Skip Navigation
You Are In: Visas > Non-Immigrant Visas
Skip Left Section Navigation

Non-Immigrant Visas

Visa Requirements

Visas cannot be issued on the same day. Some visas will be ready for pick-up the next business day. In many cases, a visa may take eight weeks or more to process. Travelers should apply at least eight weeks in advance of their intended travel date.

Applying for the Visa

All visa applicants must apply in person (except for certain diplomatic visas), present the required documents and undergo a brief interview.

Each traveler, regardless of age, must have his or her own visa, and each must complete the application process.

Each applicant for a visa must pay a nonrefundable US$131 exact or BD 50 application fee and submit:

Applicants for a visa at the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain must be able to demonstrate residency in Bahrain. Non-GCC residents can prove residence by showing a Bahraini residency visa. GCC residents (who do not need residency visas) must present a copy of their CPR cards and other evidence of residency (e.g. proof of housing, employment, school enrollment in Bahrain.) If you are unable to demonstrate residency, you will be refused.

Required Documentation for all Visa Applicants

  1. A printed application Form DS-156, fully completed on-line http://evisaforms.state.gov/
  2. Application Form DS-156 in Arabic عربي
  3. Application Form DS-157 (if required) http://foia.state.gov/FORMS/visa/ds0157.pdf
  4. Non-immigrant visa applicants must schedule appointments for their application process. To access the appointment time please click here.

• Required for all male applicants between the ages of 14 and over

• Required for all male and female applicants age 16 and over from Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, Syria

  1. A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application
  2. One (1) 2x2 color photograph. See the required photo format explained in nonimmigrant photograph requirements

Other Documentation

Applicants will also need to show proof of binding ties to a residence outside the United States which they have no intention of abandoning. It is impossible to specify the exact form the evidence should take since applicants' circumstances vary greatly.

Special Registration

Certain individuals remain subject to the National Security Entry Exit Registration System (NSEERS) regulations to depart through specific ports and undergo special departure procedures. While the 30-day and one-year re-registration requirements were suspended in December 2003, the new rules allow Department of Homeland Security officers, as a matter of discretion, to notify individual nonimmigrant aliens subject to NSEERS registration to appear for one or more additional continuing registration interviews in those particular cases where it may be necessary to determine whether the alien is complying with the conditions of his or her nonimmigrant visa status and admission.

Updated information on US-VISIT and Special Registration for certain nonimmigrant visitors to the United States is available on the Department of Homeland Security Web site.

Which Visa Do I Need?

Click the visa type that fits your situation for a description and to find out if there are any additional requirements.

Tourist/Business Visas (B1/B2)

Domestic Worker Visa (B1)

Student Visas (F, J, M)

Work Visas (H, L, O, P)