About the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) Application Process

About the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) Application Process

Soccer Visa

Where can I find the DS-160?

You can access the DS-160 here  https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ on the Consular Electronic Application Center website. It’s also helpful to preview a sample DS-160 (10.1MB) before beginning.

Having problems accessing the DS-160?

Use only Internet Explorer 11 or higher, Firefox, or Google Chrome 58 when completing your application. Safari and Microsoft Edge are not supported.

What documents do I need to have with me while I complete the DS-160?

You should have the following documents available while completing your DS-160:

  • Passport
  • Travel itinerary (if you have already made travel arrangements)
  • Dates of your last five visits or trips to the United States, if you have previously traveled to the United States. You may also be asked for your international travel history for the past five years.
  • Résumé or Curriculum Vitae – You may be required to provide information about your current and previous education and work history.
  • Other Information – Some applicants, depending on the intended purpose of travel, will be asked to provide additional information when completing the DS-160.

How to Apply for a Soccer Visa to Watch the 2026 World Cup and More

Additionally, some applicants will need to have specific documents handy:

  • Students and Exchange Visitors (F, J, and M): You will be asked to provide your SEVIS ID, which is printed on your I-20 or DS-2019. You should also have the address of the school/program at which you intend to study, as indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019 form.
  • Petition-based Temporary Workers (H-1B, H-2, H-3, CW1, L, O, P, R, E2C): You should have a copy of your I-129 available when completing your DS-160.
  • Other Temporary Workers: You will be asked for information about your employer, including the employer’s address.

How do I sign the DS-160 form?

You electronically sign your DS-160 by clicking the “Sign Application” button at the end of the form. Failure to sign may result in termination of the application. Your electronic signature certifies that you have read and understood the questions in the application and that your answers are true and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief. Submitting an application containing any false or misleading statements may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States. All declarations made in the application are unsworn declarations made under penalty of perjury.

Unless you are exempt from appearing in person, your fingerprints will be electronically scanned on the day of your interview. By providing your fingerprints, you will again certify that you have answered all questions on the DS-160 truthfully and to the best of your knowledge and belief, and that you will tell the truth during your visa interview. You will be directed to read the following statement prior to having your fingerprints scanned:

“By submitting my fingerprint, I am certifying under penalty of perjury that I have read and understood the questions in my visa application and that all statements that appear in my visa application have been made by me and are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Furthermore, I certify under penalty of perjury that I will tell the truth during my interview and that all statements made by me during my interview will be complete to the best of my ability.”

Are additional forms required?

No. The online DS-160 application replaced the DS-156, DS-157, DS-158, and DS-3032, which are no longer necessary. Note: In addition to the DS-160, Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor visa applicants also must complete an additional form (see the Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor, E Visa Applicants section for more information).

What happens to my DS-160 if I select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate where I will be applying for my visa, but end up making an interview appointment instead at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate?

The Embassy or Consulate where you actually apply should be able to access your form using the barcode on your DS-160 confirmation page, which you must bring to the visa interview. For example, if a business traveler intends to apply for his visa at the U.S. Embassy in City X but then has an urgent reason to travel to City Y, he can schedule an appointment at the U.S. Consulate in City Y. The U.S. Consulate in City Y can access his DS-160 even though it lists the U.S. Embassy in City X as the intended submission location.

How can I save my application? Can I stop in the middle of the application and return to it later?

You can save your application or return to a partially completed application. When you begin a new DS-160, you will be issued a unique application ID number after selecting and answering a security question. Once you have your application ID number and have selected and answered a security question, you may exit the DS-160 application and return to it later. You must have your application ID to return to your application. To save your DS-160 to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, click the “Next” button at the bottom of each page you complete. You have 30 days to return to a partially completed application. To access your application after 30 days, you must save it to your computer hard drive or a disk, as explained in the FAQ below.

I apply for U.S. visas often. Can I reuse the DS-160?

Yes, you can use information from a previously submitted DS-160 to populate some fields on a new form. There are two ways to do this:

  1. Save your DS-160 to your hard drive or a disk using the instructions in the FAQ above. When you apply for your new visa, select “Option B-Upload a Previously Saved Application” on the Getting Started page.
  2. If your previous visa application was submitted after November 1, 2010, select “Option C-Retrieve Application,” enter your previous visa application ID, and then hit “Create a New Application.” Your personal information will then populate the form. Be sure to check that all previously submitted information is current and accurate.

DS-160 Fees

Check out the categories and Fees Here https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html

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How to Apply for a Soccer Visa to Watch the 2026 World Cup and More

How to Apply for a Soccer Visa to Watch the 2026 World Cup and More

Are you planning to attend the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, or another host country? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the visa application process and ensure you can enjoy the thrilling soccer action in person.

Visa Options for Spectators

United States

Visa Type:

  • B-2 Tourist Visa: Suitable for tourists visiting the U.S. for vacation or to attend sports events like the World Cup.

Application Process:

  1. Complete the DS-160 Form:
    • Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application form (DS-160) on the Consular Electronic Application Center.
    • After completing the form, you will receive a DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode.
  2. Pay the Visa Fee:
    • Pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The fee amount varies by country.
  3. Schedule an Appointment:
    • Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country through the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services.
  4. Prepare for the Interview:
    • Gather required documents, including a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa application fee receipt, and a passport-sized photo. You may also need to provide evidence of your intent to return to your home country (e.g., employment, family ties).
  5. Attend the Interview:
    • Attend the visa interview with all your documents. The consular officer will ask questions to determine your eligibility for the visa.
  6. Receive Your Visa:
    • If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you. Processing times can vary.

Mexico

Visa Type:

  • Tourist Visa (Visa de Visitante): For tourists attending sports events, including the World Cup.

Application Process:

  1. Check if You Need a Visa:
    • Citizens of some countries do not require a visa to enter Mexico for short stays (up to 180 days). Check the Mexican Immigration website for the list of countries that do not require a visa.
  2. Complete the Application Form:
    • Fill out the visa application form available on the website of the Mexican Embassy or Consulate in your country.
  3. Schedule an Appointment:
    • Schedule an appointment for an interview at the Mexican Embassy or Consulate. This can usually be done online or by contacting the embassy directly.
  4. Prepare for the Interview:
    • Gather required documents, including a valid passport, a passport-sized photo, proof of financial means, travel itinerary, and a visa application fee receipt.
  5. Attend the Interview:
    • Attend the visa interview with all your documents. The consular officer will review your application and ask questions about your travel plans.
  6. Receive Your Visa:
    • If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you. Processing times vary.

General Tips for Both Countries

  • Apply Early: Start the application process well in advance of your planned travel date to allow time for processing and any potential delays.
  • Check Specific Requirements: Requirements and processes can vary by country and individual circumstances, so check the specific instructions on the embassy’s website of the country you plan to visit.
  • Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other potential issues.

Visa Options for Professional Soccer Players

If you are a professional soccer player, coach, or support staff, you might need a specialized visa such as the P-1 or O-1 visa to work or compete in the United States.

  • P-1 Visa: For athletes coming to the U.S. to compete in competitions with international recognition.
  • O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field.
  • O-2 and P-1S Visas: For essential support staff.
  • O-3 and P-4 Visas: For family members of O-1 and P-1 visa holders.

Country-Specific Information for Soccer Players

United Kingdom

  • Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Visa: Requires a sponsor license from a soccer club and a governing body endorsement from the Football Association.

United States

  • O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability.
  • P-1 Visa: For internationally recognized athletes.

Australia

  • Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408): For sports activities, requiring a letter of support from the club.

Addressing Potential Delays

Concerns have been raised with the United States government, including an official meeting in the White House, over fears that supporters may be deterred from attending the 2026 Men’s World Cup due to excessive wait times for visa applications.

Currently, visa processing times are significantly delayed in some regions. For instance, in two Mexican cities, the wait times for U.S. visa interviews exceed 800 days, while in Bogotá, Colombia, the wait is around 685 days. This is particularly concerning given that it will be at least another 18 months before many countries secure qualification for the tournament.

Many visitors to the United States, estimated by U.S. Travel to represent 45% of total visitors, require visas for entry. These B1/B2 visas necessitate in-person appointments at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to take digital photographs and fingerprints, followed by an interview. During this interview, applicants must state their intention to return to their home countries and explain their reasons for visiting the United States.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, visitors could expedite their entry by applying for a Hayya card, effectively a fan pass that acted as a visa for the tournament. However, a similar pass is not expected to be approved by the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup.

Given these potential delays, it is advisable to start the visa application process as early as possible. By following these guidelines, you can successfully apply for a visa and be well-prepared to experience the excitement of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, or another host country. Enjoy the matches and the vibrant atmosphere of this global event!