The United States is a highly sought-after travel destination, offering something for every type of traveler. From the bustling cityscape of New York to the breathtaking natural beauty of the Grand Canyon, the country is filled with iconic landmarks. Hollywood dazzles with its bright lights and celebrity culture, while the stunning beaches of Hawaii promise relaxation and adventure. With its rich cultural diversity and a wide variety of cuisines, the U.S. provides an unforgettable experience—whether you're exploring vibrant cities or embarking on outdoor adventures.
The first step to visiting the United States is applying for a U.S. visa. This article will guide you through the application process, costs, important considerations, and everything else you need to know to get started.
Do Malaysian Citizens Need a U.S. Visa?
Yes, Malaysian citizens are required to obtain a visa in order to travel to the United States.
The United States has its own visa exemption policy, but most foreign nationals—including Malaysians—must apply for a visa before entering the country.
Malaysian passport holders must complete the appropriate visa application form based on the purpose of their visit. They are also required to prepare supporting documents, such as a valid passport (typically valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the U.S.), a recent photograph, proof of financial means (to show you can cover your travel expenses), a detailed travel itinerary, and other relevant materials.
In addition, applicants must schedule a visa interview appointment and pass a series of procedures, including a consular interview review, before a U.S. visa can be granted.
Flights from Kuala Lumpur to USA
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KUL16:5018j 15m1 hentianLAX19:05Kuala Lumpur - Los Angeles|Isn, 16 Mac|Sichuan Airlines
LAX11:5043j 35m1 hentianKUL22:25Los Angeles - Kuala Lumpur|Kha, 19 Mac|Korean Air€ 576€ 71920% off20% off€ 719€ 576- KUL00:2034j 45m1 hentianLAX20:05Kuala Lumpur - Los Angeles|Jum, 27 Mac|Sichuan Airlines
LAX11:5533j 40m1 hentianKUL12:35Los Angeles - Kuala Lumpur|Jum, 3 Apr|Cathay Pacific€ 578€ 71920% off20% off€ 719€ 578 - KUL16:5018j 15m1 hentianLAX20:05Kuala Lumpur - Los Angeles|Rab, 25 Mac|Sichuan AirlinesLAX11:5043j 35m1 hentianKUL22:25Los Angeles - Kuala Lumpur|Jum, 27 Mac|Korean Air€ 582€ 71919% off19% off€ 719€ 582
KUL1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiLAX2:00 PMKuala Lumpur - Los Angeles|Sat, Feb 28|Sichuan Airlines
LAX1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiKUL2:00 PMLos Angeles - Kuala Lumpur|Sat, Feb 28|Sichuan AirlinesCari Penerbangan LainCari Penerbangan Lain
Tambang penerbangan yang dipaparkan dari ${{departCityName}} ke ${{arrivalCityName}} adalah berdasarkan harga purata daripada pelbagai syarikat penerbangan untuk 3 bulan seterusnya, mengikut pangkalan data Trip.com terkini.
🛂 Types of U.S. Visas
| Category | Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
Non-Immigrant Visas | B-1 | For short-term business trips (meetings, contracts, inspections). |
B-2 | For tourism, visiting family/friends, or medical treatment. | |
F-1 | For full-time students attending academic or language programs. | |
F-2 | For spouses/children of F-1 visa holders. | |
J Visa | For exchange visitors such as students, researchers, professors, including their dependents. | |
H-1B | For skilled professionals (engineers, IT, scientists, etc.) – valid up to 3 years, renewable once. | |
H-2A | For seasonal agricultural work. | |
H-2B | For non-agricultural temporary jobs. | |
H-3 | For individuals coming for training not available in their home country. | |
L-1 | For intra-company transfers within multinational corporations. | |
L-2 | For dependents (spouse and children) of L-1 visa holders. | |
O Visa | For individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics. | |
P-1 | For internationally recognized athletes or entertainment groups. | |
P-2 | For performers/artists under a reciprocal exchange program. | |
P-3 | For culturally unique artists and entertainers. | |
Q Visa | For participation in cultural exchange programs. | |
R Visa | For religious workers (e.g. pastors, missionaries). |
| Category | Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
Immigrant Visas | IR, CR, F1–F4 | For family members of U.S. citizens or permanent residents (spouses, parents, children, siblings). |
EB-1 | For individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, or executives. | |
EB-2 | For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities. | |
EB-3 | For skilled/unskilled workers and professionals. | |
EB-4 | For special immigrants (religious workers, U.S. gov. employees abroad, etc.). | |
EB-5 | For investors creating jobs through capital investment. | |
K-1 | For foreign fiancés/fiancées of U.S. citizens – must marry within 90 days. | |
K-3 | For spouses of U.S. citizens waiting for green card processing. | |
Refugee/Asylum | For individuals fleeing persecution (political, religious, ethnic, etc.). | |
Diversity Visa (DV) | Also known as Green Card Lottery – for people from countries with low U.S. immigration rates. |
USA eSIM 3 Day
- CountryUSA
- Package Option1GB/Day
- Number of Days3 Day
- PriceMYR11.78
USA eSIM 5 Days
- CountryUSA
- Package Option1GB/Day
- Number of Days5 Days
- PriceMYR18.23
USA eSIM 7 Days
- CountryUSA
- Package Option1GB/Day
- Number of Days7 Days
- PriceMYR23.67
Benefits of Having a U.S. Visa
1. Travel and Visiting Family & Friends
- Access to World-Class Tourist Attractions: With a U.S. visa, you can explore some of the world’s most iconic destinations, such as the Grand Canyon, Times Square, and Hollywood.
- Easier Family Reunions: If you have family or friends living, studying, or working in the U.S., a visa allows you to visit them with ease and convenience.
2. Education Opportunities
- Entry to Top-Tier Educational Institutions: For students, a U.S. visa (such as the F-1 student visa) is essential for studying in the United States, home to prestigious universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT.
- Diverse Cultural Exchange: Studying in the U.S. offers a unique opportunity to interact with classmates and professors from around the world, enriching your global perspective and cultural understanding.
3. Employment and Business Development
- Career and Job Opportunities: Certain work visas (like the H-1B visa) allow skilled professionals to work in the U.S., gaining valuable experience and enhancing their career prospects.
- Business Expansion and Collaboration: A business visa (B-1) enables entrepreneurs and businesspeople to travel to the U.S. for meetings, market research, and potential partnerships with American companies.
4. Cultural and Artistic Exchange
- Participation in Cultural Events: A U.S. visa allows individuals to attend or participate in a wide range of cultural, artistic, and creative events held across the country.
- Promotion of Artistic Collaboration: For artists, performers, and cultural professionals, the U.S. visa provides a platform for international collaboration, artistic expression, and global recognition.
U.S. Visa Validity and Length of Stay
1. Visa Validity Period
Non-Immigrant Visas:
- B-1 (Business) & B-2 (Tourist/Visitor) Visas:
These visas are typically valid for up to 10 years, allowing multiple entries into the U.S. during that period, as long as the visa remains valid. - F-1 (Student) Visa:
The validity depends on the student’s academic program. Generally, it covers the entire study period, including any possible extensions. - H-1B (Work) Visa:
This visa is usually valid for 3 years and can be renewed for another 3 years, with a total maximum duration of 6 years. In certain cases, such as when waiting for a green card decision, additional extensions may be granted.
Immigrant Visas:
- IR-1 (Spouse of U.S. Citizen – married for over two years):
This visa grants lawful permanent resident status (commonly known as a green card). The green card has long-term validity, and holders may live and work in the U.S. as long as they comply with U.S. immigration laws. - K-1 (Fiancé(e) of U.S. Citizen):
This visa is valid for 90 days. The visa holder must marry the U.S. citizen within this timeframe or leave the country.
2. Length of Stay in the U.S.
Non-Immigrant Visas:
- B-1/B-2 Visa Holders:
Upon entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will determine your allowed stay—usually up to 6 months, based on your travel itinerary, financial situation, and other factors. - F-1 (Student) Visa Holders:
The allowed stay depends on the academic program. Students may stay in the U.S. for the duration of their studies, plus any approved practical training period (e.g., OPT). - H-1B Visa Holders:
Allowed to stay and work in the U.S. for the duration specified in the work contract—typically up to 3 years, with the possibility of renewal to a maximum of 6 years.
Immigrant Visas:
- Green Card Holders (Lawful Permanent Residents):
May live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, as long as they do not stay outside the U.S. for extended periods without permission. - Conditional Immigrant Visas (e.g., CR-1):
These grant conditional permanent residency (usually valid for 2 years). To become a full permanent resident, the applicant must meet specific conditions—such as remaining married to the U.S. citizen spouse—and apply to remove the conditions before the 2-year period ends.
Hotel Popular di New York
5 star
Great330 Ulasan
Wall Street/Financial District New York|0.83km dari pusat bandar
Location is great. River view is good too.
8 minute walk from the wtc stations and it is convenient for anyone who works around the area. Staffs are friendly.
Had some trouble in the beginning as toiletries were missing and took more than 30 mins to get them.
Wouldn’t suggest dining in this hotel. Better to have breakfast bagel at Leo’s in wallst.Dari€366
Very Good173 Ulasan
Times Square New York|5.31km dari pusat bandar
Staying at The Edition again this year felt just like coming home. The front desk and luggage staff were incredibly warm and thoughtful, it was like seeing old friends. A special shout-out to Mr. Shah and Mr. Brian at the front desk – their service was impeccable, and they were so friendly and diligent. They truly deserve praise! 👍👍 We celebrated a birthday at the 9th-floor restaurant this time, and Mr. Ace was a huge help throughout. He took photos for us and paid attention to so many dining details. All in all, we had a fantastic stay here and hope to return next year! 😄Dari€309
Very Good115 Ulasan
Gramercy New York|3.76km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is not big, but the service is quite good. The room is very big, which is very good. The facilities are a bit old, but the cleanliness is acceptable. There are two balconies, one large and one small. The hotel is on the street, so people who have high requirements for the sleeping environment should choose it carefully.
Overall, I am very satisfied. It is convenient to get in and out. The subway station is very close. There are supermarkets around. McDonald's Star Dad is opposite, and it is also close to Koreatown. Dari€159
Very Good582 Ulasan
Times Square New York|5.2km dari pusat bandar
The location is excellent, making it very convenient to reach all attractions by subway.
Upon check-in, an additional destination fee of $41 per night was required. This fee could be used towards purchases at the 8th-floor restaurant and the rooftop view restaurant, but the $41 credit was non-cumulative and had to be utilized daily. The outcome was that no matter how we tried to maximize it, we always ended up spending a few extra dollars each day. This destination fee truly felt like a trap: a shame to waste, but using it still meant additional expenses.
Purified water was available on the 8th floor, allowing guests to fill their own bottles. Moreover, the room rate included one complimentary hotel perk voucher per night. During our stay, the perk was a choice of three options: a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tour, entry to the Natural History Museum, or the Wax Museum.
Finally, I must complain about the hotel's amenities. The bedsheets were torn, and the towels were old and worn. This completely shattered my perception of the Marriott brand.
Then, there was the final billing process. The hotel's policy was to process payment first, then provide a detailed bill. The issue I encountered was that after paying by credit card, the bill surprisingly included an extra day's destination fee. After I reported this to the front desk, the recalculated bill then *undercharged* me for one day. I truly question if this is a problem with the hotel's billing system or simply human error. Ultimately, I still have to wait a week to receive a refund for the overcharged amount from the hotel.Dari€203
Good115 Ulasan
Greenpoint New York|4.24km dari pusat bandar
My son and I had the most incredible experience! I would recommend the William Vale to all my friends and family. The balcony views at sunset in the summer are absolutely stunning. The hotel itself offers many thoughtful amenities including a welcome message with your name on the television upon arrival. I honestly only have one small complaint and that was the cleaning service. We called about having the room cleaned and actually spoke with the individual who said she would come back at the time we requested but she never returned. Other than that one little hiccup everything went smoothly from the time we pulled up to valet to unload our luggage. There is NO better hotel to stay in Williamsburg aside from the William Vale.Dari€164
Very Good152 Ulasan
New York City Center New York|5.34km dari pusat bandar
The room was exquisite and elegant, and the hotel boasted an excellent location in the business district. I thoroughly enjoyed admiring the grand, historic architecture nearby. This was a significant upgrade from the Westin Grand Central I stayed at just a few days prior. Highly recommend!Dari€142
Very Good104 Ulasan
SoHo New York|0.73km dari pusat bandar
Older hotels in New York and New York! Equivalent to China Express Hotel! But the location is not bad, there is Chinatown nearby! Koreatown! Especially the streetwear is very special. The streets of New York are so far away than imagined. Hahahahahaha, the streets are more worn and repaired everywhere! Metropolis!Dari€174
Very Good110 Ulasan
Midtown West New York|5.95km dari pusat bandar
Except for an extra charge of $ 49 per person per day of the resort fee, this is not acceptable, and I hope to cancel it.
Good location, same building with park central. Manhattan club
Newly renovated, but the toilet and bathroom in the room are too small, only half the size of the Manhattan club
Breakfast was generous and dinner was negligible,
Opposite diagonally is Carnegie Hall, the subway station is right out, walk 10 minutes to times square 5 minutes to central park
15 minutes by subway to Wall Street,
If you can cancel the resort fee. I will book this hotel every time I go
Otherwise, I would still choose Manhattan clubDari€125
Business travel
Very Good109 Ulasan
Wall Street/Financial District New York|1.37km dari pusat bandar
This Garden Inn in Manhattan, New York, is an absolute gem for short-term stays, offering unbeatable value for money! Its location alone is a huge win, right in the heart of downtown. You can walk to the Wall Street Bull in just a few steps, and public transportation nearby is incredibly convenient, making sightseeing and dining out a breeze. The front desk staff were super welcoming, and some even spoke a bit of Chinese, which made communication effortless and instantly felt like home. The cleanliness was decent—perfectly fine for a regular stay. The only slight drawback was that the facilities felt a bit dated, but the location and transport links more than make up for it. It’s truly ideal for a short visit!Dari€85
Very Good114 Ulasan
SoHo New York|1.14km dari pusat bandar
This hotel is a great find in the heart of Soho and just north of Tribeca. While small, the rooms are clean, modern and well appointed. The staff is excellent and attentive to all your needs.Dari€94
Very Good1685 Ulasan
Wall Street/Financial District New York|1.28km dari pusat bandar
I really like the downtown area; it's quiet and safe. This hotel has an excellent location, very close to the 4, 5, R, and W subway lines, so I never worried about getting back late, which is a huge plus. Be prepared to wait for the elevator, though; there aren't many of them, and the building is quite tall. The front desk is on the second floor for check-in. For check-out, you can just drop your key card in the collection box by the door, which is very convenient. The air conditioning in the room was quite loud, so in winter, I'd suggest turning it off before bed.Dari€80
Good117 Ulasan
Times Square New York|4.38km dari pusat bandar
I do love it here, it was a really beautiful and nice hotel. The location is really good and easy to access, i stayed only 1 night because i got there late and it's really close to the Penn station, I walked only 3-5 mins to get there. Food at the ticktock was very nice though and i love that the room was soooo clean and functional. Highly recommend! :)Dari€125
Good54 Ulasan
Times Square New York|5.31km dari pusat bandar
Room was quite small and basic, and walls were thin. Staff was very helpful. There is no on site restaurant except for the steakhouse so it was not an option for my 15 night stay to dine there every night. Great location near to Central station. Overall, it was a pleasant stay.habis dijual
Very Good50 Ulasan
New York City Center New York|4.46km dari pusat bandar
Really great hotel. The service was OUTSTANDING!! They gave great recommendations, recognized us when we walked in every day. Wonderful! We had the one bedroom and it was huge! Too big for what we needed but it was nice. The room is starting to show its age with wear and tear on furniture but I’d still recommend the hotel. Great location to walk to all the top attractions in Manhattan.Dari€133
Very Good199 Ulasan
Gramercy New York|4.07km dari pusat bandar
Very good location. Clean room. Good gym equipment. Staff is friendly and helpful.
Drinks at their bar (Night Owl) are excellent.Dari€115
Very Good109 Ulasan
Wall Street/Financial District New York|0.78km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is located right in the middle of high rises in the financial district. While vicinity to metro, pier, restaurants etc is very pleasant, it's also super confusing to get to and feels a bit claustrophobic.
The room was nice as such, a lot smaller than the previous hotel I stayed in in NYC (no seating option except the desk chair here). Housekeeping seems a bit unorganized; I stayed two nights and on the day I spent in NYC completely and left the hotel around 10am for sightseeing, returning around 5pm, no room service had been done at all. On the next day, when I was due to check out, housekeeping knocked on my door at around 9am when I was still in the shower.
For a decent price I would consider staying again but with other alternatives available would likely choose something else.Dari€84
Breakfast
Very Good148 Ulasan
Times Square New York|5.02km dari pusat bandar
The location is excellent, though it's quite lively, which can make getting a good night's sleep a bit challenging. That said, location is key here. It's just a few minutes' walk to the Nasdaq Exchange, making it incredibly convenient.Dari€210
Very Good86 Ulasan
Chelsea New York|3.64km dari pusat bandar
The location of the Holiday Inn is excellent. It's situated between Sixth and Seventh Avenue, making it easy to walk to the subway station and Times Square. The hotel rooms are not large but they are clean and tidy, and they come with a safe and a hairdryer. Breakfast is free and includes fruits and juices, as well as bagels, cupcakes, and nut bars. If you're in a hurry, you can also take it to go.
The most unforgettable person for me was Ms. Nadine. She helped me get back the passports for me and my family. I forgot to take the passports out of the safe when I checked out, and I only remembered when I was about to leave New York after spending the whole day out. I rushed back to the hotel and, in my panic, I told her the wrong room number. Ms. Nadine was very patient and compassionate; she let me go up with her to check. At that moment I found out I had given her the wrong room number. I am truly very grateful to her. I will stay in the Holiday Inn again.Dari€72
Very Good137 Ulasan
Times Square New York|4.32km dari pusat bandar
The front desk staff were proactive in trying to solve problems, but the cleanliness of the room was disappointing. We didn’t want to know, but we ended up learning the hair color of the previous guest.
Having only two elevators was an inconvenience, but the relaxed pace of travel made it more tolerable. The hot water and coffee were really great.Dari€88
Very Good303 Ulasan
Times Square New York|5.01km dari pusat bandar
No fridge is understandable but no hair dryer is unacceptable. The room is very functional i love it. The view the rack the hooks the bed. I had good sleep during my stay. No loud noise. If you could add hair dryer that would be awesome and fridge that is even more awesome.Dari€76
Very Good135 Ulasan
Times Square New York|4.71km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is very new and in a great location. It's just a few minutes to Times Square. There are many restaurants and supermarkets around it. It's a 10-minute walk from the train station. I highly recommend it! The service is very professional. The front desk will try directly when you make a request. It's professional and made my first trip to New York amazing...
If you mind a small room, you can consider it again. It's really small, and the checked luggage can't fit in it😅Dari€87
Very Good115 Ulasan
Midtown West New York|5.98km dari pusat bandar
The location is unbeatable, really close to the most bustling area of the city center. The subway station is right next door, making it super convenient for getting around. The hotel environment is great; although it's an older property, you can tell it's very well-maintained. Getting upgraded to Westhouse in the same building was also a pleasant surprise!Dari€89
Good176 Ulasan
Times Square New York|4.82km dari pusat bandar
The room was clean and tidy but had no fridge which was incredibly inconvenient. I can’t remember the last hotel I stayed at without one.
The lobby was always very busy and the elevators a constant issue. There were long queues for the elevators at all times of day. I had to wait as long as 10 minutes on my floor for an elevator to arrive. Guests were constantly complaining about this and it was probably the worst I’ve ever experienced.
The staff were helpful although one of them was being trained and gave me the wrong information but I was apologised to by another staff member so no big deal.Dari€77
Very Good100 Ulasan
New York City Center New York|5.55km dari pusat bandar
Excellent, professional front of house service.
Bonus…With a 2 night stay was not expecting full servicing of room after Day 1 (bed made, fresh towels) 👏👏👏Dari€56
Requirements for Applying for a U.S. Visa
1. Basic Requirements
Valid Passport:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States.
For example, if you plan to stay in the U.S. for three months, your passport should have more than nine months of validity remaining.
Visa Application Form:
You are required to complete the DS-160 online non-immigrant visa application form.
Make sure all the information provided is accurate and truthful. The form includes basic personal details (name, gender, date of birth, contact info) as well as travel information (intended arrival date, duration of stay, travel purpose, and more).
Photo Requirements:
You must provide a recent photo that meets U.S. visa specifications:
- Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm)
- Color photo, front-facing
- Plain white background
- Taken within the last 6 months
2. Additional Requirements by Visa Type
Tourist Visa (B-2)
- Proof of Funds: Show that you have enough financial resources to cover all your travel expenses in the U.S., including accommodation, food, and transportation.
- Travel Itinerary: A clear and reasonable travel plan is required. This includes return flight bookings, hotel confirmations, and a basic schedule of your trip.
- Ties to Malaysia: Provide evidence of strong social and economic ties to Malaysia (such as employment, family, property ownership, etc.) to demonstrate your intention to return after your visit.
Business Visa (B-1)
- Invitation Letter from the U.S.: You must provide a formal invitation letter from a U.S.-based business partner or organization. The letter should outline the purpose, dates, and location of the business event or meeting.
- Company Documentation: Include proof of your company’s legitimacy, such as a copy of the business license (with official stamp), company profile, your position in the company, and business dealings with the U.S. company (contracts, orders, etc.).
- Proof of Funds & Travel Arrangements: As with the B-2 visa, you need to show sufficient funds for the trip and have confirmed travel plans (flight tickets and hotel bookings).
Student Visa (F-1)
- Admission Letter: You must have a valid admission letter from a U.S. educational institution. It should include the school name, your program of study, start and end dates, academic duration, and more.
- Proof of Financial Support: You must prove that you have enough funds to pay for tuition and living expenses. This could include bank statements, scholarship awards (if any), or sponsorship letters.
- Study Plan & Language Proficiency: A clear academic plan explaining why you chose the school and program, and your future goals. Some schools and programs may also require English proficiency test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Work Visa (H-1B and others)
- Employer Sponsorship: A U.S.-based employer must file your visa petition. They must prove that no suitable American worker is available for the position, and that you have the necessary skills.
- Proof of Professional Qualifications: Provide academic certificates, professional licenses, work experience records, and any other documents that demonstrate your qualifications.
- Labor Condition Application (LCA): Your employer must obtain an approved LCA from the U.S. Department of Labor. This document outlines your job's salary, working hours, and conditions, ensuring compliance with labor laws.
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How to Apply for a U.S. Visa
Source: Consular Electronic Application Center
1. Determine the Visa Type
Choose the visa category that matches your purpose of travel to the United States. For example, you can apply for a B1/B2 visa for tourism and business, an F1 visa for studying abroad, an H1B visa for work, and so on.
2. Fill Out the Application Form
- Complete the online non-immigrant visa application form (DS-160) at: https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/
- You will need to provide personal information including family details, education, work experience, travel plans, and more. Make sure all information is accurate since it cannot be changed after submission.
- After completing the form, upload a photo that meets the requirements and submit the form with an electronic signature. Save the confirmation number and answers to security questions for future reference or corrections.
3. Pay the Visa Fee
There is a non-refundable visa application fee that must be paid.
4. Schedule an Interview Appointment
- Log in to the U.S. Visa Application Center website, create an account, select “New Application/Schedule Appointment,” then choose “Non-Immigrant Visa” and the appropriate visa category (e.g., B1/B2).
- Enter your personal details and DS-160 confirmation number, select the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Malaysia for your interview, and choose a convenient appointment date and time.
- Once scheduled, print the appointment confirmation letter and bring it with you to the interview.
5. Prepare Supporting Documents
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your planned stay in the U.S.
- Proof of visa fee payment.
- Completed and signed DS-160 confirmation page.
- Other supporting documents depending on visa type, such as:
- Tourist visa: proof of funds, travel itinerary, ties to your home country
- Business visa: invitation letter from U.S. business, company certifications
- Student visa: school admission letter, proof of funds, study plan
- Work visa: employer support letter, professional qualifications
6. Attend the Interview
- Arrive at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Malaysia at your scheduled time. It’s advisable to arrive early to allow time for security checks and other procedures.
- You will go through security screening and fingerprinting before your interview.
- During the interview, answer the visa officer’s questions honestly and clearly. The interview is generally conducted in English. Questions may cover your purpose of visit, travel plans, financial means, and ties to your home country.
7. Wait for Visa Decision
After the interview, the visa officer will inform you whether your visa application has been approved. If approved, you can usually collect your passport with the visa within 3–5 business days. If additional processing is needed, the wait may be longer.
8. Collect Your Passport
If you choose to pick up your passport at the Embassy or Consulate, bring valid identification when collecting it. If you opt for courier delivery, ensure the shipping address you provided is accurate to receive your passport without issues.
Cost of U.S. Visa Application
The U.S. visa application fees vary depending on the visa type. Below is an overview of the application fees for common visa categories, converted approximately to Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) at an estimated exchange rate of 1 USD = 4.60 MYR. (Please note exchange rates may fluctuate.)
Non-Immigrant Visa Fees
Non-Immigrant Visas Not Requiring Approval:
- B1/B2 (Tourist and Business Visa): USD 185 (~MYR 851)
- C1 (Transit Visa): USD 185 (~MYR 851)
- D (Crew Visa): USD 185 (~MYR 851)
- F (Student Visa): USD 185 (~MYR 851)
- I (Media and Journalist Visa): USD 185 (~MYR 851)
- J (Exchange Visitor Visa, non-government sponsored): USD 185 (~MYR 851)
- M (Vocational Student Visa): USD 185 (~MYR 851)
- TN/TD (NAFTA Professional Visa): USD 185 (~MYR 851)
- T (Victims of Human Trafficking Visa): USD 185 (~MYR 851)
- U (Victims of Criminal Activity Visa): USD 185 (~MYR 851)
Non-Immigrant Visas Requiring Approval:
- H Visa (Temporary Work Visa such as H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, H-4, etc.): USD 205 (~MYR 943)
- L Visa (Intra-company Transfer, e.g. L-1, L-2): USD 205 (~MYR 943)
- O Visa (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability, e.g. O-1, O-2, O-3): USD 205 (~MYR 943)
- P Visa (Athletes, Entertainers, Artists): USD 205 (~MYR 943)
- Q Visa (International Cultural Exchange): USD 205 (~MYR 943)
- R Visa (Religious Worker): USD 205 (~MYR 943)
- E Visa (Traders and Investors, e.g. E-1, E-2, E-3): USD 315 (~MYR 1,449)
- K Visa (Fiancé(e) of U.S. Citizen): USD 265 (~MYR 1,219)
Other Non-Immigrant Visa Related Fees:
- Border Crossing Card Application for Mexican Nationals aged 15 and older: USD 185 (~MYR 851)
- Border Crossing Card Application for Mexican Nationals under 15: USD 15 (~MYR 69)
- L Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee (applicable to L visa principal applicants): USD 500 (~MYR 2,300)
- H Visa Petition Fee for Temporary Foreign Workers (paid to U.S. agency): USD 4,500 (~MYR 20,700)
Immigrant Visa Fees
- Family-Based Immigration Petition (Form I-130): USD 535 (~MYR 2,461)
- Orphan or Immediate Relative Petition (Form I-600 or I-800): USD 775 (~MYR 3,565)
- Processing Fee for Immediate Relative or Family Preference Petition: USD 325 (~MYR 1,495)
- Employment-Based Immigration Petition Processing Fee: USD 345 (~MYR 1,587)
- Processing Fee for Other Immigration Petitions (special immigrant, diversity lottery, self-petition, etc.): USD 205 (~MYR 943)
- K Visa (Fiancé(e) or Spouse of U.S. Citizen): USD 265 (~MYR 1,219)
- Affidavit of Support Fee (paid by U.S. sponsor): USD 120 (~MYR 552)
- Diversity Visa Application Fee (Green Card Lottery): USD 330 (~MYR 1,518)
How Long Does It Take to Apply for a U.S. Visa?
General Timeline:
If your visa application process goes smoothly, you typically receive your passport and visa within 3 to 5 business days after your interview is approved. From the time you submit your application to the interview, it is generally recommended to schedule your appointment at least 3 months in advance.
The average visa processing time is about 1 week, and the entire process—including scheduling the appointment, attending the interview, and collecting the visa—usually takes around 3 weeks.
Specific Circumstances:
- Administrative Processing:
If your visa application requires administrative processing, the timeline may be extended. Most administrative reviews are completed within 30 to 60 days after the visa interview. However, in some cases, the process may take several months or even up to a year, with no definite timeline. - Peak Application Periods:
During peak times such as holiday seasons and travel peaks, visa processing may be delayed due to the increased number of applicants. It is advisable to plan ahead and submit your application as early as possible. - Incomplete Information or Additional Documents Needed:
If your application is missing information or requires additional documents, the processing time will be extended accordingly. Applicants must promptly provide the requested materials to ensure smooth progress of the visa application.
FAQs: US Visa
Where can I apply for a U.S. visa?
You can apply online at: https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/Is an interview required for a U.S. visa?
Yes, an interview is mandatory.How far in advance should I apply for a U.S. visa?
It is generally recommended to apply 1 to 2 months in advance. Since interview appointments are usually available within about 7 days, and the visa is typically issued within 3 to 5 business days after the interview, plus time needed to prepare documents, applying 1 to 2 months early allows sufficient time to address any potential issues such as administrative processing.