United States visa — Cameroon passport: documents and fees

Which procedure for your trip?

Visitor visa

Tourism (short stay) · Verified on 15 October 2026
Visitor visa: documents, fees and steps
Student visa

Study · Verified on 15 October 2026
Student visa: documents, fees and steps
Work visa

Work · Verified on 15 October 2026
Work visa: documents, fees and steps

Documents requested

Visitor visa

Valid passport, normally valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, unless an applicable agreement provides otherwiseConditions and details
The passport must be valid to travel to the United States and, in principle, for at least six months beyond the intended stay. Country-specific agreements waive this validity extension; check whether an agreement applies to your passport. The visa, when required, and admission by CBP remain separate conditions.
Electronic nonimmigrant visa application form DS-160, completed and electronically signedConditions and details
Any person applying for a nonimmigrant visa completes the electronic form DS-160 and signs it by checking the “Sign Application” box. This signature binds the applicant to the accuracy of his or her statements, under penalty of perjury. Submission of the form remains mandatory even when the interview is waived. Print the DS-160 confirmation page and bring it to the interview.
Digital identity photograph, uploaded with the DS-160 formConditions and details
Upload a photo meeting Department of State requirements during the DS-160 application. If the upload fails, bring a compliant printed photo to the interview. Also follow the instructions of the consular post.
Payment of the visa application processing fee, per personConditions and details
The consular fee schedule sets the processing fee for a nonimmigrant visa application not based on a petition at 185 USD per person, which includes the visitor visa. A issuance fee may be added depending on nationality, on a reciprocity basis.

Depending on your situation

Fingerprint scan, at the request of the consular officerConditions and details
Each applicant provides his or her fingerprints when the consular officer requires it. Applicants summoned to an interview provide biometric data used to authenticate their identity and verify their statements.
Supporting documents requested by the consular officer: intent to leave the United States at the end of the stay, right to enter another country afterward, funding for the trip and the returnConditions and details
The visitor visa is granted only if the consular officer is convinced that the applicant will leave the United States at the end of his or her temporary stay, that he or she will be able to enter another country afterward, and that sufficient financial arrangements cover the trip and the departure. The officer may require any document he or she deems necessary to establish this and examines all documents presented.
Police certificate (criminal record extract), if the consular officer has reason to believe that a record existsConditions and details
The applicant presents a certificate from the police authorities indicating what their records contain about him or her when the consular officer has reason to believe that a police file or criminal record exists.

Student visa

Valid passport, normally valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, unless an applicable agreement provides otherwiseConditions and details
The passport must be valid to travel to the United States and, in principle, for at least six months beyond the intended stay. Country-specific agreements waive this validity extension; check whether an agreement applies to your passport. The visa, when required, and admission by CBP remain separate conditions.
Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", original signed by the student and by the designated school officialConditions and details
All F and M students need a form I-20. The school's designated school official (DSO) issues it once the student is accepted at an institution certified by the SEVP program; the name of the form (academic and language students, or vocational students) determines the type of student visa and the status to maintain. The student and the DSO sign it. The original is expected at the visa interview; the consular officer may accept a copy in limited cases. For a new student, the visa may be issued up to 365 days before the start of the program and entry is possible at the earliest 30 days before. A student who continues their studies and remains enrolled at an SEVP institution and in SEVIS may apply for their visa at any time and enter before classes resume. On entry, present to CBP the signed I-20, kept in the carry-on baggage.
Receipt of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee (350 USD), printed after payment, to present at the interviewConditions and details
The SEVIS I-901 fee is mandatory and is paid before the issuance of the visa, after receiving the form I-20, because the payment requires information from that form (school code, SEVIS number) and from the student (name, address, date of birth, email, country of birth and of citizenship). The receipt printed after payment is the proof to present at the interview. A third party may pay for the student. For a person whose country of citizenship or of birth is Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Gambia, payment is made by money order, Western Union Quick Pay or certified check drawn on a United States bank; others may also pay by credit card on FMJfee.com. Spouses and children applying for an F-2 visa do not pay this fee. To correct the receipt or transfer the payment, a detailed request must be sent by email at least two weeks before the interview.
Electronic nonimmigrant visa application form DS-160, completed and electronically signedConditions and details
Any person applying for a nonimmigrant visa completes the electronic form DS-160 and signs it by checking the “Sign Application” box. This signature binds the applicant to the accuracy of his or her statements, under penalty of perjury. Submission of the form remains mandatory even when the interview is waived. Print the DS-160 confirmation page and bring it to the interview.
Digital identity photograph, uploaded with the DS-160 formConditions and details
Upload a photo meeting Department of State requirements during the DS-160 application. If the upload fails, bring a compliant printed photo to the interview. Also follow the instructions of the consular post.
Payment of the visa application processing fee (185 USD per person), non-refundableConditions and details
The consular fee schedule sets at 185 USD per person the processing fee for a nonimmigrant visa application not based on a petition, excluding category E, which includes the F-1 visa. This fee is neither refundable nor transferable. Issuance fees may be added depending on nationality, on a reciprocity basis.
Proof of sufficient resources for tuition and living expenses during studies (bank statements, sponsor document, scholarship or financial aid letter)Conditions and details
The student must have, themselves or their sponsor, sufficient funds to cover tuition, books, living expenses and travel for the duration of the studies, or convince the consular officer that other arrangements have been made. The institution verifies this proof before issuing the I-20; the student must also bring it to the visa application, and it is advisable to have it on entry to the United States in case a CBP officer wants to see it. Examples cited: family bank statements, sponsor document, financial aid or scholarship letters, letter from an employer indicating the annual salary. Some institutions have particular requirements on acceptable proof.

Depending on your situation

Proof of sufficient English proficiency for the course, unless the program consists solely of English-language studyConditions and details
The consular officer must be convinced that the student, unless they come solely to study the English language, knows enough English to follow the chosen course of study. If their level is insufficient, they may still obtain the visa when the institution offers English courses and has expressly accepted them for a full-time course of study in a language they know, or will enroll them in a combination of courses and English that forms a full-time course of study.
Fingerprint scan, at the request of the consular officerConditions and details
Provide fingerprints according to the instructions of the post and of the consular officer. Digital scans are usually taken during the interview, but the organization of the fingerprinting varies depending on the place of application.
Police certificate (criminal record extract), if the consular officer has reason to believe that a record existsConditions and details
The applicant presents a certificate from the police authorities indicating what their records contain about them when the consular officer has reasons to think that a police record or a criminal record exists. The officer may also require any other document they deem necessary to establish eligibility.

Work visa

Employer petition approval notice (form I-797, "Notice of Action"), to carry when travelingConditions and details
The employer files form I-129, petition for a nonimmigrant worker, with USCIS; if it is approved, USCIS sends the I-797 notice. The consular officer must have received official proof of approval to classify the applicant in category H, but the approval does not by itself establish visa eligibility. The beneficiary carries the I-797 notice with their passport and visa and presents it to CBP at entry. This proof is not a visa: a nonimmigrant visa remains necessary before applying for admission, when it is required. The visa cannot be valid longer than the period indicated in the petition.
Electronic nonimmigrant visa application form DS-160, completed and electronically signedConditions and details
Any person applying for a nonimmigrant visa completes the electronic form DS-160 and signs it by checking the “Sign Application” box. This signature binds the applicant to the accuracy of his or her statements, under penalty of perjury. Submission of the form remains mandatory even when the interview is waived. Print the DS-160 confirmation page and bring it to the interview.
Valid passport, normally valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, unless an applicable agreement provides otherwiseConditions and details
The passport must be valid to travel to the United States and, in principle, for at least six months beyond the intended stay. Country-specific agreements waive this validity extension; check whether an agreement applies to your passport. The visa, when required, and admission by CBP remain separate conditions.
Digital identity photograph, uploaded with the DS-160 formConditions and details
Upload a photo meeting Department of State requirements during the DS-160 application. If the upload fails, bring a compliant printed photo to the interview. Also follow the instructions of the consular post.
Payment of the H visa application processing fee (205 USD per person), non-refundableConditions and details
The consular fee schedule sets at 205 USD per person the processing fee for a visa application in categories H, L, O, P, Q and R, which includes the H-1B visa. This fee is neither refundable nor transferable. Issuance fees may be added depending on nationality, on a reciprocity basis.
Bachelor's degree or higher in the specialty of the position (U.S. or foreign equivalent), license to practice or equivalent training and experienceConditions and details
To practice a specialty occupation, at least one of these criteria must be met: hold a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher required by the profession, issued by an accredited university; hold an equivalent foreign degree; hold an unrestricted state license, registration or certification that authorizes full practice of the profession in the state of employment; or have training, specialized training or progressively responsible experience equivalent to a U.S. license, with recognized expertise in the specialty. The profession itself must require the theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related specialty.
Labor condition application (LCA, form ETA-9035/9035E) certified by the Department of Labor, filed by the employerConditions and details
The employer or its agent obtains certification of the LCA from the Department of Labor (DOL) before filing form I-129, to which it attaches it. It certifies in particular that it will pay the employee at least the actual wage paid to comparable workers or, if higher, the prevailing wage for the area, that it will offer working conditions that do not adversely affect comparable workers, that there is neither a strike nor a lockout at the place of employment, and that notification was given to the union or posted. The LCA is filed electronically, at most 6 months before the start of the period of employment, and DOL verifies it within 7 business days. The worker does not have to produce it themselves.

Depending on your situation

License to practice from the state of employment, if the profession requires oneConditions and details
Certain professions require a state or local license to be fully practiced. If the profession in the state of employment requires one, the beneficiary must generally have it before petition approval, not at the time of filing. Without proof, USCIS generally requests the license through a request for additional evidence.
H-1B electronic registration selection notice for the beneficiary, if the position is subject to the annual capConditions and details
If the position is subject to the annual cap of 65 000 new H-1B statuses or visas, the employer must first register the prospective employee electronically and pay the registration fee; it may file the petition only if it receives a selection notice for that beneficiary. Registrations are drawn by lottery with a weighting based generally on the offered wage level. An additional quota of 20 000 petitions concerns holders of a master's degree or higher from a U.S. university. Institutions of higher education and their affiliated nonprofit entities, nonprofit research organizations and governmental research organizations are not subject to the cap.
Fingerprint scan, at the request of the consular officerConditions and details
Provide fingerprints according to the instructions of the post and of the consular officer. Digital scans are usually taken during the interview, but the organization of the fingerprinting varies depending on the place of application.
Police certificate (criminal record extract), if the consular officer has reason to believe that a record existsConditions and details
The applicant presents a certificate from the police authorities indicating what their records contain about them when the consular officer has reasons to think that a police record or a criminal record exists. The officer may also require any other document they deem necessary to establish eligibility.

Official fees

Visitor visa

Visitor visa (B) — application processing fee, per person 185 USD

Student visa

F-1 visa: visa application processing fee, per person 185 USD
SEVIS I-901 fee for an F or M visa applicant, full payment 350 USD

Work visa

H category visa: visa application processing fee, per person 205 USD
H-1B electronic registration, per beneficiary, paid by the employer (fiscal year 2027 cap) 215 USD

Steps

Visitor visa

Check whether the nationality falls under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA authorization); if not, apply for a visitor visa, category B-2 for tourism.
Complete the DS-160 form online, upload the digital photo to it, and sign it electronically.
Pay the application fees and make an appointment for the interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country of residence or nationality.
Appear for the interview with the requested supporting documents. Since 1 October 2025, it is generally required at any age, unless a limited waiver applies; follow the post's biometric instructions.
On arrival, submit to inspection by a CBP officer, who verifies admissibility and decides on admission.
Check online your I-94 arrival record, which shows the deadline of the authorized stay.
To stay longer, apply for an extension with form I-539, if possible at least 45 days before the deadline.

Student visa

Be accepted into a school certified by the SEVP program and receive the signed I-20 form from the designated school official (DSO).
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before the visa interview, with the information from the I-20, then print the payment receipt.
Complete the DS-160 form online, upload the digital photo to it, and sign it electronically.
Pay the visa application fee and make an appointment for the interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country of residence or nationality.
Appear for the interview with the requested supporting documents. Since 1 October 2025, it is generally required at any age, unless a limited waiver applies; follow the post's biometric instructions.
For a new student, enter no earlier than 30 days before the program, with the signed I-20 at hand. If you are continuing your studies, check the return conditions with the DSO.
On arrival, establish your admissibility to the satisfaction of the CBP officer, who sets the period of admission: the length of the program on the I-20 (four years at most) plus 30 days before and 30 days after.
Contact the DSO upon entry to the United States and no later than the program start date on the I-20, then maintain your student status.

Work visa

Obtain employment in the United States in a specialty occupation, which requires a degree at the bachelor's level or higher in a directly related specialty, and that the candidate is qualified to perform.
The employer obtains certification of an LCA from the Department of Labor (wage at least equal to the prevailing or actual wage, attested working conditions).
If the position is subject to the annual cap, the employer registers the prospective employee in the electronic lottery (usually in March) and pays the fees; only a selected registration allows the petition to be filed.
The employer files Form I-129 with USCIS with the certified LCA; for a position subject to the cap, the start of employment is October 1 or later, and filing is done at most 6 months before the requested start date.
After the petition is approved, the worker who is outside the United States applies for the H-1B visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate, if a visa is required: DS-160, digital photo, fees.
Schedule the interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate of the country of residence or nationality; visa application fees are non-refundable.
Appear for the interview with the requested supporting documents. Since 1 October 2025, it is generally required at any age, unless a limited waiver applies; follow the post's biometric instructions.
Travel with the passport, the visa if applicable, and the I-797 notice, then request admission from CBP in the H-1B category, whether or not a visa is required.
On arrival, CBP verifies admissibility and records the period of stay on Form I-94; if it ends before the validity of the petition, an extension or another status must be requested before the deadline.

Where to apply

Visitor visa

Online application form DS-160 of the Department of State, accessible from the "Visas" pages of the United States embassies.
Consular section of the United States embassy or consulate competent for the place of residence, for the interview and the issuance of the visa.
United States immigration services (USCIS): application for extension of stay by form I-539, online or by mail.

Student visa

SEVP-certified school: designated school official (DSO) who issues the I-20 form and monitors the student's status
FMJfee.com website, indicated by the SEVP program, to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and print the receipt; payment by money order, Western Union or certified check for certain countries
Online application form DS-160 from the Department of State, accessible from the "Visas" pages of U.S. embassies
Consular section of the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over the place of residence, for the interview and visa issuance
Point of entry to the United States: inspection by a CBP officer, who decides on admission and records the period of admission

Work visa

Department of Labor (DOL) FLAG system: the employer files the labor condition application (LCA) there electronically
USCIS organizational account: the employer files the electronic registration for the H-1B lottery there, for a position subject to the cap
USCIS: filing of Form I-129 by the employer or its agent, online or by mail
Online application form DS-160 from the Department of State, accessible from the "Visas" pages of U.S. embassies
Consular section of the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over the place of residence, for the interview and visa issuance
U.S. port of entry: inspection by a CBP officer, who decides on admission in the H-1B category

Good to know

Visitor visa

Duration of admissionConditions and details
The regulation provides that a B-2 visitor is admitted for at least six months, even if they request less, unless an exception is approved on a case-by-case basis. The admission period may not exceed one year; extensions of no more than six months at a time may be granted.
Extension of stayConditions and details
An application to extend a B-2 visitor's stay is made with form I-539, accompanied by the original I-94. It explains the reason, the temporary nature of the extended stay, the arrangements made for departure, and the effects on employment and residence in the country of origin.
Meaning of the word “tourism” for the B-2 visaConditions and details
The visitor visa for pleasure covers recreational activities: tourism, leisure, visits to friends or family, rest, medical care, and activities of a social or associational nature. It does not allow obtaining a visa for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that the child has American nationality.
Possible bondIf departure at the end of the stay does not appear fully assured, the consular officer may require the posting of a bond in an amount sufficient to guarantee that departure.
Nonrefundable feesVisa application fees are neither refundable nor transferable.
Entry suspensions for 39 countriesConditions and details
Since 1 January 2026, Proclamation 10998 suspends or limits entry and visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries and holders of travel documents of the Palestinian Authority. It targets persons who were outside the United States and without a valid visa on that date. The categories concerned and the exceptions vary by country; visas valid on the effective date are not revoked under this proclamation. Affected persons may file an application and appear for an interview, with no guarantee of issuance or admission.
Entry not guaranteedConditions and details
The visa does not guarantee entry: on arrival, the CBP officer verifies admissibility. A finding of inadmissibility may lead to removal proceedings, affect future entries, and cause the visa to be canceled.
Visa renewalConditions and details
Renewal follows the steps of a visitor visa application. An interview waiver may be possible for a B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 renewal within 12 months following the expiration of the previous visa, if that visa had been issued for its full period of validity when the holder was at least 18 years old. One must also file in one's country of nationality or habitual residence, have no visa refusal that has not been overcome, and present no apparent or potential ground of ineligibility. The officer may always require an interview.
Place of application and interview waiverConditions and details
For an interview waiver in this tourist path, file in the country of nationality or habitual residence and meet the other waiver criteria. An application in another country may be more difficult; consult the competent post before paying the fees or making an appointment.
Stay beyond the authorized periodStaying in the United States beyond the authorized period may result in a reentry ban or removal; it is recommended to request the extension at least 45 days before the deadline.

Student visa

Fixed period of admission since the DHS final ruleConditions and details
According to the final rule published by DHS on 17 July 2026, with an effective date of 15 September 2026 subject to Congressional review, F students are admitted for a fixed period and no longer for the duration of status: the duration of the program listed on the I-20, four years at most, plus 30 days to arrive and 30 days to depart. Students in English language programs are limited to 24 months of admission, plus 30 days of preparation for departure, and those in public high schools to 12 months in total. The SEVP program pages must be updated on the effective date of the rule.
Extend one's stay, change program or schoolConditions and details
A student who needs more time than the admission date listed must apply for an extension of stay to USCIS, with form I-539, after obtaining from their DSO an updated I-20, or leave the United States and obtain a new period of admission from CBP on their return. For programs below the master's level, one may not change level of study, nor specialty, nor school during the first year, except for an exception of the SEVP program; at the master's level and above, one may not change level, nor specialty, nor generally school during the program. One must speak to their DSO before any step.
Dates to respect for the visa and entryConditions and details
For a new student, the visa may be issued up to 365 days before the start of the program; entry with this visa is possible at the earliest 30 days before. Students who continue their studies, remain enrolled at an SEVP institution and in SEVIS may obtain the visa at any time and enter before classes resume. Check the I-20, the visa and the DSO's instructions before traveling.
Visa application in the country of residence or of nationalityConditions and details
The Department of State asks to make the interview appointment at the United States embassy or consulate of the country of residence or of nationality. The application is filed with the post competent for the place of residence; a post of the place of presence may sometimes accept the application. The application fee is neither refundable nor transferable.
Social media accounts in public modeConditions and details
Persons who apply for an F, M or J visa (as well as other categories, including H-1B) are invited to set the privacy of all their social media accounts to "public" or "open", in order to facilitate the verifications necessary to establish their identity and their admissibility to the United States.
Entry suspensions for 39 countriesConditions and details
Since 1 January 2026, Proclamation 10998 suspends or limits entry and visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries and holders of travel documents of the Palestinian Authority. It targets persons who were outside the United States and without a valid visa on that date. The categories concerned and the exceptions vary by country; visas valid on the effective date are not revoked under this proclamation. Affected persons may file an application and appear for an interview, with no guarantee of issuance or admission.
Conditions to be classified as an F-1 studentConditions and details
To issue the visa, the consular officer must be convinced that the student has been accepted at an institution approved by DHS for a full-time course of study and presents a completed and signed I-20, that they have sufficient funds or other arrangements for their expenses, that they know enough English (unless the program consists solely of English-language study) and that they intend and are able to leave the United States at the end of their student status. The acceptance information is verified in the SEVIS database before the issuance of the visa.
Possible bondConditions and details
In borderline cases, the consular officer may require the deposit of a bond with the Secretary of Homeland Security in an amount sufficient to guarantee that the student will leave the United States at the end of their studies or if they do not maintain their student status.
Work during and after studiesConditions and details
An F student may work only when authorized to do so by their DSO or, in certain cases, by USCIS. Working without authorization requires immediately leaving the United States and may prevent returning there. F students may benefit from curricular practical training (CPT), which must be an integral part of the program and directly related to the specialty, and from optional practical training (OPT) during or after the program.
Maintain one's student statusConditions and details
Attend all classes, progress normally and maintain full-time enrollment; consult the DSO before any change or travel. The new fixed period of admission provides 30 days to prepare for departure after studies or practical training. A transitional regime maintains a 60-day departure period for students admitted for the duration of status (D/S) and present in the United States on the effective date: they may stay until the end of the I-20 or of the OPT/STEM OPT valid on that date, within the limit of four years, plus these 60 days. Travel and a new admission may cause a switch to the fixed regime; consult the DSO.
Spouse and children: F-2 visaConditions and details
The spouse and minor children of an F-1 student may receive an F-2 visa if the consular officer is convinced that they are accompanying the student or will join them, that sufficient funds cover their expenses in the United States and that they will leave the country at the end of the student's status. F-2 visa applicants do not pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
Canada, Bermuda and freely associated statesConditions and details
Canadian citizens generally benefit from a visa exemption; the admission formalities specific to study or work remain to be respected. For Bermuda, the Department of State indicates an exemption limited to 180 days, with exceptions: check longer stays with the consulate. Citizens of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau admitted under the Compacts may study and work without this visa, under the conditions of those agreements; nationality alone is not sufficient in all cases. Consult the official pages to prepare the appropriate route.
Entry not guaranteedConditions and details
The visa does not guarantee entry: on arrival, the CBP officer verifies admissibility. A finding of inadmissibility may lead to removal proceedings, affect future entries, and cause the visa to be canceled.

Work visa

Annual cap and lotteryConditions and details
H-1B status is subject to an annual cap of 65 000 new statuses or visas, plus 20 000 petitions for holders of a master's degree or higher from a U.S. university. Institutions of higher education and their affiliated nonprofit entities, nonprofit research organizations and governmental research organizations are not subject to it. For fiscal year 2027, USCIS states it received enough petitions to reach both caps; registration for fiscal year 2027 took place from 4 to 19 March 2026. For a position subject to the cap, registration generally takes place in March; the petition may be filed only for a selected beneficiary, with an employment start date of 1 October of the relevant fiscal year or later.
Duration of stay and extensionConditions and details
An H-1B worker may generally be admitted for a period of up to 3 years, extendable by an additional period of up to 3 years, for a total of 6 years. If the worker holds a controlling interest (more than 50 % of the capital or the majority of voting rights) in the company sponsoring them, approval of their initial petition and their first extension is limited to 18 months. An extension beyond the sixth year is possible in certain cases, including for the beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition or when a labor certification or an immigrant petition has been pending for at least 365 days.
100 000 USD payment: situation as of 1 October 2026Conditions and details
A presidential proclamation of 19 September 2025 provides for an additional payment of 100 000 USD for certain H-1B petitions filed from 21 September 2025 on behalf of beneficiaries who are outside the United States and do not have a valid H-1B visa. According to USCIS, a federal court in Massachusetts struck down on 8 June 2026 the directives that implemented this requirement; on 24 July 2026, the First Circuit Court of Appeals refused to stay that decision. DHS states that it is complying with the decision while reviewing the next steps and that it intends to collect the payment if the decision is lifted. The situation may change: consult the USCIS page before filing the petition.
"9-11" fee for certain employersConditions and details
Since 9 September 2026, a "covered" employer (that employs 50 or more people in the United States, of whom more than 50 % are in H-1B, L-1A or L-1B status) must pay the "9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee" for any H-1B or L-1 petition, except for an amended petition that does not request an extension of current status. The filing fees for form I-129 are set out in the USCIS G-1055 fee schedule.
Visa application in the country of residence or of nationalityConditions and details
The Department of State asks to make the interview appointment at the United States embassy or consulate of the country of residence or of nationality. The application is filed with the post competent for the place of residence; a post of the place of presence may sometimes accept the application. The application fee is neither refundable nor transferable.
Social media accounts in public modeConditions and details
Persons applying for an H-1B visa, as well as spouses and children applying for an H-4 visa (and other categories, including F, M and J), are invited to set the privacy of all their social media accounts to "public" or "open", in order to facilitate the checks necessary to establish their identity and their admissibility to the United States.
Entry suspensions for 39 countriesConditions and details
Since 1 January 2026, Proclamation 10998 suspends or limits entry and visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries and holders of travel documents of the Palestinian Authority. It targets persons who were outside the United States and without a valid visa on that date. The categories concerned and the exceptions vary by country; visas valid on the effective date are not revoked under this proclamation. Affected persons may file an application and appear for an interview, with no guarantee of issuance or admission.
Petition approval is neither a visa nor admissionConditions and details
Approval of the petition by USCIS does not establish that the worker meets the visa conditions: the consular officer may suspend their decision if they believe the applicant is not entitled to the approved classification. Even with a visa, the CBP officer decides on admission upon arrival: a finding of inadmissibility may lead to removal proceedings and revocation of the visa.
Family: H-4 statusConditions and details
The worker's spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for admission in category H-4. Certain H-4 spouses may file an application for employment authorization (form I-765) when the H-1B worker has already begun the process of obtaining employment-based permanent resident status. The spouse or child applying for an H-4 visa is subject to the same social media recommendation.
End of employment and cost of returnConditions and details
If the employer terminates the contract before the end of the authorized stay, it is responsible for the worker's reasonable return costs; it is not responsible if the worker resigns. A worker whose employment ends may have at most 60 consecutive days, or until the end of the authorized period of stay if that is shorter, to find a new job, change status, or leave the country. A change of employer is possible as soon as the new employer files a bona fide petition, if the worker meets the portability conditions.
Canada, Bermuda and freely associated statesConditions and details
Canadian citizens generally benefit from a visa exemption; the admission formalities specific to study or work remain to be respected. For Bermuda, the Department of State indicates an exemption limited to 180 days, with exceptions: check longer stays with the consulate. Citizens of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau admitted under the Compacts may study and work without this visa, under the conditions of those agreements; nationality alone is not sufficient in all cases. Consult the official pages to prepare the appropriate route.

Frequently asked questions

United States, Cameroon passport: is a visa required?

Visa required for a short tourist stay with an ordinary passport.

Visitor visa: which documents are requested?

Valid passport, normally valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, unless an applicable agreement provides otherwise ; Electronic nonimmigrant visa application form DS-160, completed and electronically signed ; Digital identity photograph, uploaded with the DS-160 form ; Payment of the visa application processing fee, per person.

Visitor visa: what are the official fees?

Visitor visa (B) — application processing fee, per person : 185 USD.

Visitor visa: where do I apply?

Online application form DS-160 of the Department of State, accessible from the "Visas" pages of the United States embassies. ; Consular section of the United States embassy or consulate competent for the place of residence, for the interview and the issuance of the visa. ; United States immigration services (USCIS): application for extension of stay by form I-539, online or by mail..

Student visa: which documents are requested?

Valid passport, normally valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, unless an applicable agreement provides otherwise ; Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", original signed by the student and by the designated school official ; Receipt of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee (350 USD), printed after payment, to present at the interview ; Electronic nonimmigrant visa application form DS-160, completed and electronically signed ; Digital identity photograph, uploaded with the DS-160 form ; Payment of the visa application processing fee (185 USD per person), non-refundable ; Proof of sufficient resources for tuition and living expenses during studies (bank statements, sponsor document, scholarship or financial aid letter).

Student visa: what are the official fees?

F-1 visa: visa application processing fee, per person : 185 USD ; SEVIS I-901 fee for an F or M visa applicant, full payment : 350 USD.

Student visa: where do I apply?

SEVP-certified school: designated school official (DSO) who issues the I-20 form and monitors the student's status ; FMJfee.com website, indicated by the SEVP program, to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and print the receipt; payment by money order, Western Union or certified check for certain countries ; Online application form DS-160 from the Department of State, accessible from the "Visas" pages of U.S. embassies ; Consular section of the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over the place of residence, for the interview and visa issuance ; Point of entry to the United States: inspection by a CBP officer, who decides on admission and records the period of admission.

Work visa: which documents are requested?

Employer petition approval notice (form I-797, "Notice of Action"), to carry when traveling ; Electronic nonimmigrant visa application form DS-160, completed and electronically signed ; Valid passport, normally valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, unless an applicable agreement provides otherwise ; Digital identity photograph, uploaded with the DS-160 form ; Payment of the H visa application processing fee (205 USD per person), non-refundable ; Bachelor's degree or higher in the specialty of the position (U.S. or foreign equivalent), license to practice or equivalent training and experience ; Labor condition application (LCA, form ETA-9035/9035E) certified by the Department of Labor, filed by the employer.

Work visa: what are the official fees?

H category visa: visa application processing fee, per person : 205 USD ; H-1B electronic registration, per beneficiary, paid by the employer (fiscal year 2027 cap) : 215 USD.

Work visa: where do I apply?

Department of Labor (DOL) FLAG system: the employer files the labor condition application (LCA) there electronically ; USCIS organizational account: the employer files the electronic registration for the H-1B lottery there, for a position subject to the cap ; USCIS: filing of Form I-129 by the employer or its agent, online or by mail ; Online application form DS-160 from the Department of State, accessible from the "Visas" pages of U.S. embassies ; Consular section of the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over the place of residence, for the interview and visa issuance ; U.S. port of entry: inspection by a CBP officer, who decides on admission in the H-1B category.

Official links

Department of State — Visitor Visa (new tab) travel.state.gov
Code of Federal Regulations — 22 CFR § 22.1 « Schedule of fees » (new tab) www.govinfo.gov
Code of Federal Regulations — 22 CFR partie 41 « Visas: Documentation of Nonimmigrants » (new tab) www.govinfo.gov
Code of Federal Regulations — 8 CFR § 214.2 (new tab) www.govinfo.gov
How to extend your nonimmigrant or tourist visa | USAGov (new tab) www.usa.gov
Visas - U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Morocco - Use our new U.S. Visa Wizard! (new tab) ma.usembassy.gov
Department of State — Suspension of Visa Issuance (new tab) travel.state.gov
Admission into United States | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (new tab) www.cbp.gov
Department of State — Interview Waiver Update (new tab) travel.state.gov
Extend Your Stay | USCIS (new tab) www.uscis.gov
How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa | USAGov (new tab) www.usa.gov
DHS — U.S. Visa Waiver Program (42 countries); additional official sources: usa.gov, 8 CFR 212.1, USCIS pages, Proclamation 10998DHS — U.S. Visa Waiver Program (42 pays) ; compléments officiels : usa.gov, 8 CFR 212.1, fiches USCIS, Proclamation 10998 (new tab) www.dhs.gov
Department of State — Student Visa (new tab) travel.state.gov
Students and the Form I-20 | Study in the States (new tab) studyinthestates.dhs.gov
Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee | Study in the States (new tab) studyinthestates.dhs.gov
Financial Ability | Study in the States (new tab) studyinthestates.dhs.gov
Final Rule: Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure Quick Facts | Study in the States (new tab) studyinthestates.dhs.gov
Maintaining Status | Study in the States (new tab) studyinthestates.dhs.gov
Department of State — Citizens of Canada and Bermuda (new tab) travel.state.gov
USCIS — Citizens of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands (new tab) www.uscis.gov
USCIS — Citizens of Palau (new tab) www.uscis.gov
I-901 SEVIS Fee | ICE (new tab) www.ice.gov
Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | USCIS (new tab) www.uscis.gov
Department of State — Temporary Worker Visas (new tab) travel.state.gov
H-1B Specialty Occupations | USCIS (new tab) www.uscis.gov
Labor Condition Application (LCA) Specialty Occupations with the H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 Programs | Flag.dol.gov (new tab) flag.dol.gov
H-1B Electronic Registration Process | USCIS (new tab) www.uscis.gov

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