North America
Visa for USA
Updated: October 2026 · Visa Integrity Fee $250 since 2026.
Who needs a visa?
German citizens and nationals of Visa Waiver countries travel with ESTA (up to 90 days, tourism/business). Citizens of Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, China and most other countries need a visa regardless of residence in Germany. Anyone who has visited Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, North Korea since 2011 or Cuba since 2021 cannot use ESTA.
Fees and processing time
MRV application fee: $185 for B1/B2, F, J; $205 for H, L, O, P. Since 2026 an additional Visa Integrity Fee of $250 is due on issuance (not for ESTA, not for immigrant visas). SEVIS fee $350 for F-1/J-1. ESTA $40. Wait for an interview at the consulate in Frankfurt, Berlin or Munich: currently 4–10 weeks for B1/B2; decision usually at the interview, passport back in 1–2 weeks; 'administrative processing' can take weeks to months.
Where to apply?
Form DS-160 online, pay the fee, book an appointment via the ustraveldocs portal. Interview in person at the US Consulate General in Frankfurt (responsible for Bremen and northern Germany), Berlin or Munich. Applicants with a German residence permit may apply in Germany; third-country nationals without German residence may be referred to their home country.
Visa types
| Category | Who it is for | Government fee | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESTA | Visa Waiver countries; tourism/business up to 90 days | $40 | 72 hours |
| B1/B2 | Business, tourism, family visit, medical; usually valid 10 years | $185 + $250 | Appointment 4–10 weeks |
| F-1 / J-1 | Study, exchange, au pair; I-20 or DS-2019 required | $185 + $350 SEVIS + $250 | Appointment 2–6 weeks |
| H-1B | Degree-level specialists with employer petition; lottery in March | $205 + $250 | Petition 2–6 months |
| L-1 | Intra-company transfer of managers and specialists | $205 + $250 | Petition 1–3 months |
| O-1 | Extraordinary ability in science, arts, sport, business | $205 + $250 | Petition 2–3 months |
| E-2 | Investors from treaty countries (incl. Germany, Ukraine, Kazakhstan) | $315 + $250 | 2–4 months |
| EB categories | Immigration via employer or investment (Green Card) | from $345 | 1–3 years |
Documents
- Passport (valid 6 months beyond travel) and German residence permit
- DS-160 confirmation page and fee receipt
- Photo 5×5 cm, white background, no glasses
- Proof of ties to Germany: employment contract, payslips, lease, family
- Bank statements 3–6 months
- Travel plan, invitation or conference registration
- Social media accounts for the last 5 years are requested in DS-160
What we do for you
- Check the category and assess your chances honestly
- Personal checklist, check of every document
- Complete the online form from your details, write the cover letter
- Book the visa centre or consulate appointment, prepare you for questions
- Arrange translations, apostille, insurance
- Track status, answer queries, explain the decision
Common mistakes
Hiding previous refusals or stays in the DS-160 (permanent bar under § 212(a)(6)(C)); being unable to explain the purpose of travel in two sentences at the interview; bringing too many documents instead of the three decisive ones; booking travel before the visa is issued; hiding an ESTA refusal.
Our fee: Document check from €150, full support for one application from €490. Government fees, translations and apostille are charged separately and quoted in advance. Prices →