USA Visa Guide for Malaysians

1. What you need to know:

1. Your visa application must be done online via http://www.ustraveldocs.com/my/ . If you’re traveling for a short period of time - i.e. as a tourist, for business, studies etc - choose the nonimmigrant button, and you’ll be directed to the right page.
2. You’ll be applying for a type B visa if you’re travelling for tourism or business purposes.
3. Next, you have to pay a non-refundable visa fee, before filling in the DS-160 form online.
4. You can fill in your DS-160 form here. Each person traveling, including children, should fill a form. You can find an example of the form here.
5. Once you have completed the form, set up an appointment with the US Embassy here. You will first have to register as a new user before setting up an appointment. If this is not the first time you’re applying, you can use your existing user name and password. For this process, you will need:
   • Your passport number
   • Your visa application fee (also known as MVP) receipt number
   • 10-digit identification number on your DS-160 form.
6. Address and contact information:

   U.S. Embassy, Kuala Lumpur
   376 Jalan Tun Razak
   50400 Kuala Lumpur
   Malaysia.
   Tel: +60 1 548 770 777 / +60 3 9212 6000.
   Email: support-malaysia@ustraveldocs.com.

7. How much is it going to cost?
   
   • Tourist and business visas: USD160 (About RM664).
   • All payments must be made in Malaysian Ringgit.
   • You can apply for a visa within one year from the payment date.
   • Find out about payment options here.
8. Appointment timing?
   

   You will be given a specific time slot for your interview when you apply for it. You are only allowed into the embassy 15 minutes before the time slot, so don’t be too early.

   
   
9. Can I get a representative to apply the visa on my behalf?
   

   If a person is illiterate, he/she can be assisted by a third party. However, this must be disclosed at the ‘sign and submit’ part of the form.

2. Basic documents needed during DS-160 process:

1. Passport.
2. Travel itinerary, if you’ve already made your plans, or estimated travel dates.
3. Dates of your last five visits to US, if you’ve visited before.
4. Resume or curriculum vitae (information on your work or education history).
5. Digital photo. The photo should follow these specifications:
   • Coloured.
   • 2 x 2 inches (51mm x 51mm) / between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels.
   • Taken within the last six months.
   • White or off-white background.
   • If you wear a headscarf for religious purposes, it should not cover any parts of your face or cast shadows on your face.
   • Eye glasses are not allowed.
   • Refer here for full specifications.

3. Documents needed during interview process:

1. Passport with a minimum of six-month validity from the date of travel.
2. Visa application fee payment receipt.
3. Printed copy of DS-160 confirmation page.
4. Physical copy of your passport photos.

4. Do I need a transit visa?

Yes. It costs the same as a business/tourist visa.

5. How long will it take?

You should be able to get your visa within three working days from the date of your interview. However, you’re advised to allow more time in case of complications.

Pro tips / Insider tips

1. You get automatically logged out of DS-160 application form if you go inactive for more than 20 minutes. Make sure you note the 10-digit identification number at the beginning of the process so you can login again using the number and won’t have to restart the process.
2. There is no parking near the embassy, best to hail a ride or take public transport.
3. You are not allowed to bring big bags, any battery-operated or electronic devices or sharp objects (similar to an airport) to the embassy. Your phone will also be taken away for security processes and returned when you’re leaving the premise.
4. Keep your documents in a clear plastic folder or you may not be allowed to enter the building.
5. If your passport expires before your next visit to the US, but the visa is still valid, you can still travel there as long as you bring both passports.
6. The visa expiration date indicates the last day you can enter the country, not the last day you can remain.
7. Your visa validity period will be determined after your interview - it can be up to 10 years - but that does not mean you can stay for that period of time. How long you can stay in US for each entry can only be determined by the immigration officers once you enter the country.
8. You can pay your visa fee online via JomPay or normal transaction or at the nearest AmBank. You will first have to download a unique e-receipt from the website.
9. Applicants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.