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
- Pergi Balik
- Sehala
KUL16:5018j 15m1 hentianLAX19:05Kuala Lumpur - Los Angeles|Jum, 6 Mac|Sichuan AirlinesLAX22:3026j 20m1 hentianKUL15:50Los Angeles - Kuala Lumpur|Jum, 13 Mac|Sichuan AirlinesUS$ 683US$ 76010% off10% offUS$ 760US$ 683- KUL00:2034j 45m1 hentianLAX20:05Kuala Lumpur - Los Angeles|Sel, 10 Mac|Sichuan AirlinesLAX22:3026j 20m1 hentianKUL15:50Los Angeles - Kuala Lumpur|Ahd, 15 Mac|Sichuan AirlinesUS$ 684US$ 76010% off10% offUS$ 760US$ 684
- KUL00:2034j 45m1 hentianLAX19:05Kuala Lumpur - Los Angeles|Ahd, 25 Jan|Sichuan AirlinesLAX21:3033j 50m1 hentianKUL23:20Los Angeles - Kuala Lumpur|Ahd, 1 Feb|Sichuan AirlinesUS$ 684US$ 76010% off10% offUS$ 760US$ 684
KUL1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiLAX2:00 PMKuala Lumpur - Los Angeles|Tue, Jan 6|Sichuan Airlines
LAX1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiKUL2:00 PMLos Angeles - Kuala Lumpur|Tue, Jan 6|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
Great172 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$384
Very Good114 Ulasan
Gramercy New York|3.76km dari pusat bandar
Super hotel, perfect location. sky bar and swimming pool are super relaxing.
Hairdresser, starbox and shops nearby.
Staff is super good, help you where necessary.
Large rooms had a wonderful time with the family. Metro also very close to this hotel. Highly recommended.Dari$234
Very Good557 Ulasan
Times Square New York|5.2km dari pusat bandar
Our room was spacious enough for four, offering a vibrant New York City view from the window. While it's right next to Times Square, which can be bustling and crowded, the hotel's security measures were very robust. It's incredibly convenient for guests to catch a Broadway show right downstairs, and I highly recommend this hotel for anyone visiting NYC for the first time. The hotel staff were incredibly prompt and responsive to our inquiries both before and after our stay, which was truly excellent and professional. One area for improvement would be the restaurant service; it was often difficult to get the attention of the servers when trying to order. Overall, it offered excellent value for money, and we were very satisfied! (Forgot to take photos).Dari$558
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$296
Very Good156 Ulasan
New York City Center New York|5.34km dari pusat bandar
Horrible experience with Service & Unnecessary charges
a) After charging $40 + taxes, they give $30 free meal voucher every day. After Day-1 i realised it was more economical to not use the $30 voucher. Sounds strange but its very Interestingly structured. One orders an Avocado toast for $29 (within budget) from the in room menu.The guy delivers in 30mins with a bill of $52 of which its $29 of food, $10 of delivery charges and $13 of taxes totalling to $52.
So 1st you are charged $40 as City charged and in lieu of that the coupon of $30 for food given to you even if u stuck to your understanding $30 you would have paid more than $52 means extra $22
It gets more interesting when they tell you, that you cant use this $30 for breakfast.
This is like a Ponzi scheme.
b) One of the rudest In-room dining call you will ever attend. I asked what is XXXXX, revert: you should read about it, this is not in my job profile, I only take orders. Fab experience 😍
c) I requested that since i was lactose intolerant could the hotel be kind to deliver 1/4 cup of Almond milk, just enough for a cup of tea. I am told that is possible and then a full cup of milk with $10 + taxes = $13 is charged for simple request of Almond milk.
d) You are not eligible for even a single bottle of water in a so called 5star hotel or so.
e) Servicing the room was not in list, had to go twice over to reception to ensure that room no is added to list of rooms to be serviced in the day.
f) The Coffee machine wasnt working and one had to request for a simple electric kettle to warm water for tea/coffee.
g) The Jet spray in the washroom commode was jammed and not working.Dari$280
Very Good103 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$239
Very Good96 Ulasan
Upper East Side New York|6.2km dari pusat bandar
The hotel has a great location. You must go to the top floor of the hotel to have breakfast or a drink and enjoy the full view of New York Central Park. However, since the hotel is quite old, the rooms and corridors feel a bit eerie. If you choose a room facing the inner street, you can see the balcony of the house opposite, so remember to draw the curtains.Dari$243
Very Good103 Ulasan
Times Square New York|4.55km dari pusat bandar
Refinery is first of all a good location. It ’s convenient to go to Broadway to watch a show or to go to midtown. The nearby Bryant Park has my favorite breakfast shop. West 40th Street has good Spanish food. Michelin ’s chef ’s table is the highest in the world at West 39. Street ... you can understand so much. In fact, the room facilities are just like that. In contrast, I prefer their hotel public facilities and bathrooms. Their rooftop is a relatively popular restaurant with nice night views.Dari$337
Business travel
Very Good93 Ulasan
Wall Street/Financial District New York|1.37km dari pusat bandar
The room is small, there is no bottled water, and the room is not cheap. It's really too stingy, right? The only good thing is that it is convenient to see the Statue of Liberty and the Wall Street Bull. It is very close to the subway.Dari$213
Very Good114 Ulasan
SoHo New York|1.14km dari pusat bandar
The stay was nice. Rooms are small. No coffee maker in the room. You can go downstairs and buy coffee but the coffee is weak and not worth the price. Water runs out the shower soaking the floor. Overall the place is cozy. Intimate. The bar tender was AMAZING ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUS. The front staff were very polite night and morning. The guy that sold the coffee wasn’t as pleasant seemed like he didn’t want to be there but he wasnt nasty either.Dari$178
Very Good1614 Ulasan
Wall Street/Financial District New York|1.28km dari pusat bandar
The location is good , a few seconds walk to Wall Street , Broadway street, Trinity church, the charging bull , the subway station 10 seconds walk , the pier 11 to Brooklyn was very close , in a nutshell worth to book for the location.
I was shocked that the hotel doesn’t provide simple things like toothbrushes and paste and comb or cups , no kettle , no robes, no mini fridge, no iron, nothing. No water in the hotel . These are basic things especially for a 4 star hotel . If people stay for 1 night it’s not important but if u book it for 7 nights, u need to have some coffee or tea or hot water if u feel cold or wanna get some warm water u don’t have it . The reception had some hot water but the elevators were always busy so it’s a headache. Also the neighbors were very noisy , the walls were not blocking the sound. I could hear them using the bathroom.Dari$172
Good116 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! :)habis dijual
60 Ulasan
Times Square New York|5.31km dari pusat bandar
Was a lovely hotel with beautiful pieces of.art in the lobby, in an excellent location. It was easy to get to from JFK Airport by public transport or taxi.
There was a live music bar and a couple of restaurants amd the staff were friendly.habis dijual
Great46 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$225
Very Good212 Ulasan
Gramercy New York|4.07km dari pusat bandar
Generally it is great but there is construction when we were there and it’s close to the main road so you can hear a lot of fire trucks sirens or police sirens… the bed is comfortable and they replenish amenities and water is great. I didn’t like how the porter who helped us to put our luggage in and demanded us for tips and he waited and didn’t want to close our car door until we said we didn’t have cash with us. How rude it is but overall still a good stay. Take note there is additional taxes and fees that could go up to another $50 per night. Something I didn’t account into.Dari$231
Very Good103 Ulasan
Wall Street/Financial District New York|0.78km dari pusat bandar
Service by front desk was great. Great location.
There were three negative points:
1) Murky tap water (disgusting look)
2) Empty body wash bottle (room service should do a proper job)
3) Bugs in bathroom (extremely disgusting)Dari$229
Breakfast
Very Good145 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$333
Very Good94 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$161
Very Good134 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$329
Very Good291 Ulasan
Times Square New York|5.01km dari pusat bandar
Excellent location, very close to Times Square and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The reception staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Would definitely revisit.Dari$160
Very Good103 Ulasan
Midtown West New York|5.98km dari pusat bandar
The hotel was amazing the location was also good. The only thing was I there was no room service with a 22month old rooms service is always a good shout. We required milk for the baby and the receptionist said we don’t do this service. The lifts were very tight and of course busy so with a stroller it was always a hit & miss when you can get into the lift. The cleaniness and staff were very pleasant and professional. I would recommend this hotel to other visitors and will stay here again.Dari$124
Very Good95 Ulasan
New York City Center New York|5.55km dari pusat bandar
1. **Prime Location:** Situated in East Midtown Manhattan, it's a quick 5-7 minute walk to Grand Central Station. Subway access is incredibly convenient, and the surrounding area boasts numerous dining and drinking establishments. Plus, it feels very safe.
2. **Stylish Design & Vibe:** The industrial-chic common areas are super trendy, perfect for photos and socializing. The famous rooftop bar (Salon de Ning) offers amazing night views and a lively, buzzing atmosphere.
3. **Clean & Comfy:** Excellent bedding ensures a comfortable night's sleep. The shared bathrooms are impeccably clean, with multiple private stalls on each floor. While the facilities might be compact, they're intelligently designed, featuring abundant USB ports and clever storage.
4. **Good Service:** The front desk staff are young, friendly, and very efficient.
5. **Excellent Value:** Given its prime location in core Manhattan, the pricing here is exceptionally competitive.Dari$122
Great72 Ulasan
New York City Center New York|4.61km dari pusat bandar
Super amazing location - jus a 2-3 min walk away from Grand Central. There's also a deli/convenience store in the corner.
The room is compact and clean. There's a place for your luggage and a place to hang your clothes. Plus, a table for your EDC.
In the bathroom, there's only one knob for the shower and sink so it took me a while to figure out the heating and water pressure. Basically, the water pressure is the same althroughout. The knob controls the temperature.
How I got there from the airport
- to hotel: Uber Shuttle to Grand Central cost me only $15
- to airport: Grand Central LIRR ＞ Airtrain Jamaica ＞ Airport (＜$20)
-Dari$117
Great41 Ulasan
Wall Street/Financial District New York|0.58km dari pusat bandar
This hotel was wonderful! The staff were so helpful and friendly from when we walked in - always offering us water, helping with the bags, hailing us taxis and helping us load in (as a party of six, the extra hands were helpful!)
. The lobby was decorated so festively (we stayed in December) and it felt so magical!
The rooms were huge - my room had two double beds, a big bathroom, a desk. We had enough room for three people, three suitcases and still didn’t feel on top of each other. Another couple in our party had the room with the terrace which was a lovely touch - I’d recommend that room for some cute drinks in the room!
It’s really close to the Fulton street subway. Loads within walking distance, including the incredible Frances Tavern for food and drinks. Really recommend!habis dijual
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.