- BIST10011,572-1.28%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,182.70+0.04%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,421+0.50%
- October 19, 20269°
- BIST10011,572-1.28%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,182.70+0.04%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,421+0.50%
- October 19, 20269°
01
Before You Set Out
What you need to know before applying for a visa: the difference between immigrant and temporary visas, where to apply, fees, the interview, entry into the United States, documents, and fraud warnings.
Topics in this section
- 1.1 The two ways to go to the United StatesThere are two basic ways to go to the United States: a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary purpose and period, or an immigrant visa (green card) for permanent residence. Your purpose of travel determines your choice.
- 1.2 Where to apply in TürkiyeU.S. visa applications in Türkiye are submitted only at the Embassy in Ankara or the Consulate General in Istanbul. Ankara is the only place to apply for immigrant and fiancé(e) visas.
- 1.3 Temporary visa application step by stepFor temporary visas, the process proceeds with the DS-160 form, creating an appointment account and paying the fee, followed by an interview in Ankara or Istanbul. The confirmation page, correct barcode, and required documents are critical.
- 1.4 FeesU.S. visa fees vary by visa type; application and SEVIS fees are generally nonrefundable. Turkish citizens are not charged a reciprocity fee, but some new fees have not yet been added to the official list.
- 1.5 Visa validity periods (Turkish citizens)Visa validity is not the period you may stay in the United States; it is the period during which you may request entry. Your stay in the United States is determined not by the visa but by the I-94 record.
- 1.6 InterviewPrepare properly for your temporary visa interview with the correct documents, demonstrate your ties to your country, and do not bring prohibited items into the building. Some B-1/B-2 and other applications may qualify for interview waiver renewal.
- 1.7 Interview outcomesAt the end of the interview, a visa may be issued or refused; although 221(g) is legally a refusal, it may later result in a visa. You can check the outcome through CEAC and reapply if you meet the requirements.
- 1.8 Expedited Appointment and Business Visa ProgramFor an expedited appointment, you must first complete the DS-160 form, pay the fee, and schedule a regular appointment. The BVP provides expedited appointments and a special email channel for employees of companies that meet the requirements.
- 1.9 Entering the U.S.A visa does not guarantee entry to the U.S.; a CBP officer decides admission and the length of stay. Prepare your documents before traveling, follow declaration rules upon entry, and check your I-94 record.
- 1.10 Passport and documentsBefore traveling to the USA, check your passport validity, the visa in your old passport, Turkish passport procedures, and the required Turkish documents. Ask the institution requesting the documents about translation and apostille requirements.
- 1.11 Travel restrictions: Presidential Proclamation 10998Presidential Proclamation 10998 has imposed visa and entry restrictions since January 1, 2026, on nationals of 39 countries and holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents. Türkiye is not on the list; the implementation is determined by nationality.
- 1.12 Fraud warningsLearn how to recognize fraud in visa, green card lottery, and immigration procedures, the consequences of fake documents and misrepresentation, and where to report suspicious situations.
Last reviewed October 16, 2026. This content is general information, not legal advice.