🇺🇸 How to Obtain an American Visa? American Visa Guide (2026)

On this page prepared by Marsel Visa, you can find up-to-date information for 2026 regarding the American visa and American visa appointment processes, verified by official sources. Applicants seeking American visa consultancy can benefit from Marsel Visa's experience in file preparation and interview preparation.

How to obtain an American visa? 2026 updated fees, DS-160 process, required documents, visa types, and interview guide. For expert support, Marsel Visa.

An American visa is a document that all citizens of the Republic of Turkey must obtain in advance to travel to the USA, regardless of passport type. Turkey is not among the countries covered by the Visa Waiver Program (VWP); therefore, all holders of red, green, gray, and black passports must obtain a visa. However, the key difference that separates the American visa process from Schengen applications is this: what matters here is not the thickness of the document file, but the consistency of the statements in the DS-160 form and the performance in the interview that lasts a few minutes. The decision is entirely up to the consular officer, and no institution can guarantee a visa. As Marsel Visa, we are here to assist you with file preparation, form accuracy, and interview preparation during this process.

Neden Amerika Vizesi Almak Bu Kadar Zor?

The difficulty of the American visa arises not from the multitude of required documents, but from the burden of proof being on the applicant from the outset. U.S. immigration law requires that in most non-immigrant visa categories, the applicant must prove that they have strong family, social, and economic ties in their home country. In other words, the consular officer assumes you are an immigrant candidate; you must prove otherwise.

The six main challenges faced by applicants are as follows:

1. The legal presumption is against the applicant. The most common reason for denial, Article 214(b), is precisely the failure to meet this burden of proof. Even if your documents are complete, you can be denied if you cannot convincingly demonstrate your intent to return.
2. The decision is made in a few minutes. The interview usually lasts two to three minutes, and the result is verbally communicated at the end of the interview. A file prepared over months is evaluated with a few sentences of response.
3. Appointment waiting times are unpredictable. Waiting times in Turkey have fluctuated from figures like 27 months to levels of 15-20 days over the last two years. Due to this fluctuation, any number you find online will quickly become outdated.
4. Only two representations are processing applications. Non-immigrant visa applications are only processed at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and the Consulate General in Istanbul (Source: U.S. Embassy in Ankara). The capacity of these two locations serves all of Turkey.
5. Declaration errors can have permanent consequences. Concealing a previously obtained visa denial or making a misleading statement can lead to a permanent entry ban. A mistake that can be corrected in Schengen may create an irreparable consequence here.
6. There is no official appeal mechanism in case of denial. The decision is not reversible; you can only reapply when your circumstances change. The fee paid is non-refundable and the process starts completely from scratch.

Amerika Vize Türleri Nelerdir?

U.S. visas are divided into two main categories based on the purpose of stay: for temporary stays nonimmigrant visas and for permanent residence immigrant visas.. The vast majority of applications from Turkey fall under the nonimmigrant category.

Nonimmigrant Visa Types

Göçmen Vizeler (Green Card)

Immigrant visas are issued in four main categories: immediate relatives, family-sponsored immigrants, employment-based immigrants, and the Diversity Visa (Green Card lottery) program. All immigrant visa processes in Turkey are conducted only at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara.

Important update: As of November 1, 2025, immigrant visa applicants are generally required to attend an interview in the consular district designated for the country of which they are a citizen or their primary residence. Those who wish to transfer their file to another consular district after the appointment is scheduled should contact the National Visa Center (NVC) rather than the consulate directly.

Turist Vizesiyle Yapılamayacaklar

Although the B-1/B-2 visa offers a wide range of uses, certain activities are strictly prohibited: working or accepting employment in the U.S., pursuing education for academic credit or a degree, performing for compensation, serving as crew on a ship or aircraft, working as a foreign press member, settling permanently in the country, and birth tourism. Violating these boundaries can lead to visa cancellation and denial of future applications.

Amerika Vizesi Nereden Alınır?

The U.S. visa is issued in Turkey only by the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul; application and appointment processes are conducted through the official online visa appointment system of the U.S. Department of State. There is no intermediary visa center where you can submit your application file like in Schengen countries.

Three important differences to know:

• There is no regional distinction. You can apply from Ankara or Istanbul regardless of the city you reside in. Since the appointment schedules of the two representations open at different speeds, comparing them before applying can provide a real time advantage.
• There is no separate biometric center (ASC) in Turkey. In some European countries, fingerprints are taken at a separate center; in Turkey, this process is done directly at the representation on the day of the interview. You do not need to look for a separate fingerprint center based on outdated information on the internet.
• Passport delivery is done through VFS Global centers. Applications are not accepted, only completed passports are delivered from here.

U.S. embassies clearly state that they do not recommend the use of individuals or companies that provide consulting services for visa processes as intermediaries. and that no one can guarantee that you will receive a visa. This also clarifies the scope of consulting: a consultant cannot attend the interview on your behalf or make decisions; what they can do is properly structure your file, ensure you fill out the DS-160 without errors, and prepare you for the interview. This is exactly the role of Marsel Visa in the U.S. visa process.

Amerika Vize Randevusu Nasıl Alınır?

A U.S. visa appointment is made by creating an account through the official visa appointment system after completing the DS-160 form and paying the MRV fee. It is mandatory to have the form approved and the barcode number obtained before making an appointment.

Appointment steps:

1. Complete the DS-160 form and print the confirmation page with the barcode.
2. Create an account in the official appointment system. A profile is created by entering the applicant's passport number, date of birth, and nationality. For group applications, a separate registration is made for each traveler — separate DS-160 forms and fees are required for everyone, including infants, regardless of age difference.
3. Select your visa category and pay the fee. Payments made under the wrong category cannot be corrected at the counter; the process starts over.
4. Determine your document delivery method: free pickup from the designated point or courier to a paid address.
5. Select and confirm a suitable date and time, print or save the appointment letter.

If you do not have internet access, after completing your DS-160 form, from Turkey +90 850 390 1950, from the U.S. +1 313 572 0883 numaralı Vize Bilgi Servisi hatlarını arayarak da randevu alabilirsiniz.

Randevu bekleme süresi konusunda dürüst olmak gerekir: bu rakam Türkiye'de son iki yılda aşırı dalgalanmıştır. Dönem dönem iki yılı aşan bekleme süreleri görülmüş, dönem dönem ise 15-20 güne kadar inmiştir. İnternette bulacağınız her rakam yayınlandığı ana aittir. Tek güvenilir yöntem, başvuru anında iki şehrin güncel takvimini birlikte kontrol etmektir.

Amerika Vize Başvurusu Adım Adım Nasıl Yapılır?

Amerika vize başvurusu, DS-160 formunun doldurulmasıyla başlayıp konsolosluk mülakatıyla tamamlanan altı adımlı bir süreçtir.

1. Adım — Vize kategorinizi doğru belirleyin.

Seyahat amacınız, başvuracağınız kategoriyi ve ödeyeceğiniz harcı doğrudan belirler. 90 günü aşmayan turistik gezi, aile ziyareti veya iş toplantısı için B-1/B-2 kategorisi kullanılır. Yanlış kategori seçimi hem harcın boşa gitmesine hem de başvurunun ilk adımda geçersiz olmasına yol açar; bu, sürecin en sık ve en pahalı hatasıdır.

2. Adım — DS-160 formunu doldurun.

Form, ABD Dışişleri Bakanlığı'nın konsolosluk elektronik başvuru portalı üzerinden yalnızca İngilizce doldurulur (Kaynak: CEAC portalı). Sistem Türkçe karakterleri tanımadığı için isim, soyisim ve adres bilgilerinde pasaportunuzun makine okunabilir alanındaki (MRZ) yazıma harfiyen sadık kalmalısınız. Formu doldurmaya başladığınızda sistemin verdiği Application ID'yi ve güvenlik sorusu cevabınızı mutlaka not edin; oturum zaman aşımına uğradığında forma kaldığınız yerden ancak bu bilgiyle devam edebilirsiniz. Biyometrik fotoğrafınız da bu aşamada sisteme yüklenir.

3. Adım — Barkodlu onay sayfasının çıktısını alın.

The barcode on the confirmation page generated by the system after submitting the form is the only key that allows access to your digital profile in the consulate system on the day of the interview. The DS-160 barcode number must match your appointment information exactly.; if you have filled out the form again, you must also update the barcode in your appointment profile and go to the interview with the new printout.

Step 4 — Pay the fee and create your appointment.

Open a profile in the official appointment system and pay the MRV fee appropriate for your category, then select your interview date for Ankara or Istanbul. The reflection of the fee in the system may take different times depending on the payment method.

Step 5 — Attend the interview.

Be present at the representative office on the appointment day and arrive about 15 minutes before your appointment time due to security procedures. Bring only what is necessary for your interview. Your fingerprints will be taken with a digital scan without ink. The interview usually lasts a few minutes; the consular officer will ask direct questions to assess your travel purpose, whether you can finance the trip, and your intention to return to Turkey. The result is usually communicated verbally at the end of the interview.

Step 6 — Follow up on the result and collect your passport.

If approved, your passport will remain at the consulate for visa issuance. You can check the status of your application through the official appointment portal or CEAC. If additional administrative processing is required, you will be informed of this at the end of the interview; the process may take several weeks or longer depending on your situation. During this period, you are asked not to send emails and to wait for instructions.

Amerika Vizesi Kaç Yıllık Verilir, Süresi Ne Kadar?

B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas issued to citizens of the Republic of Turkey are granted without an additional visa issuance fee in accordance with the principle of reciprocity.120 months (10 years) validity and multiple entry is granted. However, the meaning of this duration is often misunderstood.

The validity period of the visa is not the duration you can stay in the U.S. A 10-year visa only indicates the time frame during which you can go to a U.S. border entry point and request entry. How long you can stay in the country is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the entry point, and this duration is indicated by the entry stamp placed in your passport or the issued Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record).

If you exceed the legal duration specified on the I-94, your visa is automatically considered void and you may lose your future travel rights. Additionally, having a visa does not guarantee entry to the U.S.; the visa only indicates that the consular officer found you eligible to request entry.

A practical detail: Even if your old passport has expired, the visa inside remains valid as long as it has not been canceled or damaged. You can request entry by presenting the valid visa in your old passport along with your new passport while traveling.

Amerika Vizesi İçin Gerekli Evraklar Nelerdir?

The documents required for a U.S. visa consist of essential documents that must be presented on the interview day, along with supporting documents that vary according to your travel purpose and professional status. Since the U.S. system is more focused on declaration consistency than on document-centricity, supporting documents are not submitted in a file; they should be kept with you to be presented when requested by the officer.

Mandatory Documents for All Applications

Supporting Documents Proving Ties to Turkey

Important warning: Credit cards are not considered financial assets.

Additional Documents According to Visa Type

All documents other than Turkish and English must be translated by a sworn translator.

📂 It is not enough to just collect documents.In US applications, it is not the thickness of the file that matters, but the consistency between your statements on the DS-160 form, your documents, and your answers in the interview. The job title you write on the form must match the payroll, your travel date plan must align with your income declaration bank statement. At Marsel Visa, files are checked for this internal consistency before the interview.

Amerika Vize Ücreti Ne Kadar?

The US visa fee is tiered according to the category applied for, and as of 2026, the application fee for the most common category, B-1/B-2, is 185 USD. The fee is non-refundable; it cannot be retrieved even if the visa is denied.

Ek Maliyet Kalemleri

250 USD "Vize Bütünlük Ücreti" (Visa Integrity Fee)

This is the most critical cost update that almost all Turkish sources have overlooked. With the regulation enacted in July 2025, for the vast majority of non-immigrant visa categories (B, F, M, J, H, etc.) a refundable "Visa Integrity Fee" of 250 US dollars per person is anticipated.

What you need to know:

• The fee is designed to be collected separately from the standard application fee and at the visa issuance stage. If implemented, the total cost for B-1/B-2 will be approximately 435 USD.Although the law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, due to the incomplete inter-agency coordination and payment-tracking systems,
• implementation is progressing at different speeds among consulates. Some representations have started collecting, while others have not yet begun.Individuals who fully comply with visa conditions and leave the US within five days after the permitted stay or who legally obtain a status extension may
• have the right to request a refund. Refunds are not automatic and require documented proof of compliance.Visas in the A and G categories for diplomatic and international organizations are exempt from this fee.
• A ve G kategorisindeki diplomatik ve uluslararası kuruluş vizeleri bu ücretten muaftır.
• It is anticipated that the amount will increase based on annual inflation.

⚠️ The amounts of fees and the application status of the visa integrity fee are variable. You must confirm with the official fee page of the U.S. Department of State and the representative where you will make an appointment before applying. Another important technical detail: the paid MRV fee is valid for 365 days from the date of payment; if an appointment is not made within this period, the receipt becomes invalid, is not refundable, and cannot be transferred to another person.

Amerika Vizesi Kaç Günde Çıkar?

The total duration of the U.S. visa is the sum of the appointment waiting time and the processing time after the interview, and these two items operate completely independently of each other. The main reason for the chaos in duration in Turkish sources is the confusion between these two.

A special warning for applications under the interview waiver category: Processing of files in this category takes approximately 4-6 weeks due to a decrease in staff. Additionally, after your passport reaches the consulate, until your application is processed, it is not possible to locate your passport.. This is a restriction that those choosing to renew without an interview must definitely take into account.

Critical suggestion: Do not purchase round-trip airline tickets or make binding hotel reservations before your visa physically reaches you. This is the official recommendation of the U.S. Consulate. It is sufficient to present a plan in your interview file that only indicates your estimated travel dates and the areas you are considering for accommodation.

Mülakat Muafiyeti ve Pasaport Teslim Süreci

Interview waiver is a practice that allows applicants who meet certain conditions to renew their visas without going to the consulate in person. As of 2026, its scope has narrowed, and a large portion of Turkish resources on the internet still publish the old conditions.

The general rule in the current situation is as follows: All non-immigrant visa applicants, including those under 14 years old and over 79 years old, generally need to have an in-person interview with a consular officer. The waiver is only valid for limited groups:

• A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding the attendants, assistants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6 or TECRO E-1 applicants in the classification
• Those applying for diplomatic or official type visas
• Those renewing a B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa with full validity within 12 months of the expiration of the previous visa and who were at least 18 years old when the previous visa was issued

Based on the third item, those requesting an exemption must also meet the following conditions: apply in the country of which they are a citizen or where they reside, have never received a visa denial (unless the denial decision has been changed or canceled), and not have any visible or potential eligibility issues.

Consular officers reserve the right to request face-to-face interviews in individual cases for any reason.

Pasaport Teslim Seçenekleri

After the visa is printed and reaches the passport delivery point, a notification will be sent to your registered email address in the system. You have two options:

Free standard pickup: After receiving the notification email, you must schedule a delivery appointment through the official visa site. You must show the QR code generated when the appointment is confirmed to the officer. You must be present at the center at the appointment time — A delay of more than 15 minutes will cancel your appointment. Passports are kept at the delivery center for only 20 business days; passports not collected within this period will be returned to the Embassy/Consulate.

Premium courier delivery: Your passport will be sent directly to your home or office address. The address and phone information you provided during the application must be accurate, and an authorized person must be present at the address to receive the passport when the courier arrives; otherwise, delivery will not be made.

Pasaportu Teslim Aldığınızda Kontrol Edin

• Is your name, surname, date of birth, and passport number correctly and completely printed on the visa label?
• Are the start (Issue Date) and end (Expiration Date) dates of the visa correct?
• Is there an "Entries" section that states "M" (Multiple)? ibaresi var mı?

If you notice any name errors or technical defects, please create a correction request through the communication channels on the official visa portal before your trip.

Hızlı Amerika Vizesi Almak İçin Taktikler

Speeding up the U.S. visa process is possible not by increasing the number of documents, but by eliminating technical errors and setting the timing correctly. The ten tactics below directly address the points that cause the most time and money loss.

1. Compare the schedules of Ankara and Istanbul. Since there is no regional distinction, it does not matter which city you reside in. The waiting times for the two consulates can be very different; checking both together before applying can save you months.
2. Note the 365-day validity of the MRV fee on your calendar. If you do not make an appointment within one year from the payment date, the receipt becomes invalid, is non-refundable, and non-transferable. This limit can easily be missed during long waiting periods.
3. Make sure your appointment information matches the DS-160 barcode. If you have refilled the form, you must replace the old barcode number in your appointment profile with the new one and go to the interview with the new printout. A mismatched barcode will halt the process on the appointment day.
4. Be sure to save the Application ID. This is the only way to continue the form from where you left off when the DS-160 session times out; if you do not save it, you will have to fill out the long form from the beginning.
5. Make the payment in the correct category. A fee paid in the wrong category cannot be corrected at the counter, and the process starts over from scratch. The category selection should be clarified before the fee payment.
6. Pay special attention to the social media declaration. Applicants for F, M, or J type visas are required to set their social media account privacy settings to "public." Additionally, providing incomplete or incorrect account information may be considered a false declaration.
7. Do not purchase tickets and hotels without obtaining a visa. This is not a recommendation; it is the official guidance of the consulate. Making a binding reservation does not provide an advantage and creates a risk of cancellation.
8. Provide short and clear answers in the interview. Providing long and complex explanations to unasked questions raises suspicion. The interview lasts only a few minutes; your preparation should be evident in the clarity of your answers, not their length.
9. Never hide previous rejection decisions. Hiding a previous visa rejection can lead to a permanent entry ban. When the rejection history is accurately declared, it does not automatically create an obstacle for a new application.
10. Do not underestimate the photo standards. 5×5 cm, taken within the last 6 months, white background, without glasses. Uploading a photo that does not meet the standards will prevent the form from being approved and cause issues on the appointment day.

👉 If you do not want to follow these steps on your own, Marsel Visa experts can assist you with file preparation and interview preparation. You can reach us at +90 554 017 52 52 for information.

Amerika Vize Reddi ve Yeniden Başvuru Süreci

There is no official appeal process for reversing or changing decisions made in the U.S. visa system; the final word belongs exclusively to the consular officer conducting the interview. This is one of the sharpest points of divergence from the Schengen system and is a reality that surprises applicants who receive rejections the most.

The most common reason for rejection is section 214(b). This provision applies if the applicant fails to sufficiently prove their established ties outside the US and strong ties that would require them to return to their country. This is not a penalty, but a determination that the burden of proof has not been met.

The path to follow after a denial:

• You have the right to reapply. Individuals who are denied under 214(b) may reapply; however, in the subsequent application, a persuasive change in personal, professional, or financial circumstances must be demonstrated.
• Reapplications made without changes in circumstances generally yield the same result. Resubmitting the same file means losing both the fee and the appointment time a second time.
• The file will only be reevaluated with new and strong evidence. If you can provide concrete new documents regarding your social, familial, or economic ties in Turkey after the initial application (such as a new employment contract, title deed, regular income increase, or change in family status), reapplying is meaningful.
• The paid fee is not refunded in any case and must be paid again in the new application.

As Marsel Visa, we are reevaluating denied files, identifying which ties were not sufficiently demonstrated, and supporting the structuring of the new application accordingly. However, it must be clear here: no consulting firm can guarantee visa approval; what can be offered is to make the file and interview preparation as strong as possible.

Marsel Visa ile Amerika Vize Sürecinizi Yönetin

The American visa is a process that requires consistency and preparation rather than just the thickness of the file. Marsel Visa is with you at every stage, from determining the correct visa category to filling out the DS-160 form without errors, from aligning supporting documents with your statements to interview preparation. In cases of rejected files, we identify the missing points together before reapplying.

📞 Phone: +90 554 017 52 52

✉️ Email: info@marselvisa.com

💬 WhatsApp: +90 554 017 52 52

📍 Offices: Istanbul (Sosko Business Center) and Berlin (WeWork Kurfürstendamm)

Sonuç

There are three key factors in applying for an American visa: choosing the correct category, matching every statement in the DS-160 form with documentation, and clearly demonstrating your intention to return to Turkey during the interview. The B-1/B-2 visa is issued to Turkish citizens with a validity of 10 years and allows multiple entries, but this duration only indicates the range of entries you can request, not the length of stay in the country. When planning your budget for 2026, you should also consider the $185 fee, as well as the $250 Visa Integrity Fee in places where it is implemented. Do not make binding travel reservations until your visa is in your hands.

Applicants in Istanbul who wish to receive American visa consultancy can contact Marsel Visa for file and interview preparation.

Sıkça Sorulan Sorular

Is it difficult to obtain an American visa?

The difficulty in obtaining an American visa arises not from the number of documents but from the burden of proof being on the applicant. Under immigration law, you must prove that you have strong family, social, and economic ties in your home country; applications that fail to do so are rejected under section 214(b). Applicants with complete documents but who cannot convincingly demonstrate their intention to return may also be denied.

How many years is the American visa issued for?

B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas issued to Turkish citizens are granted for 10 years (120 months) with multiple entries and without an additional processing fee, in accordance with the principle of reciprocity. However, this duration is not the period you can stay continuously in the U.S.; the CBP officer at the entry point decides how long you can stay in the country, and this duration is specified in the I-94 record.

How much is the U.S. visa? What is the fee for 2026?

The application fee for categories B, C-1, D, F, M, I, and J is 185 USD, for petition-based categories H, L, O, P, Q, and R it is 205 USD, for E-1/E-2 it is 315 USD, and for K visa it is 265 USD. Additionally, a refundable Visa Integrity Fee of 250 USD is collected at the embassies where it is implemented. Fees are not refunded in case of denial.

How long does it take to get a U.S. visa appointment?

In recent years, appointment waiting times in Turkey have fluctuated significantly, ranging from periods exceeding two years to levels of 15-20 days. Therefore, the figures found online quickly become outdated. Since there is no regional distinction between Ankara and Istanbul, comparing the current schedules of both cities before applying is the most practical method.

Can a U.S. visa be obtained without an interview?

It is possible for limited groups. Excluding diplomatic and official categories, individuals who renew their B-1/B-2 visa with full validity within 12 months of its expiration and were at least 18 years old when the previous visa was issued may qualify for an exemption. Additionally, they must apply in the country of citizenship or residence, have not previously been denied a visa, and have no eligibility issues. Consular officers reserve the right to request an in-person interview in all cases.

How many months must the passport be valid for a U.S. visa?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration you plan to stay in the U.S. It is also required that the passport was issued within the last 10 years and has a blank page for visa stamping.

How much money should be in the bank for a U.S. visa?

There is no fixed minimum or maximum limit set by official authorities. What is expected is that you prove you have the financial means to cover your travel accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses without difficulty. Credit cards are not considered financial assets; recent 3-month bank statements, pay stubs, and rental income documents, if any, are used.

Can you work in America with a tourist visa?

No. Working or accepting employment in the U.S. with a B-1/B-2 visa, receiving education for academic credit, performing for pay, and settling permanently in the country is prohibited. To work, you must apply for one of the relevant work visas such as H, L, O, or P, and the employer in the U.S. must obtain prior USCIS approval.

Can a U.S. visa denial be appealed?

No. There is no official appeal mechanism in the U.S. visa system, and the decision is at the discretion of the consular officer. Those who are denied can reapply, but the new application must show a convincing change in personal, professional, or financial circumstances. Reapplications made without changes in circumstances generally yield the same result.

Kaynaklar

• U.S. Department of State — Visa Services Fee Schedule (travel.state.gov)
• U.S. Embassy in Ankara and Consulates in Turkey — Nonimmigrant Visa Application Guide
• U.S. Department of State Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) — DS-160 Form