How to Apply for a U.S. Visa from Europe in 2026

The first step is to identify the purpose of your travel and determine the appropriate U.S. visa category for your situation.

You must then complete Form DS-160 and pay the applicable consular fee. After that, you will schedule a visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate responsible for your country of residence, gather the required documentation (including your passport and DS-160 confirmation), and attend the consular interview.

During the interview, it is important to answer honestly and provide clear supporting documentation. After the interview, you will be informed of the decision. If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you. If refused, you will receive information regarding the reason for the decision.

Visa requirements may vary depending on the visa category and your country of nationality or residence.

Processing times depend on the visa category, appointment availability, and the complexity of the case.

In general, timelines can be divided into two stages: the waiting period for the consular interview (which may range from a few days to several weeks), and the processing time after the interview (usually a few business days for passport return once approved).

Any non-U.S. citizen must hold a valid travel authorization or visa to enter the United States legally.

Tourism-related options include the B-2 visa for tourism and the B-1 visa for limited business activities. In addition, eligible nationals may travel under ESTA, which is not a visa but an electronic travel authorization.

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may apply for ESTA online, which is typically the only required step prior to approval. Travelers who do not qualify for ESTA must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa by completing Form DS-160, paying the visa fee, and attending a consular interview.

A valid passport is required in all cases.

Individuals who have traveled to Cuba after January 12, 2021, are generally no longer eligible to use ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program.

In such cases, a regular U.S. visa must be obtained through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before traveling.

If your visa or passport is lost or stolen while you are in the United States, it is important to act promptly.

You should report the loss or theft to the local police and obtain a police report. If you have lost your Form I-94, you may retrieve your electronic arrival and departure record online.

You must also notify your country’s embassy or consulate regarding the lost passport, and contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that issued your visa. You will need to provide personal details and, if available, copies or information related to the lost visa.

Lost or stolen U.S. visas cannot be replaced. You must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside the United States and include a written statement explaining the loss or theft, along with the police report.

Foreign entrepreneurs typically apply for the E-2 Treaty Investor visa, which allows nationals of treaty countries to invest in and direct a U.S. business.

Depending on the structure of the business and the applicant’s role, alternative options such as the L-1 (intra-company transfer) or certain B-1 business classifications may also be considered.

Many U.S. companies sponsor work visas, particularly in sectors such as technology, engineering, healthcare, energy, and research.

Large multinational corporations frequently sponsor visas such as H-1B or L-1 for specialized professionals and executives. In the case of E-2 visas, the sponsoring entity is typically the investor’s own company.

The E-1 and E-2 visas are nonimmigrant visas for treaty traders and treaty investors.

The E-1 visa is issued to nationals of treaty countries engaging in substantial international trade with the United States. The E-2 visa is for investors who commit a significant amount of capital to a U.S. business. Both visas allow temporary residence in the U.S. to conduct qualifying commercial activities.

With a B-1 business visa, stays of up to six months are typically permitted. The exact duration is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry and depends on the purpose of the visit.

In certain cases, extensions may be requested if additional time is justified.

Visa appointment availability varies by embassy or consulate and by region.

Applicants should consult the official U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for the most up-to-date information. In many locations, appointments may be booked several months in advance, making early planning essential.

If you are planning to transfer employees to North America and need guidance, CVS has extensive experience advising companies on international mobility strategies.

European travelers generally need a valid biometric passport. For stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business, eligible nationals may use ESTA.

For work, study, investment, or longer stays, a specific U.S. visa must be obtained prior to travel.

To renew a U.S. visa, applicants must complete Form DS-160 and submit the required documentation through the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

In some cases, applicants may qualify for renewal without an interview if their previous visa expired within a certain timeframe and other eligibility criteria are met.

The application process includes completing Form DS-160, paying the visa fee, gathering supporting documentation, and scheduling a consular interview.

During the interview, applicants present their documentation and answer questions regarding their travel purpose and background.

Applicants are generally required to bring a valid passport, the DS-160 confirmation page, proof of visa fee payment, a recent passport-style photograph, and any additional documentation relevant to the visa category.

Supporting documents may include invitation letters, proof of financial means, travel itineraries, or corporate documentation.

Short-term business activities without local employment are usually covered by the B-1 visa.

For opening a U.S. subsidiary, transferring employees, or investing in a business, visas such as L-1 or E-2 are typically more appropriate.

ESTA is an electronic travel authorization for short-term tourism or business visits of up to 90 days. It does not require a consular interview.

A B-1 visa is a consular visa that involves a formal application process and allows longer stays or more complex business activities.

The L-1 visa requires proof of a qualifying relationship between the foreign company and the U.S. entity, as well as evidence that the employee will serve in an executive, managerial (L-1A), or specialized knowledge (L-1B) role.

There is no fixed minimum investment required by law. However, the investment must be substantial enough to ensure the viability of the business.

In practice, this often involves investments starting at approximately $100,000 or more, depending on the industry and business model.