Bangladeshi nationals applying for non-immigrant US visas must schedule a visa appointment to process visa applications. Unlike other visas – US visas are interview-based, so you need to show up for an interview at the US Embassy Dhaka and satisfy the visa officer about your intention and your reasons for coming back to Bangladesh.
US Visa Appointment Bangladesh: Steps
If you plan to apply for your non-immigrant US visa (B1/B2), the first step is to get an interview appointment (unless you have a prior US visa and you are renewing the same visa).
How can you get one? Well, we will guide you through.
Step 1: Complete A DS160 Form
It is mandatory to complete the submission of your Non-immigrant visa application form, aka DS160 before you schedule an appointment. You should not schedule a visa interview before you submit the form. Some travel agencies or visa processing companies don’t follow this procedure properly, however, it’s strictly against the rules of the US Embassy Dhaka. Your visa appointment might be canceled if you violate this rule and further steps are taken against you.
If you don’t know how to fill out this most important visa form for your US visa application journey, you can consult a legal professional or expert. Visa Processing Center can also help you with this, so you can feel free to contact us today.
Once the DS160 form is filled and submitted online, you need to save the DS160 confirmation page. You must have this page when you face the visa interview.
Step 2: Open a USTravelDocs Profile
US Embassy Dhaka manages the interview schedules through the USTravelDocs website. Open an account with your passport details and provide appropriate visa category information. You will get a payment form.
You can schedule an interview after you pay the fee to the Eastern Bank Limited branch or via the EBL SkyBanking app.
We have a step-by-step guide here on how you can pay the visa fee.
Step 3: Schedule Interview
After making the payment, you will get a reference number from the embassy within 24 hours or the next working day.
Login to your USTravelDocs profile. Click New Application/ Schedule Appointment.
Select your Visa category. For B1/B2, select Non-immigrant Visa and press the Continue button.
Again confirm the Visa Category for your B1/B2, select Business, Tourism, and All Others. Press the Continue button to proceed.
Now You need to select the Visa Class. If you are going for business purposes, select B1. For Tourism, sightseeing, and medical purposes, B2. If you have both Business and Tourism intentions, you can select B1/B2.
It doesn’t matter which category you select; the US Embassy Dhaka mostly issues B1/B2 for candidates from Dhaka, even if you apply for just one.
After you press the Continue button, the system will show you the information you submitted earlier for verification. Press Continue if everything is all right.
You will now have the option to add your dependent if any. Add them one by one. If you are applying alone, press Continue again.
The system now will show you some interview waiver questions; select them carefully.
Now you will get an option for passport delivery. You can select whether you would like your passport delivered or pick up in person. Delivery will cost you a fee of 900 BDT.
The system will now ask whether you have a recent visa refusal or a fresh applicant. Select accordingly, and press continue.
The system will show you available interview appointments. Select one of your convenient, and you will get an email immediately with the details.
Congratulations, you are done scheduling your visa interview with the US Embassy Dhaka.
Also read: US Visa Approval Rate in Bangladesh
Rescheduling US Visa Interview Appointment Bangladesh
We know situations might arise, and you can’t attend your interview schedule at the pre-fixed date. Don’t worry; you can reschedule your visa interview from the USTravelDocs portal.
How?
Click the Reschedule Appointment button, and you will see the new available appointment date and time. Select your convenient spot and click confirm.
How many times can you reschedule an interview?
It used to be an unlimited reschedule in the past, but currently, you can reschedule your appointment twice at max. So, once you schedule your appointment, you have 2 more rescheduling options, making it a total of 3 chances for you.
You must pay the visa fee again if you want more rescheduled chances.
If you don’t want to go through this extra payment hassle, don’t reschedule your appointment unnecessarily. Do it only when you think you can make it.
Also read: Enjoy 8 Amazing US Visa Benefits on Bangladeshi Passport
Emergency US Visa Interview Appointment in Bangladesh
The average waiting time for a US Visa appointment is now 12-14 months. However, if you have emergency reasons that meet the following criteria, you can get an expedited interview date.
The expedited interview appointment is available as early as 2 weeks to 8 weeks.
Medical Emergency: If You or a loved one (mother, father, brother, sister, child, grandparent, or grandchild) needs emergency medical care in the US. You’ll need a letter from the doctor stating the patient’s medical conditions and proof of your relationship with the sick person.
Funeral/Death: If you need to attend the funeral or make arrangements for the body of an immediate family member (mother, father, brother, sister, child) in the US. You’ll need a letter from the funeral director and proof that the person who died is an immediate relative.
The letter should contain:
- The contact information
- The details of the deceased
- The date of the funeral
Business: You need to attend to a business matter that couldn’t be predicted in advance. You’ll need a letter from the company in the US and a letter from your company explaining why the trip is urgent. Both letters also must include the loss that might occur if the person can’t travel to the US on time.
Can you apply for an Emergency appointment if you have a family invitation for a reunion?
Unfortunately, No. You can’t request an emergency appointment request if you have the invitation to see your friends and family members.
Can I request an emergency appointment if I have a conference/business invitation?
Regular business meeting/conference is not considered emergency travel and can’t be applied for an emergency appointment schedule.
Premium US Visa Appointment Date in Bangladesh
You can look for other options if you don’t qualify for an emergency appointment. Depending on availability, we can help you secure an appointment date within 1-3 months.
These are done only when a date is available for a limited time. Contact us today if you want an appointment sooner and need to travel immediately to the US.
Can I Get US Visa Without an Interview?
As Bangladeshi, we need an interview to get our visa approved. Only in certain cases – where we can get a visa waiver.
- First-time applicants don’t qualify for the visa interview waiver
- Certain categories of Visas, eg – B, C1/D, F, H-1, H-3, H-4, non-blanket L, M, O, P, Q or J category visa applicants get the benefit
Also read: Visit 21 Countries Visa-Free with US Visa On Your Bangladeshi Passport
Visa Interview Waiver For Child
If a candidate is below 14 years old, and one of the parents holds a valid US visa in the same category as the child applying, they are also eligible for an interview waiver. However, the waiver benefit will not be available if the child has a previous refusal.
How To Proceed If I Have Interview Waiver Benefit?
If you are eligible for a visa interview waiver, please follow the steps:
Step 1: Carefully check all the criteria of visa interview eligibility; if you meet every single criterion, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Complete your DS160 Visa form online. Please always be truthful and carefully provide the information. If you are not confident enough, you should take professional help. Contact Visa Processing Center if you need assistance with your US visa processing.
Step 3: Open a USTravelDocs profile and provide your required information. Then proceed to make the visa fee payment. The visa fee is mandatory even if you are eligible for a visa interview waiver. Then provide information on the payment receipt, DS16 number, and passport details.
Throughout the process, you can choose the type of visa, enter your personal information, including any dependents, pick where you would like your documents delivered, verify your payment, and schedule your appointment.
Step 4: You now need to drop your document at US Embassy Dhaka dropbox location. You must submit your interview-waiver visa application, a copy of your document checklist, and your passport. Dropbox staff will review the checklist before accepting your application and sending it to the U.S. Embassy for visa approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I get US visa appointment from Bangladesh?
You can get US visa appointment from Bangladesh with the following 4 steps:
- Complete your DS160 Form
- Open your profile with the USTravelDocs Website
- Pay the visa fees on Eastern Bank Limited branch, or via their app
- Schedule your interview
How do I make an appointment at U.S. Embassy in Dhaka?
There is only one US embassy in Bangladesh where you can attend your visa interview. To get a US Visa appointment in Dhaka, Bangladesh, you need to follow the procedure available on the USTravelDocs website.
Is B1-B2 visa open from Dhaka, Bangladesh?
Yes, B1-B2 visa is open from Dhaka, Bangladesh. If you would like to visit the United States for business or tourism purposes, you can apply for you visa under these categories.
Is US Embassy Dhaka open for visa interview?
Yes, US Embassy Dhaka is open for all kinds of visa interviews and the appointment dates are available for applicants to grab. Just like any other US consulate around the world, US Embassy Dhaka has a huge backlog of applications that they are trying to clear. So, the embassy taking interviews even on Fridays (weekends in Bangladesh), which they are calling super Friday.
If you would like to get your US visa appointment today, please follow the procedure mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
The US Visa application and interview scheduling process is straightforward. It’s always recommended to complete the process yourself; however, if you are not confident enough, Visa Processing Center can help you throughout the process.
Please contact us today if you want us to help secure a US visa appointment in Bangladesh or process a Dropbox visa application. We have years of experience and have helped hundreds of applicants.
Featured Photo Credit: US Embassy Dhaka
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