exemption for males 18 and over with them at the time of visa interview. An applicant intending to travel for science or technology-related purposes (such as conferences, training, research, equipment negotiation or purchase, etc.) should bring a copy of his/her CV or resume, complete list of publications, an invitation letter from the U.S. organization and any other documentation specifically related to his/her travel purpose.
Supporting documents for visa applicants travelling to the U.S. for medical purposes: Medical evaluation report from U.S. physician and/or report about procedures that are to be performed. The report should state a specific appointment date, estimated treatment period, physician, hospital, and estimated treatment cost in the United States.
- Proof of pre-payment for the procedures that are to be performed (such as original receipts from each of the billing medical providers).
- Medical report stating diagnosis from applicant’s physician.
- Financial documents demonstrating ability to pay for medical expenses.
- For foreign officials, a report from the Board of Health or Ministry of Health and allowance proof.
Please provide original documents and English translations. However, presentation of such documents will not ensure the issuance of a visa. Approval of a visa application is ultimately determined by a consular officer in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act at the time of the interview.