How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa from the UK

Eligibility & Requirements for US Tourist Visa (B-2) from the UK

If you're a non-UK passport holder living in the UK, you must meet the following criteria before applying for a US tourist visa:

✅ 1. Valid Passport

You must hold a passport from your country of citizenship (e.g., India, Pakistan, Nigeria) that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.

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✅ 2. Valid UK Visa or Residence Permit (BRP)

Applicants must have legal residency status in the UK — such as a Tier 2/Student visa, BRP, or settlement status. Short-term visitor visa holders are not eligible.

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✅ 3. Complete the DS-160 Form

Fill out the DS-160 Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form online. Ensure:

All details match your passport and documents A recent passport-size digital photo is uploaded You print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode

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✅ 4. Visa Fee Payment

Pay the non-refundable $185 USD visa fee online. Keep the receipt as it’s required to schedule appointments.

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✅ 5. Schedule Appointments (Biometrics + Interview)

After completing your DS-160 and paying the visa fee, you'll need to create a profile on the US Visa Appointment Portal. From there, you must schedule two mandatory appointments: the first is your biometrics appointment at a nearby Visa Application Center (VAC), where your fingerprints and photograph will be taken; the second is your visa interview at the US Embassy in London or the US Consulate in Belfast, where you’ll be asked questions about your travel plans, financial situation, and ties to the UK.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a US tourist visa from the UK as a non-UK passport holder is a multi-step process, but by preparing the right documents and understanding what’s expected, your chances of success greatly improve.