Apply for a Visa

On this page:

Overview

Please confirm whether or not you need to apply for a visa. You may not need to apply for a new U.S. visa if you already hold a valid U.S. visa, or are a national of a Visa Waiver Program participating country, or are qualified to Travel Without a Visa.  Please note:

  • We do not pre-adjudicate visa applications and, therefore, cannot advise you of the outcome of any future application;
  • We will not answer questions concerning your eligibility to apply for visa. 

If you do need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa, please follow the steps below.

How to Apply

Step 1: Choose your visa type 

Determine your visa type by reading Common Nonimmigrant Visas.  Each visa type explains the qualifications and application items.  Choose the visa type that applies to your situation.  Make sure you are familiar with the type of visa that is appropriate for your purpose of travel. Be sure to also review the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).  If your country participates in the VWP (Taiwan is currently one of the participants), generally speaking, you do not need to apply for a visa if you are traveling for business or pleasure, meet all VWP criteria, and will only be staying in the United States for 90 days or less. 

If you have ever been arrested and/or convicted, have a medical ineligibility, or have been denied entry into or deported from the United States, you should apply for a visa. On the day of the interview you are required to furnish documents relating to your situation. Please click here for relevant links on the different types of visa ineligibilities.

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 online application 

Complete the online visa application. Be sure to read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form carefully.  All information must be correct and accurate. 

Step 3: Create your profile & pay the visa fee 

Once you have completed the DS-160 application you will be able to create your profile in the online applicant system, choose your passport delivery method, pay your fee, and schedule an interview.  For more information about paying your visa fee click here. 

Exception: Certain applicants for diplomatic or official visas (for example, foreign government officials or international organizations employees), and exchange visitor (J) visa applicants participating in a program sponsored by the U.S. Federal Government do NOT need to create profile and do NOT have to pay the visa processing fee.  Click on the above link to learn more about how to apply.

Step 4: Schedule an interview 

You can log in to your profile to schedule your interview after your payment receipt has been activated.  For more information about payment options and receipt activation times, click here. 

Exception:
Certain applicants for diplomatic or official visas (for example, foreign government officials or international organizations employees), and exchange visitor (J) visa applicants participating in a program sponsored by the U.S. Federal Government do NOT need to pay the visa fee or log in here.  These applicants should click on the above link to learn more about how to schedule. 

Certain applicants qualify for Interview Waiver may be eligible to apply for a visa without an interview.

Step 5: Appear at AIT for an interview

Visit the American Institute in Taiwan on the date and time of your visa interview. You must bring:

  • A valid passport. Most visa applicants must have a passport valid for at least 6 months past the date of their anticipated departure from the United States.  Taiwan passport holders and passport holders from certain countriesmay enter the United States with passports that will expire in less than 6 months.  However, they will not be permitted to remain in the U.S. beyond the validity of their passports.
  • A printout of your DS-160 confirmation page.  Please make sure the printed barcodes are clear.  Incomplete, incorrect, or unclear barcodes will NOT be accepted and will result in cancellation of your appointment.
  • A printout of your appointment confirmation page.  Please make sure the printed barcodes are clear.  Incomplete, incorrect, or unclear barcodes will NOT be accepted and will result in cancellation of your appointment.
  • One color photograph (5cmx5cm) taken within the last six months with a white or off-white background. Eyeglasses are NOT allowed in visa photos.  This web page has information about the required photo format.
  • All other required documents for your visa type. Click here and select your visa type to learn more.

Access to AIT Consular Section waiting area is limited to the following:

  • Applicants;
  • Parents or legal guardians of applicants under 18 years old;
  • Aides of disabled applicants

Visa appointment holders must have an appointment confirmation page and may not be admitted more than 10 minutes before or after their appointment.

Please review AIT’s security regulations prior to your visit.  In particular, please note the rules regarding Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs).

Step 6: Receive your documents

You can check your visa application status here.  If your visa application is approved, your passport and visa will be returned to you via the method chosen in Step 3.  You will receive an email or a text message when your passport is available for pickup at selected location or is ready for delivery to your designated address.  You can track the status of your passport delivery using your passport number or the courier tracking number.  

Applicants for diplomatic or official visas (for example, foreign government officials or international organizations employees), and exchange visitor (J) visa applicants participating in a program sponsored by the U.S. Federal Government will be advised of the document receipt option during the interview.