How to Apply for a USA Visit Visa from Qatar: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re lucky enough to have a Qatari passport, starting in 2024, no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days! For all those who still need to apply for a U.S. visa, don’t worry — it’s simpler than you think with our step-by-step guide. 

Completing the DS-160 form marks the beginning of your U.S. visa process.

The DS-160 application form can be found online. Generally speaking, all non-immigrant visas call for this, so it makes little difference if you are seeking a tourist or transit visa. Once you finish the form, you will be asked to visit the U.S. Embassy in Qatar to be interviewed and provide some more documentation.

General steps for any U.S. visa application:

• Complete the DS-160 form: Complete it online through the U.S. Department of State website

• Visa fees: Each visa requires a different payment process. Take a receipt with you; you will need it to schedule an appointment

• Set up a visa-based interview: Use the embassy's online portal to schedule an interview

• Gather the necessary docs: Take any other documentation you could need based on the type of visa you are applying for: passport, receipt for payment of your visa application, confirmation of DS-160 if necessary

• Get ready for the interview: You must update your trip arrangements to show up at your appointment

Overall tip: Have all of your documents translated into English. 

Do you want to travel around the United States as a tourist? The B-2 visa is what you need if you wish to see busy towns or beautiful nature. 

Step-by-step guide to applying for a B-2 tourist visa:

• Fill out the DS-160 form: You have to do this online, and just take a copy of the completed form confirmation to your appointment

• Pay the visa fee: A B-2 visa application costs $185. Don’t forget to save the receipt!

• Reserve your interview: Get in touch with the Qatar American Embassy

• Prepare documents: You will have to bring one passport photo, a DS-160 confirmation page, a passport, and a receipt of the visa fee payment. If you are traveling, you should include supporting records, including proof of funds and an itinerary

• Get ready for the interview: You will be asked to talk about your travel schedule and provide documentation proving you will be going back to Qatar after your visit

• Wait for processing: Your current passport will have your visa stamped following the interview

A transit visa is for those intending to be in the country for a short time while on their way to another country. As some nationals are exempt from obtaining the transit C-1 visa, you should first check whether you need it. 

How to apply for a U.S. transit visa:

• Fill out the DS-160 form: The procedure is exactly the same as that for other visa applications

• Pay for the Visa: The Transit Visa costs $185. Hold onto your receipt

• Plan a visit for an interview: Make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Qatar

• Bring documents: one passport photo and itinerary, confirmation on the DS-160, a passport valid for six months beyond your date of departure, and receipts proving the visa cost has been paid

• Go to the interview: There will be questions about your trip, and you will have to show how you were really involved in the process

• Wait for processing: Actually, following the interview, a visa awaits processing. Once cleared, you're free to spend your layover in the United States

Do you intend to study in the United States? Let's break things down so you can concentrate on getting ready for school.

How to apply for a student visa:

• Get accepted into a U.S. university: Getting a clearance letter from a SEVP-approved American university should come first

• Fill out the form I-20: Your college will forward an I-20 once you are admitted. Actually, this one is among the most crucial files pertaining to the visa application.

• Pay the SEVIS fee: Log on to the SEVP website to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. You will need to print a receipt

• Complete the DS-160 form: The applicant for the nonimmigrant visa should do it online and bring an original print of the confirmation page

• Prepare your docs and schedule an appointment: Schedule your appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Qatar and bring the necessary documents (a passport, a confirmation of DS-160, Form I-20, receipts of payment for the SEVIS fee, records of financial capability, and receipts of payment of the visa fees)

• Wait until your visa is processed

You can bring your family or dependents to the U.S. 

Here are the steps for a relatives/dependants visa:

• Select the right type of visa: Discover whether your relative's visa falls within the dependent visa, fiancé(e) visa, or spouse visa category

• The U.S. sponsor or partner must file the appropriate petition with the USCIS on the beneficiary's behalf using the appropriate forms

• Get approved and forward to NVC: The petition is forwarded to the NVC for additional handling if authorized

• Fill in the DS-160 form

• Gather documents: Among many others, you need a marriage certificate, a birth certificate, evidence of financial assistance, and passport pictures

• Plan and show up for the appointment at the U.S. embassy: There will be a meeting before all the accompanying paperwork is completed, and you have to be able to justify your stay in the U.S.

A work visa must be sponsored by an American company and fulfill other eligibility prerequisites. 

Steps for applying for a work visa:

• Find an employment opportunity

• Have an employer file a petition: The USCIS does not start the petition; your employer has to do so on your behalf using the correct forms

• DS-160 type form: It is meant to be filled out online; hence, their confirmation page should be printed, and they should apply for the visa

• Pay the application fee for the visa and keep the receipt with you

• Bring documents: Along with any other supporting documentation and a job offer letter, take your passport, confirmation DS-160, and payment for a visa

• Come to the interview: They will ask questions about your job, credentials, and intention to go back to Qatar following the contract terms

• Wait for the visa to be processed

An immigration visa is for people who want to live permanently in the United States. Whether it's through family support, a job, or a diversity lottery, there are some steps in the petition and interview process for that.

How to apply for an immigrant visa:

• Determine eligibility: Learn about your family-based, employment-based, or visa lottery eligibility

• Get a petition filed: A U.S. sponsor must file the petition (Form I-130 or I-140) for a family or employment visa

• Wait for approval: The matter will be forwarded to the NVC for further handling

• Complete the DS-260 form: Complete your online immigrant visa application form and print the confirmation page

• Calculate the visa fee: Send completed forms and keep the receipts for the visa fee payment

• Plan the interview and show up: Get your paperwork ready and schedule a visit to the U.S. embassy in Qatar

• Take a medical exam: See a doctor in a licensed clinic

• Go to the interview: answer the questions about your reasoning for the visa and provide all required records

A J1 visa is a type of visa for those people who are looking to go to the USA for internships, knowledge-sharing, and similar temporary opportunities. It’s a good chance to get experience in a job and to learn even more about American culture.

Steps to applying for a J1 visa:

• Secure a sponsorship: You must find a U.S. sponsor approved by the U.S. Department of State to support your exchange program

• Complete the DS-2019 form: This DS-2019 form will provide the details of your program and will be provided by your sponsor

• Pay the SEVIS fee: Visit the SEVP website, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, print it, and save it

• Complete the DS-160 form: Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application and print the online confirmation page

• Schedule your interview: Make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Qatar

• Prepare documents: If required, bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, form of payment (visa fee receipt), form DS-2019, SEVIS fee receipt, and any additional required documents

• Attend the interview: Be ready to build on what exactly the exchange program is and how it is placed in your future plans

• Wait for visa processing: After getting approval for your visa, you can travel to the United States for your exchange experience

If you are well prepared, applying for the U.S. visa from Qatar doesn't have to be overwhelming. You may apply with confidence if you have knowledge of the many types of visas and keep all your documents in order. Visit the U.S. Embassy websites and make sure you check the latest information that may concern you and your family.

And, with travel insurance, you’ll be protected from both larger medical emergencies and minor inconveniences such as flight delays. So, if you’re ready to secure your travel plans, let QIC handle your USA travel insurance so you can focus on enjoying your trip.