Visa Application Guide - United Kingdom

4 min. readlast update: 10.17.2023

Important: This is the visa application guide for UK participants only. Please do not follow these instructions if you do not reside in the United Kingdom.

How do I book my visa appointment at the US Embassy/Consulate?

Go to the ‘Visa’ section on your application and follow the step-by-step guidelines. Make sure you upload a screenshot of your confirmation email to your profile once you have booked your appointment. (The screenshot needs to include the date and location of your appointment.)

I can't make any of the US Embassy/Consulate appointment dates, what should I do?

It is a visa requirement to attend an appointment at the US Embassy/Consulate. Failure to do so will result in you not being able to continue on the Camp Leaders program. Dates are updated frequently so please keep checking for availability that works for you. 

When should I book my travel to the US Embassy/Consulate?

Once you have uploaded the embassy appointment confirmation email to the documents section of your application and it has been verified by a member of our team, go ahead and book travel. Please don’t book your transport until this has been verified.

How do I reschedule my US Embassy/Consulate appointment?

If you can’t make your appointment, or if there is a problem with your booking, please log in to your embassy account and reschedule your appointment. If you have rescheduled your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. 

How do I pay for my SEVIS fee? 

Guide to paying your SEVIS fee

What do I need to bring with me to my visa appointment?

  • Passport
  • Appointment Instructions
  • DS-2019 Form
  • DS-160 Visa application form 'Confirmation Page'
  • SEVIS Receipt (I-901 form)
  • US-sized passport photo
  • Evidence of intent to return to the UK

What will happen on my visa appointment day?

Check out our video on what to expect on your visa appointment day.

What time do I need to arrive at the US Embassy/Consulate?

At least half an hour before your visa appointment time.

Where do I go when I get to the US Embassy/Consulate?

Head over to the main door, your bags will be scanned by security and then the embassy/consulate staff will point you in the right direction.

I've forgotten something that I need for my visa appointment, what should I do?

You will need to reschedule your appointment.

What questions will I be asked at my visa appointment?

You can be asked a variety of questions, the most common being why you're going to work in the US. Make sure you know about the Wilberforce Act, as they may ask you about your rights when working in the United States.

Will they tell me on the day if my visa application was successful?

Yes. You will be informed whether or not your visa application has been successful. If your visa application is refused or you have been informed it will need to further administrative processing, you must contact Camp Leaders immediately.

How can I track the status of my visa application?

Simply follow the link: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx Make sure to change your visa application type to a non-immigrant visa, and have your DS-160 number to hand.

Will I receive the physical visa in my passport on the day of my appointment?

No. Your visa will be stuck on to a page in your passport. To do this the US Embassy/Consulate will need to retain your passport for a number of days. Please do not be alarmed when they retain your passport. This is normal. 

Important: If you're flying to your visa appointment make sure you have an alternative I.D. suitable for your flight home.

How will I receive my passport back?

You will receive your passport back via DX. You will have selected the delivery/collection location when booking your appointment. If you need to check the location, log in to your embassy account and check the delivery details.

All the DX collection points are too far from me, can I get it delivered closer?

You are able to pay for premium delivery to your home address which is £20.

How long will it take to get my passport back?

The US Embassy/Consulate advises that it can take up to 10 working days to get your passport back. However in some cases, it can take longer, so give yourself plenty of time before you plan to fly.

What do I take to collect my passport?

A form of photographic I.D. 

What should I take to collect my passport if I don't have any I.D. alternatives?

You can appoint someone else the authority to collect your passport. They will need to take photo I.D. with them.

I missed my visa appointment, what do I do now? Will I have to pay for another one?

No. You can simply reschedule your appointment 24 hours after your original booking time. You can use the existing credits on your account. Please make us aware of your new appointment details as soon as possible.

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