US Visa Appointment London: Guide 2025

By Nita Nicole Upadhye

Table of Contents

If you’re applying for a US visa from the UK, you’ll most likely have to attend a visa interview at the US Embassy in London.

A US visa appointment in London is a necessary step for most individuals applying for a visa to travel to the United States. You will be asked to schedule the interview when you submit your visa application form. The appointment involves a personal interview at the US Embassy in London, where applicants submit their biometrics, such as fingerprints, and provide answers to questions related to their visa application. The interview is designed to verify the applicant’s eligibility and ensure they meet the requirements for the visa category they are pursuing, such as tourist, business, or student visas.

Key risks include failing to provide the necessary documentation or arriving late to the appointment, which could lead to delays or the need to reschedule. Applicants must ensure they bring their valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee payment receipt, and any additional documents specified for their visa type, such as financial evidence or an acceptance letter from a US institution.

Careful preparation is essential, including reviewing the application for accuracy and preparing to answer questions about the purpose of the visit and ties to the UK. Visa appointment slots can fill up quickly, so booking early is advised. Adhering to the instructions provided by the US Embassy in London helps ensure a smooth process and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.

 

US Embassy in London Contact Details

 

The US Embassy in London is located at 33 Nine Elms Lane, London, SW11 7US.

The embassy operates from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

For general inquiries, you can contact the embassy by telephone at +44 (0)20 7499 9000.

For visa-related inquiries, please visit the embassy’s official website at https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/.

For American Citizen Services, including passport and notarial services, information is available at https://uk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.

 

 

Availability of US visa interviews at the US Embassy in London

 

The availability of visa interviews will be a critical factor in determining the length of time it will take for your application to be processed and for you to receive a decision.

Due to high demand, appointment availability may be limited, and wait times can vary depending on the visa category. For the most current information on appointment wait times, applicants should refer to the U.S. Department of State’s official website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html/.

Applicants are advised to schedule their visa appointments well in advance of their intended travel dates to accommodate potential delays. For specific inquiries or assistance, the Visa Appointment Service call center is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (local time). Callers within the United Kingdom can dial 020-3608-6998, while those calling from the United States should dial 170-3543-9334.

Please note that visa services and appointment availability are subject to change. Applicants should regularly check the official U.S. Embassy London website for the latest updates: https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/.

 

US Visa Interview Waiting Times

 

The estimated wait times for a US visa appointment at the US Embassy in London are as follows:

  • Students/Exchange Visitors (F, M, J visas): Approximately 3 days
  • Petition-Based Temporary Workers (H, L, O, P, Q visas): Approximately 7 days
  • Crew and Transit (C, D, C1/D visas): Approximately 2 days
  • Visitor Visas (B1/B2): Approximately 82 days

 

These estimates are subject to change based on workload and staffing. For the most current information, please refer to the U.S. Department of State’s official website.

Given these varying wait times, it’s advisable to schedule your visa appointment well in advance of your intended travel date to accommodate potential delays.

After the visa interview, if your application is approved, the average processing time is 3-5 working days, with an additional 2-3 workdays for delivery.

 

How to book an interview for your US visa

Booking a US visa interview in London involves a series of steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Identify the visa type you need based on your purpose of travel. For example, a B-1/B-2 visa is for business or tourism, while an F-1 visa is for students. Visit the US Embassy in London visa page to confirm the requirements for your specific visa type.

 

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Fill out the relevant application form. For nonimmigrant visa applicants, this is the DS-160 form online. Once completed, save the confirmation page with the barcode, as it is required to book your appointment.

 

Step 3: Pay the Visa Application Fee

Pay the visa application fee through the Visa Appointment Service website. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before scheduling your interview.

 

Step 4: Create an Account on the Visa Appointment System

Applicants schedule appointments online through the Visa Appointment Service website: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gb.

Visit the Visa Appointment Service website and create an account. Provide your DS-160 confirmation number and payment details during the registration process.

 

Step 5: Schedule Your Interview

Log in to your account and select “Schedule Appointment.” Choose the US Embassy in London as your interview location and pick an available date and time. You will receive an email confirmation with the appointment details.

 

Step 6: Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather all required documents to take with you to the appointment.

 

Step 7: Attend Your Interview

Arrive at the US Embassy in London on the scheduled date and time. Bring all required documents. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose, financial situation, and ties to the UK.

 

 

Supporting documents for your US visa appointment

 

While interview availability remains an issue, applicants are advised to take steps to ensure their application forms and supporting documents are complete, error-free and as thorough as possible to avoid any further delays in decision-making when the time for the interview arrives.

If the adjudicating officer who is interviewing you has any doubts or concerns about your eligibility for your visa category or if they believe you may present a national security or other risk to the US, you could see your application being put into administrative processing, which will result in a further delay on a decision.

The type of visa you are applying for will largely determine both the documentation you should take and the questions you are likely to be asked. Employment and business visas for example will usually require more extensive supporting documentation and longer visa interviews than a temporary visitor visa.

Perhaps unhelpfully, there is no exhaustive list of documents which you are required to take with you to your interview. You will however need to be able to respond to any requests of the adjudicating officer. Given what is at stake, take professional advice on your circumstances to ensure you are sufficiently prepared.

In general, you should look to take with you as a minimum:

 

  • Your current passport. This should contain at least one blank page. Non-UK passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the United States.
  • One printed photograph compliant with US requirements. This must be a 5 x 5 cm color photograph taken within the last six months. This is in addition to the digital photograph required when filing Form DS-160.
  • Printed confirmation page from your completed Form DS-160 with bar code.
  • Fee payment receipt
  • Appointment Notification Notice for your visa interview
  • Evidence to support your eligibility for the visa
  • Evidence that supports sufficient ties to your home country
  • Evidence of your status in the United Kingdom, if you are not a U.K or EU passport holder
  • Evidence of previously issued US visas
  • Evidence of residence outside US
  • Evidence of funds to cover all expenses while in the US – this applies when you intend to be supported by a sponsor or where self-sufficient.
  • Documents relating to any existing medical conditions that could have a bearing on your eligibility for a visa
  • Documents relating to any arrests, convictions or cautions, regardless of where or when they took place
  • Documents relating to any previous US immigration issues such as overstaying, deportation or entry denials

 

All documents must be original and genuine and translations must be certified.

In addition to the above, looking specifically at the E visa for Treaty Investors of Treaty Traders, you should also bring documents relating to your business and investment plans.

A key determinant in the adjudicating process for US nonimmigrant visas is that the applicant must intend to leave the US by the visa expiry date. This requires you to evidence that the stay will be temporary and for a limited and specific period of time after which you will leave the US.

Evidence that you have ‘sufficient ties’ to your country of residence should be used to show you satisfy this requirement. Documents such as mortgage statements, payslips and evidence of family ties would be expected.

 

Questions you could be asked at your US visa interview

 

The questions will relate specifically to the information you have provided in your form, and to the visa classification you are applying for. For tourism visas, for example, you will be asked about your itinerary and the nature of your planned activity. For an investor visa, you will be asked about your investment, the enterprise and your plans once in the US.

You will also be asked about personal information and details relating to whether you satisfy the general grounds for admissibility. Complicating factors such as any criminal record or previous US immigration issues will also be addressed.

Here are some examples of the more common, general questions that could be asked at your interview:

 

  • Have you ever visited the US before? If so, when?
  • Do you have a home, vehicle, business, or family in your home country?
  • What are your plans during your time in the US?
  • How will you support yourself financially during your stay?
  • Will you be visiting anyone in the US?
  • What are your plans after your stay in the US?

 

Remember that full disclosure is demanded at all times, or you risk being deemed inadmissible on account of fraud or willful misrepresentation.

 

What can you expect during the interview?

 

Aim to arrive at the Embassy (London address: 33 Nine Elms Lane, London SW11 7US) 20 minutes before the start time of your appointment. This should allow for security screening in order to enter the Embassy.

You then need to check-in. Your passport will be checked and your fingerprints will be taken before you are questioned by the adjudicating officer.

The interview can last anywhere between 2 minutes and 20 minutes, depending on the type of visa and the level of scrutiny and questioning of your application.

 

When will you receive the decision?

 

In most cases, you can expect to be informed of a decision at the end of your visa appointment. If your application has been successful and the visa granted, your passport will be retained for the visa to be issued. Your passport will then be returned to you by courier.

Alternatively, the adjudicator may opt to deny the application, as either a “hard” or “soft” denial.

A hard denial means the application has been fully considered and adjudicated and the negative decision is not likely to be overcome or changed on the basis of that particular application.

A soft denial is where the application goes into administrative processing. This means the officer has denied the application as an interim measure as they do not have the requisite information or clearance to be able to grant the visa at that time. Administrative processing necessarily delays decision making and as such, extends the processing time of the application. Applicants are therefore advised to ensure their petition and supporting documents are full and in order, and to prepare well for the interview to avoid the application going into administrative processing.

 

Need assistance?

 

NNU Immigration are US immigration specialists. Our team of US immigration attorneys provide guidance on all US immigration categories and applications, including advice on waiting and processing times for services and appointments at the US Embassy in London. Contact us for expert advice.

 

US Visa Interview FAQs

 

How do I book a US visa appointment in London?

You can book an appointment through the official US Department of State website after completing the DS-160 form and paying the visa application fee.

 

What documents do I need for the US visa appointment?

You need your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa application fee receipt, and any supporting documents required for your visa type.

 

How early should I schedule my US visa appointment?

It is recommended to schedule your appointment as soon as possible after submitting your application, as slots can fill up quickly.

 

What happens during the US visa appointment?

You will submit your biometrics, such as fingerprints, and attend a personal interview where a consular officer reviews your application and asks questions about your travel purpose.

 

Can I reschedule my US visa appointment?

Yes, you can reschedule your appointment through the online portal, but changes may be subject to availability and timing constraints.

 

What should I wear to the US visa appointment?

There is no formal dress code, but business casual attire is recommended to make a professional impression.

 

How long does the US visa appointment take?

The appointment typically lasts about 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times at the embassy can vary.

 

What happens if my visa is denied?

If your visa is denied, you will receive a notice explaining the reason and whether you can reapply or provide additional evidence.

 

Can I bring someone with me to the US visa appointment?

In most cases, only the applicant is allowed entry to the embassy, except for minors or applicants requiring assistance.

 

Glossary

 

Term Definition
US Visa A document issued by the US government allowing foreign nationals to enter the United States for specific purposes.
DS-160 Form The online nonimmigrant visa application form required for most US visa categories.
Visa Fee The non-refundable payment required to submit a US visa application and schedule an interview.
Visa Appointment System An online portal used to pay fees, schedule visa interviews, and manage US visa applications.
Confirmation Page A document generated after completing the DS-160 form, containing a barcode required for the interview.
B-1/B-2 Visa A nonimmigrant visa for short-term business (B-1) or tourism and leisure travel (B-2) in the US.
F-1 Visa A nonimmigrant visa for students pursuing academic studies at US institutions.
Supporting Documents Required materials such as passports, financial evidence, and confirmation pages to support a US visa application.
Visa Interview A mandatory in-person meeting at the US embassy or consulate to review visa eligibility and purpose of travel.
Visa Appointment Confirmation The document confirming the date, time, and location of the scheduled US visa interview.
US Embassy in London The official diplomatic mission in London where visa interviews for the United Kingdom are conducted.
Nonimmigrant Visa A visa allowing temporary entry into the US for purposes such as tourism, study, or business.
SEVIS Fee A separate fee required for student and exchange visitor visa applicants before scheduling an appointment.

 
 
 

Author

Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.

Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.

This article does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only.

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