Applying for a US visa in London involves three key steps: completing an online application, paying the required fee, and attending an in-person interview at the US Embassy. The exact process depends on the visa type—whether for tourism, business, study, work, or immigration. Most applicants must complete Form DS-160 (for nonimmigrant visas) or Form DS-260 (for immigrant visas). It is important to schedule your visa interview early, as appointment availability can change.

Scheduling the interview early is important, as appointment availability can change. Delays may occur due to security checks, missing documents or administrative processing. Bringing all required paperwork, such as financial records, proof of ties to the UK, and supporting letters, helps avoid setbacks. Applicants must answer interview questions clearly and provide honest information.

Processing times vary, and some applications require additional administrative review. Those needing a visa urgently may request an expedited appointment, but approval is not guaranteed.

In this guide for US visa applicants, we set out key information about the process of applying for a US visa through the US Embassy in London.

 

Do you need a US visa?

 

Most British passport holders can visit the US for up to 90 days for tourism or business-related purposes under the US Visa Waiver Program. The VWP allows citizens of participating countries (including the UK) to enter the US without a visa. UK residents who do not hold citizenship of a country eligible under the VWP and who are not citizens of Canada or Bermuda, are required to obtain a visa to travel to the United States.

To travel visa-free, you will first need to apply online for ESTA travel authorization.

If you are refused ESTA authorization, or are otherwise ineligible for visa-free travel because you are a national of a country which is not covered by the VWP; or you have a criminal conviction for certain offences; or you have violated US immigration law; or you have previously been refused entry into the US, in order to travel to the US for a short-term stay, you will need to apply for a B visa.

 

Which US Visa?

 

UK residents traveling to the US for reasons other than tourism or business-related activities, or for a period of more than 90 days, or who are otherwise ineligible for ESTA authorization, will need to apply for the relevant US visa. If applying from the UK, usually the application would be processed by the US Embassy in London, or the Consulate in Belfast.

The US immigration system provides a number of visas depending on your reason for travel to the US. These includes temporary and permanent visas, and are generally based on entry by reason of work or employment, education or training, or family life.

Common visas include the B visitor visa and the spouse-based immigrant visa, which permits US citizens to sponsor their spouse to move back to the US with them.

The US Embassy in London also handles applications for renunciation of US citizenship.

 

Applying for a US visa from London

 

Once you have identified the relevant visa category, you can proceed with the application process. This will generally involve:

 

• Gathering the supporting documents and information
• Completing the relevant application form and filing it at the US Consulate in your country of residence (US Embassy in London or Belfast for UK residents)
• Paying the relevant application fee(s)
• Attending the visa interview at the US Embassy in London, if you are between the ages of 14 and 79
• Decision – visa granted, further information requested or visa denied

 

 

Step	Process	Estimated Timeframe
1. Determine Visa Type	Identify whether you need a nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2, F-1, H-1B) or an immigrant visa (e.g., family-sponsored, employment-based). Check eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if traveling for business or tourism.	Immediate
2. Complete Online Visa Form	Fill out Form DS-160 (for nonimmigrant visas) or Form DS-260 (for immigrant visas) on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. Save the confirmation page.	30–60 minutes
3. Pay Visa Fee	Pay the non-refundable visa application fee based on the visa type (e.g., $185 for B1/B2, $315 for E-2). Payment must be made before scheduling an appointment.	24 hours (processing may vary)
4. Schedule Visa Interview	Book an appointment at the US Embassy in London or Consulate in Belfast via the Visa Appointment Service. Appointments can fill up quickly, so book as early as possible.	Varies (can take days to weeks depending on availability)
5. Gather Required Documents	Prepare all necessary paperwork, including a valid passport, DS-160/DS-260 confirmation page, photo, financial records, and supporting letters if required. Some visas may need additional forms or employer sponsorship letters.	Depends on applicant readiness
6. Attend the Visa Interview	Arrive at the US Embassy in London or Consulate in Belfast for your scheduled visa interview. Be prepared to answer questions about travel plans, finances, and intent to return. Provide any additional documents if requested.	1–3 hours (interview itself is usually 15–30 minutes)
7. Visa Processing & Decision	The officer may approve, deny, or place the application under administrative processing. If approved, your passport is retained for visa stamping.	5–10 business days (some cases may take longer)
8. Receive Passport with Visa	Track your passport return via the courier service selected during the application. Do not book travel until you have received your passport.	Varies, typically 7–14 days after approval
9. Travel to the US	Present your passport with visa to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the US port of entry. The final decision to admit you rests with CBP.	Immediate upon arrival

 

 

 

US visa interview at the Embassy in London

 

An important stage in the visa application process is the visa interview. If you filed your application at the Embassy in London, you will need to attend an interview there.

Allow around 3 hours for the visit as a whole. Visitor visa interviews generally last around 20 minutes, where the application is straightforward and the applicant is well prepared, while other categories such as the E-2 investor visa, H-1B work visa, and immigrant visas may take longer due to additional documentation review and more detailed questioning. Applicants for employment-based and family-sponsored immigrant visas often face more in-depth scrutiny regarding their qualifications, job offers, or familial relationships.

During the interview, you will be asked to explain the purpose of the proposed trip to the USA and answer questions on your application, the information you have already provided. You should come prepared with your supporting documents as you may be asked to provide these as evidence during the interview.

Being prepared is essential – it takes the pressure off, and improves your prospects of the visa being granted promptly.

B visitor visa applicants will need to evidence their intention to leave the US at the end of their trip. Proof of your ties to your country of residence could include recent mortgage statements, details of your continued employment in the UK. You will also need to prove you have access to sufficient funds to maintain you during the trip.

The application will be decided at the adjudicator’s discretion. If you are unable to answer a question or provide evidence on a specific point during the interview, the adjudicator may request that you submit the outstanding information following the interview. This will delay visa processing.

Visa processing times can vary. A decision may be given straightaway, and you can submit your passport at the end of your interview to be stamped and the visa issued, or may take a few working days. Some visas or applications take considerably longer, up to 6 months, due to the complexity of the case.

While at the Embassy, you will also have your biometric data taken.

 

US visa approved

 

If a visa application is approved by the US Embassy in London, the applicant will be informed at the end of the interview. The embassy will usually keep the applicant’s passport to affix the visa. The applicant will receive a confirmation slip with tracking details for passport delivery. The approved visa is usually printed and processed within 5 to 10 business days, though times may vary based on workload or security checks. The passport with the visa is then returned through the courier service selected during the application process. Applicants can track delivery through the Visa Appointment Service website. It is important to wait until receiving the passport and visa before making final travel arrangements to avoid complications.

Importantly, approval of a visa does not guarantee entry into the US. Upon arrival, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry will review travel documents and determine final admission.

Applicants should check the visa stamp for validity dates, number of entries allowed, and visa type to ensure compliance with US travel regulations.

 

 

Refused US visa application?

 

If your application is refused, you will lose your application fee(s).

Take professional advice to understand why you were denied, starting a new application will necessitate addressing the issues that failed your initial application. It may be that an alternative visa or immigration route is more appropriate for your circumstances, needs and eligibility.

 

Need assistance?

 

NNU Immigration are US visa specialists. Contact our attorneys for advice and guidance on how to apply for a US visa from London.

 

US visa from London FAQs

 

Who needs a US visa to travel from London?

UK citizens traveling for tourism or business for less than 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program do not need a visa Other travelers, including those studying, working, or staying long term, must apply for a US visa.

 

How do I apply for a US visa in London?

The process includes completing the DS-160 or DS-260 form online, paying the visa fee, scheduling an interview at the US Embassy in London, and attending the appointment with required documents.

 

Where is the US Embassy in London for visa applications?

The US Embassy is located in Nine Elms, London All visa interviews take place there.

 

How long does it take to get a US visa in London?

Processing times vary based on visa type and workload Standard appointments may take weeks to months while some cases require additional administrative processing.

 

Can I get an emergency US visa appointment in London?

Expedited appointments are available for urgent travel due to medical, business, or other emergencies Approval depends on eligibility and embassy discretion.

 

What documents do I need for my US visa interview?

Requirements depend on the visa type Common documents include a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation, visa fee receipt, financial statements, employment or study proof, and supporting letters.

 

What happens if my US visa is denied?

If denied under section 214(b), it usually means failure to show strong ties to the UK Applicants can reapply with stronger evidence or seek another visa category.

 

Can I renew my US visa in London without an interview?

Some applicants may qualify for a visa renewal without an interview if they meet the criteria set by the US Embassy.

 

How can I check my US visa application status?

Applicants can track their visa status on the CEAC website using their DS-160 confirmation number.

 

Do I need a visa if I already have ESTA approval?

Travelers under the Visa Waiver Program with valid ESTA can visit the US for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days If denied ESTA, a visa application is required.

 

Glossary

 

 

Term	Definition
US Visa	A travel document issued by the US government allowing entry for tourism, business, study, work, or immigration.
US Embassy London	The official US diplomatic mission in London where visa interviews and processing take place.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)	A program allowing citizens of certain countries, including the UK, to travel to the US for up to 90 days without a visa.
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)	An online system used to approve short-term visa-free travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program.
DS-160 Form	The online application form required for all nonimmigrant visa applicants.
DS-260 Form	The online application form for immigrant visa applicants seeking permanent residence in the US.
Visa Fee	The non-refundable payment required to process a visa application, which varies based on visa type.
Visa Interview	An in-person appointment at the US Embassy where applicants provide documents and answer questions about their travel plans.
Administrative Processing	Additional review required for some visa applications, which can cause delays in approval.
Expedited Appointment	A request for an earlier visa interview due to urgent travel needs, granted at the discretion of the US Embassy.
214(b) Visa Denial	A refusal based on failure to prove strong ties to the UK or intent to return after visiting the US.
Visa Renewal	The process of applying for a new visa after a previous visa has expired, sometimes without requiring another interview.
CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center)	The online system where visa applicants track their application status.
Nonimmigrant Visa	A temporary visa category for tourism, business, study, or work in the US without granting permanent residency.
Immigrant Visa	A visa type for individuals seeking permanent residence in the US.
Passport Delivery	The process by which a passport with an approved visa is returned to the applicant after processing.
Visa Processing Time	The time required to review, approve, or deny a visa, which varies by type and individual case.
Public Charge Rule	A policy affecting visa applicants based on their financial self-sufficiency and likelihood of becoming dependent on government assistance.
Entry Ban or Travel Restriction	Regulations that may prevent certain travelers from obtaining a visa due to nationality, security concerns, or previous immigration violations.