A US visitor visa (B1/B2) is applied for in Türkiye at the US Embassy in Ankara or the Consulate General in Istanbul by Turkish citizens and holders of a regular Turkish residence permit. The steps: the DS-160 form, the fee, an appointment, then an in-person interview, mandatory for most applicants since September 2025. The decision turns on one question: will you return after the visit? Important: since 1 January 2026 visas have been suspended for holders of Syrian, Yemeni, Sudanese, Libyan and Somali passports and Palestinian Authority documents, and partly for Mauritania. Interview waits can run for months, so start early.
The US is a dream destination for many Arabs living in Türkiye: visiting relatives in Michigan, Texas or New Jersey, sightseeing in New York and Florida, attending a conference or trade fair, or medical treatment. But the US system is fundamentally different from Schengen and the UK: the decision is usually made in minutes at the interview window, and the law presumes you intend to immigrate until you show otherwise. A lot changed in 2025 and 2026 — the country-of-residence rule, the end of most interview waivers, and a wider list of restricted nationalities. This guide brings it together from official sources and the files we prepare in Istanbul.
Before you start: one interview from application to stamp
An illustrative case built from situations we see often, not a specific client.
Samer, 39, is an Egyptian accountant who has lived in Istanbul on a work permit for six years, married with two children at a Turkish school. He was invited to a three-day accounting conference in Chicago and wants a week in New York afterwards. At first he prepared a thick stack of papers and memorised "perfect" answers from the internet.
What we did with him: we went through the DS-160 line by line so every date, address and job matched reality exactly, and listed his previous Schengen and UK trips because they strengthen his profile. We put a slim folder together: his company letter with salary and leave, the conference invitation and registration receipt, a bank statement, his residence permit and family record. Then we practised: short answers in his own words, starting with the answer itself. At the interview he was asked only three questions — what do you do, why are you travelling, who stays in Istanbul? — answered each in one sentence and wasn't asked for a single document.
That's the US interview: the officer isn't reading a file, they're reading a person in two or three minutes. They want to understand quickly who you are, why you're travelling now and why you'll return. Every section of this guide helps you answer those three questions.
Who can apply from Türkiye?
| Your situation | Apply from Türkiye? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish citizen | Yes | With a Turkish passport |
| Regular Turkish residence permit holder from Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the Maghreb, the Gulf and others | Yes | A valid permit shows Türkiye is your country of residence |
| Tourist in Türkiye without residence | Usually no | Since September 2025 applicants are expected to apply in their country of nationality or residence |
| Temporary protection (kimlik) only | Very difficult | Plus the nationality restriction if Syrian |
| Syrian, Yemeni, Sudanese, Libyan or Somali passport, or Palestinian travel document | Visas suspended | Full suspension since 1 January 2026, except narrow exceptions |
| Mauritanian passport | Visit visas suspended | Partial suspension covering B, F, M, J and immigrant visas |
The presidential proclamation in force since 1 January 2026 fully suspends visas for holders of Syrian, Yemeni, Sudanese, Libyan and Somali passports and Palestinian Authority documents (alongside non-Arab countries), and partly for Mauritania. Visas issued before that date aren't revoked, and anyone with a second, non-designated nationality can apply on that passport. The list is reviewed periodically, so we check it for every file. We advise no one to pay a fee or book an appointment if their nationality is suspended.
Where to apply: Ankara or Istanbul?
Visitor visa interviews take place at the US Embassy in Ankara and the US Consulate General in Istanbul; you choose when booking. Visitor appointment waits change every month and can reach several months in Ankara; the State Department publishes estimates for each post. We watch both cities and pick the earliest date that fits your travel.
The steps, from start to passport
- 1DS-160 form
The official online form in English: personal details, work, education, travel in the last five years, previous US visits, family, social media identifiers used in the last five years and security questions. We complete it with you carefully, because any answer can come up at the interview.
- 2Photo
A recent digital photo on a white background without glasses, uploaded with the form to official specifications.
- 3Fee and account
The application fee is paid through the official appointment system, then the appointment is booked. The fee isn't refunded if you're refused. We share current amounts on WhatsApp.
- 4Book the interview
In Ankara or Istanbul. Each family member has an appointment, and a family can be booked back to back.
- 5Interview day
Arrive on time with your passport, appointment letter and DS-160 confirmation, with supporting documents organised. Electronics and large bags are usually not allowed.
- 6Decision and passport
If approved, your passport is kept, the visa printed and returned by courier or collection. If you're given a 221(g) sheet, your case needs documents or administrative processing.
How the officer decides: section 214(b)
US law (section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act) presumes every visitor visa applicant intends to immigrate until they convince the officer otherwise. So having money isn't enough; you must show your life in Türkiye outweighs any reason to stay in the US.
| What the officer looks for | How it shows in your interview and file |
|---|---|
| A clear, limited purpose | A short, specific plan: a named conference, a named relative, cities and dates |
| Strong ties to Türkiye | A stable job or business, long residence, family and children at school, property, commitments |
| Proportionate finances | Income that covers the trip without needing to work there |
| A good travel record | Schengen, UK or Canadian visas used and returned on time |
| Consistency and honesty | Answers matching the DS-160 exactly, and any previous refusal declared |
Common questions and how to answer
One clear sentence: "A conference in Chicago, then a week of sightseeing in New York." Don't start with a long story.
Title, employer and length, as in the DS-160. If you own a business, describe it and its staff briefly.
Name your relatives honestly even if the visit isn't for them; hiding them is worse than mentioning them.
You, your employer or a named relative, as in the form.
A specific length that fits the purpose: two or three weeks, not 'months'.
Mention successful trips; they're the strongest proof that you travel and return.
Officers do dozens of interviews a day and spot a memorised answer instantly. It's better to understand your own file and answer briefly and confidently in your own words. We practise the questions likely for your case, not a script.
Documents: core and supporting
At a US interview you may not be asked for anything, but carry proof of everything in your form, organised so you can produce it if asked.
Core documents
- A passport valid at least six months beyond the intended stay (unless agreements exempt your nationality), plus old passports with visas
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Appointment letter
- Original Turkish residence permit for non-Turkish residents
- A compliant photo if requested
Supporting documents
- Employment letter with title, salary, start date and leave
- Bank statements for the last 3–6 months
- Trade registry and tax documents for business owners
- Property deeds or leases
- Conference invitation or hospital appointment
- Family record and children's school documents
- Previous visas for other countries
| Your situation | What strengthens your file |
|---|---|
| Employee | Company letter, payslips or SGK record, approved leave |
| Business owner | Trade registry, tax activity certificate, company statement, proof you run it |
| Freelancer | Regular contracts and invoices, tax registration, statement showing income |
| Student in Türkiye | Enrolment certificate, return date for studies, parental sponsorship |
| Retiree | Pension proof, family and property in Türkiye |
| Homemaker | Spouse's documents and job, family record, children in Türkiye |
What changed in 2025 and 2026?
| Change | Since | Effect on you |
|---|---|---|
| Apply in your country of nationality or residence | September 2025 | Residents of Türkiye apply here with their permit; visitors without residence can't |
| Most interview waivers ended | 2 September 2025 | Children over 14 and older adults interview; waiver renewals only under narrow conditions |
| Wider nationality restrictions | 1 January 2026 | Full suspension for Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and PA documents; partial for Mauritania |
| Social media screening | Ongoing | List every account used in five years on the DS-160, honestly |
A realistic timeline
| Before travel | What you do | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | Check nationality, residence and passport; start the DS-160 | Ankara appointments can run for months |
| 5 months | Pay the fee and book the earliest slot | We watch for earlier slots |
| A month before the interview | Organise documents and practise | Review the DS-160 one last time |
| Interview day | Interview and usually a same-day decision | No electronics |
| Days to weeks later | Passport returned with the visa | 221(g) can take longer |
| After collection | Book your tickets | Check the name and dates on the visa |
US, UK or Schengen? A quick comparison
| Item | United States | United Kingdom | Schengen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interview | In person for most applicants | Usually not (biometrics only) | Usually not (biometrics only) |
| Where it's decided | Usually at the interview window | Visa office | Consulate |
| Appeal | No (reapply) | No for visit visas | Under national law |
| Length of stay | Set by the border officer (I-94), usually up to 6 months | Up to 6 months per visit | 90 days in 180 |
| Visa validity | Depends on nationality, can be years | 6 months or 2/5/10 years | By the cascade rule |
| Insurance | Not required for the visa (strongly advised) | Not required | Mandatory |
After you get the visa
The visa lets you travel to a US port of entry; the final decision belongs to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The officer asks about the purpose and length of your visit and sets your permitted stay in the electronic I-94 record. Carry your address, return ticket and proof of funds. Overstaying your I-94 automatically voids your visa and affects any future application to the US and elsewhere. If you renew your passport while the visa is valid in the old one, travel with both.
Special cases we handle often
The suspension applies to the designated passport. Someone who also holds Turkish citizenship, for example, applies on the Turkish passport like any Turkish citizen.
An invitation from the child with their US status (green card, citizenship, student visa) plus the parents' strong ties in Türkiye. Common and often approved when ties are clear.
The US host's invitation, conference registration and a letter from your company. B1 covers meetings, not actual work.
A letter from the US hospital with diagnosis and estimated cost, and proof you can pay.
Always declared on the DS-160. We analyse the reason and reapply only when something has genuinely changed.
An application per person; children over 14 usually attend. Birth certificates, parental consent and school documents.
If it expired within 12 months, you're over 18 and have no prior refusal, you may qualify to renew without an interview under conditions; we check your eligibility.
A visit visa isn't a route to immigration. There are other routes, such as the green card lottery.
If the visa is refused
Most refusals are under section 214(b): the officer wasn't convinced by your ties or purpose. You get a sheet explaining it, and there's no appeal. You can reapply at any time, with a new fee and interview, but the result won't change unless your circumstances or the way you present them do. A 221(g) sheet isn't a final refusal: your case is waiting for a document or administrative review and can end in approval.
| What happened | What it means | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| 214(b) refusal | Ties or purpose not convincing | Analyse the interview and DS-160; reapply after a real change or clearer presentation |
| 221(g) with documents | A specific document is missing | Prepare it and submit it quickly as instructed |
| 221(g) administrative processing | Security or administrative review | The wait can be long; we follow up without booking tickets |
| Refusal for misrepresentation | Can lead to a permanent bar | No quick fix — hence full honesty on the DS-160 |
Mistakes we see in US files
Do
- Match every DS-160 answer to reality
- Declare relatives in the US and any refusal
- Answer briefly in your own words
- Carry organised documents
- Start months before travel
Avoid
- Paying the fee if your nationality is suspended
- Memorising answers from the internet
- Hiding social media accounts
- Buying non-refundable tickets before the visa
- Anyone promising a 'guaranteed' appointment for money
How we help
- 1Free assessment
Send your passport, residence permit and purpose on WhatsApp; we tell you straight away whether your nationality is restricted, where to apply and what your file lacks.
- 2DS-160, fee and appointment
We complete the form carefully, arrange payment and the earliest slot in Ankara or Istanbul, and watch for earlier ones.
- 3Interview preparation
We organise your documents in a slim folder and practise the questions likely for your case.
- 4After the decision
We follow up the passport return or any 221(g) documents, and arrange flights and hotels if you wish.
Rules checked against official US sources and reliable legal summaries of the presidential proclamation in force since 1 January 2026. Rules and lists change, so we re-check them when preparing your file.
Start your US visa file on WhatsAppMore visa guides: Schengen visa from Türkiye · UK visa from Türkiye · Canada visa · Green card lottery · International visa service
Frequently asked questions
Can a resident of Türkiye apply for a US visa in Istanbul or Ankara?
Yes, if you legally reside in Türkiye. Since September 2025 the State Department expects applicants to apply in their country of nationality or residence, so someone with a valid Turkish residence permit applies at the Embassy in Ankara or the Consulate General in Istanbul. A tourist without residence must apply from their own country or country of residence.
Can Syrians get a US visitor visa now?
Since 1 January 2026 Syria has been on the full-suspension list of the US presidential proclamation, so visit visas aren't issued to Syrian passport holders except in very narrow exceptions. Someone with a second, non-designated nationality (such as Turkish) can apply on that passport, and visas issued before that date were not revoked.
Which Arab nationalities are affected by US entry restrictions?
Full suspension: Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents. Partial suspension covering visit and student visas: Mauritania. Other Arab nationalities such as Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the Maghreb and the Gulf apply normally.
Is the interview mandatory?
Yes for most applicants since 2 September 2025, including children over 14 and older adults. Interview waivers remain only for limited cases such as renewing a B1/B2 visa that expired within the last 12 months for applicants over 18, with conditions including applying in the country of nationality or residence and no prior refusals.
How long is the wait for an appointment in Ankara or Istanbul?
It changes monthly. State Department estimates for visitor appointments in Ankara reached several months in 2026, and Istanbul can be shorter or longer depending on the period. That's why we start the file four to six months before travel and watch for earlier slots.
What does a 214(b) refusal mean?
The officer wasn't convinced you'll return after the visit or that your purpose is genuinely a visit. There's no appeal, but you can reapply whenever your circumstances change or you can show stronger ties. Reapplying with the same circumstances usually gives the same result.
What's the difference between 214(b) and 221(g)?
214(b) is a final refusal of the current application. 221(g) means the case needs more documents or 'administrative processing' and can end in approval after weeks or months. Submit what's requested exactly as the sheet you're given explains.
How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
The border officer decides on entry and records it in your I-94, usually up to six months for a visit. The visa's validity is different: it's the period in which you can present yourself for entry, and it depends on your nationality.
Do I need flight and hotel bookings before the interview?
No, and we don't recommend buying non-refundable tickets before the visa is issued. Know your plan and explain it clearly: cities, length, where you'll stay and who pays.
What does the DS-160 ask for?
Personal and passport details, address, work and education, travel in the last five years, previous US visits, family information, social media identifiers used in the last five years and security questions. Any contradiction between it and your interview answers can lead to refusal.
Do bank statements matter at a US interview?
Officers rarely ask for documents, but carry them organised: statements, employment letter, trade registry, property deeds. The decision rests mainly on your answers and your DS-160; documents support what you say.
Can I reapply right after a refusal?
Legally yes, but we don't recommend it without a real change: a new stable job, marriage, property, successful trips elsewhere, or a clear new purpose. We review the refusal and your answers with you before any new attempt.
Do children need an interview?
Since September 2025 most children over 14 attend. A minor's file includes a birth certificate and parental consent, and they usually attend with a parent.
What happens if I overstay?
Overstaying automatically voids your visa, can mean you must apply only in your country of nationality in future, and affects any later application to the US and other countries. Respect your I-94 date.
Can I study or work on a B1/B2 visa?
No. A visit visa allows tourism, family visits, medical treatment, meetings and conferences. Full-time study needs an F visa and work needs a different work visa.
Can you get me an earlier appointment?
Nobody can legitimately buy an earlier slot. We watch for slots that open and request an expedited appointment only if your case genuinely qualifies (such as urgent treatment or a relative's death), under embassy rules.
