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Egypt → United States of America

How to get a United States of America visa from Egypt

Visa types, fees, processing times and application requirements for Egyptian passport holders travelling to United States of America.

Visa types & fees

5 visa options for travelling to United States of America.

Journalist visa

Processing time10 days
Validity180 days
Fee (approx.)$160

Student visa

CategoryJ (Exchange Visitor)
Processing time5 - 15 days
ValidityValid for the duration of your study
Fee (approx.)$160

Tourist visa

CategoryB-1 (Business Visitor) Visa
Processing time5 - 15 days
Validity180 days
Fee (approx.)$160

Transit visa

CategoryC (Transit)
Processing time5 working days
Validity29 days
Fee (approx.)$160

Work visa

CategoryL (Intra-Company Transfers)
Processing time3 - 4 months
Validity5 - 7 years
Fee (approx.)$190

Application requirements

Documents Egyptian applicants need to provide.

  • Passport with a validity of more than 6 months from the intended period of exiting the country. The passport should have at least two blank pages for the necessary stamp.
  • Duly completed visa application which carried the signature of the applicant.
  • Four recent passport-sized photographs with a white background. The photo should follow the specification for a visa application.
  • Bank statement from the past three months prior to the period of visa application. This is proof that the applicant has sufficient funds.
  • Travel insurance which has sufficient medical coverage. The insurance should be valid for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation for the period you will be staying in the country.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Travel itinerary.

Visa type details

Tourist visa

  • This visa is issued to Egyptians who intend to visit the United States temporarily for business, for tourism, or for a combination of both.
  • Foreigners visiting the United States for business will apply for the B-1 category while those visiting for tourism can apply for the B-2 category.
  • Those traveling to the United States to seek medical treatment can also apply for the B-2 visa.
  • This category of visa does not allow foreigners to take up permanent residence in the country.
  • Applicants of this visa must have a residence outside the United States and provide proof of other binding social or economic ties that will ensure your return abroad at the end of your visit.
  • Criminal records pertaining to an arrest or conviction anywhere, even if you completed your sentence or were later pardoned.
  • A letter from the applicant’s employer detailing the applicant’s position, salary, length of employment, and duration of the trip to the United States.
  • If the purpose of the applicant’s trip is to visit a friend or relative, the host’s proof of status is required.

B-1 (Business Visitor) Visa

  • This visa is issued to foreigners who have the intention of engaging in various business activities in the country.
  • Business travelers can consult with business partners in the country and can negotiate contracts during these consultations.
  • Foreigners in the United States can attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention in the country.
  • If you are employed in Egypt, an employment letter from your employer is required. Pay slips from the past three months prior to visa application should be attached to the letter.
  • An interview is generally not required if the applicant is 13 years and younger or 80 years and older. If you within the age of 14-79 years, an interview is required.
  • Foreigners in the United States are not allowed are not permitted to take up permanent residence in the country.
  • Business visitors are not allowed to study or take up paid or unpaid employment in the country.
  • This visa does not allow paid performances or any professional performance before a paying audience. You can also not work as a foreign press or other information media.
  • A document which shows that the traveler has the intention of returning to Egypt is required.
  • If you were previously in the United States, any documents attesting to your immigration or visa status is required.
  • Proof that the applicant has a clean criminal record should be provided.

B-2 (Tourism and Medical Treatment) Visa

  • Applicants of the B-2 visa have the intention of visiting the United States for tourism or vacation.
  • Other eligible applicants of the B-2 visa are persons who are visiting friends or relatives in the United States of America.
  • This visa also allows foreigners to seek and receive medical treatment in the country.
  • Foreigners applying for this visa are free to participate in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations. They can also participate in sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating.
  • Holders of the visa are free to enroll in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree.
  • Tourists are not permitted to take up a full-time course of study in the country or take up any form of employment on this visa.
  • Paid performances or any performance before a paying audience is not allowed on this visa.
  • Foreigners who seek medical attention in the United States should present a medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need the treatment in the United States.
  • A letter from the medical facility in the United States willing to treat the ailment the applicant has is required. The length and cost of the treatment should be stated in the letter.
  • A receipt which shows payment of non-refundable visa application fee is required.

Work visa

  • This visa is issued to foreigners who want to work in the United States temporarily as a nonimmigrant.
  • Applicants of this visa need a specific visa type based on the type of work you want to do in the country.
  • Most temporary worker categories require that your prospective employer or agent file a petition, which must be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States before you can apply for a work visa.
  • When the applicant’s petition is approved, the applicant’s employer or agent will receive a Notice of Action, which serves as the applicant’s petition approval notification.
  • In order for the applicant to verify his/her petition approval, the applicant must go along with his/her I-129 petition receipt number to his/her interview at the U.S. Embassy.
  • There are various sub-types of the Work Visa, they include; H, L, O, P, and Q visas.
  • The resume or CV of the applicant should be provided during the visa application process.
  • Visa interviews are generally required for applicants between the ages of 14 and years but not for those younger or older than this range.
  • Receipt of non-refundable visa application fee is required.

L (Intra-Company Transfers)

  • Eligible applicants of the L-1 visa are employees of international companies which is temporarily transferring the applicant to a parent branch, affiliate, or subsidiary of the same company in the United States.
  • The international company may that the applicant is working for may be a U.S owned organization or a foreign organization.
  • For foreigners to qualify for an L-1 visa, the applicant must be at the managerial or executive level, or have specialized knowledge and must be employed to a position within the U.S company at either of these levels, although not necessarily in the same position as held previously.
  • The applicant must have been employed outside the United States with the international company continuously for one year within the three years preceding your application into the United States.
  • Applicants of this visa can only apply for this visa after the United State branch of the company has received an approved petition from USCIS, either on a blanket or individual basis.
  • Spouse and dependents (children under age 21) of holders of the L-1 visa may apply for the L-2 visa.
  • Holders of this visa must depart the United States on or before the expiry of this visa. Failure to depart the United States will result in you being out of status.
  • Visas of travelers who are out of status will be automatically voided.
  • If you are traveling with a minor, the unabridged original copy of the minor’s birth certificate should be provided.

H-2A (Temporary Workers - Seasonal Agricultural)

  • This visa is for foreigners traveling to the United States to fill out temporary agricultural jobs for which a United States worker is not available.
  • Proof of the non-availability of U.S workers at the time the foreigner was offered the job is required.
  • Eligible applicants of this visa seek to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature in the United States on a temporary basis.
  • The applicant’s employer in the United States must file a Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, on behalf of the applicant.
  • Applicant’s of the L-1 visa on a blanket petition must pay a fraud prevention and detection fee.
  • Receipt of paid non-refundable visa application fee is required.
  • Proof that the applicant of this visa has the incentive of returning to Egypt at the expiry of this visa is required.
  • Foreigners are required to exit the country on or before the expiry of their visa.

H-2B (Temporary Workers - non-Agricultural)

  • Foreigners who are eligible for this visa type have the intention of traveling to the United States to perform jobs which is seasonal in nature and for which there is a shortage of U.S workers.
  • The employer in the United States is required to obtain a Department of Labor certification confirming that there are no qualified U.S workers eligible for the type of employment you were offered.
  • The applicants of this visa should ensure they have the required qualification for the job they have been offered in the country.
  • A receipt showing payment of non-refundable visa application fee is required.
  • Evidence that establishes the applicant’s job qualifications, including any university diplomas should be provided.
  • Original letters from current and previous employers detailing the applicant’s position and projects worked on and how long the applicant worked with previous employers should be provided.
  • Applicants of this visa should submit a copy of their resume or CV.
  • You are expected to return to your home country on or before this visa expires.

O-1 (Extraordinary Abilities)

  • The O-1 visa is issued to people who have extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics.
  • Foreigners who have extraordinary achievement in motion picture and television production are also eligible for this visa.
  • The O-1 visa holder can be accompanied by his/her essential support personnel.
  • Applicants of this visa should ensure they have been offered a job in the United States before applying for this visa.
  • To be considered as someone with extraordinary skills, you must have received a prize for excellence in your field.
  • Receipt which shows that the non-refundable fee for visa application has been made should be provided.
  • Applicants should ensure they submit a copy of their CV or resume during the visa application process.
  • You are expected to leave the country at the expiry of your visa.

P (Athletes)

  • This visa type is issued to certain athletes, entertainers, artists, and essential support personnel who are going to perform in the United States.
  • There are three categories of the P-visa, they are; P-1 Visa, P-2 Visa, and P-3 Visa.
  • The P-1 Visa is issued to individuals to perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete or as a member of an entertainment group.
  • The P-2 Visa is issued to individuals for performances under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the United States and an organization in another country.
  • The P-3 Visa is issued to foreigners to perform, teach, or coach under a program that is culturally unique or a traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical, or artistic performance or presentation.
  • Applicants of this visa should provide evidence that establishes their job qualifications, including any university diplomas.
  • Foreigners should provide a copy of their resume or Curriculum Vitae during the visa application.
  • A receipt which shows that visa application fee has been paid in full should be provided.

Student visa

  • The Student Visa is issued to foreign students who have been accepted into any of the academic institutions in the country.
  • Student visa applicants are required to be accepted and approved by the institution they enrolled in before applying for this visa.
  • Once accepted, educational institutions will provide each applicant with the necessary approval documentation to be submitted when applying for a student visa.
  • The school you intend to attend and the course of study determine what category of student visa you will be applying for.
  • The F-1 visa is issued to those who want to attend a college, university, elementary school, high school, seminary or language training course.
  • The M-1 visa is for foreigners attending a vocational or technical course or other non-academic institution.
  • The J visa is issued to foreigners who have the intention of participating in exchange visitor programs in the United States.
  • Foreigners under the age of 18 years applying for this visa are expected to possess the original copy of their birth certificate.

J (Exchange Visitor)

  • The Exchange Visitor Visa is issued to foreign citizens approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States.
  • Exchange visitor categories include Au Pair, Camp Counselor, Intern, Physician, Professor and Research Scholar, Short-term Scholar, Specialist, Summer Work Travel, Teacher, and Trainee.
  • Applicants of this visa must apply for and be accepted into an exchange visitor program through a designated sponsoring organization in the country.
  • After the applicant of this visa has been accepted for the exchange visitor program, the applicant will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS fee.
  • Foreigners applying for this visa must have an exchange visitor program sponsor.
  • Only applicants within the age range of 14 – 79 years require a visa application interview. Applicants who are above or below this age range do not require a visa interview.
  • Spouse and minor of exchange visitors who want to live in the United States with you will each receive a separate Form DS-2019.
  • Your spouse and minor can apply for the J-2 visa to accompany you or join you later during your exchange program.

F-1 (Academic and Language Students)

  • This is the most common type of student visa. This visa is issued to foreign students intending to attend any of the academic institutions in the country.
  • If you wish to engage in academic studies in the United States at an approved school, such as an accredited U.S college or university, private secondary school or approved English language program then you need this visa.
  • You will need this visa if your course of study is going to last for more than 18 hours a week.
  • Foreigners who want to attend a seminary or conservatory can also apply for this visa type.
  • If your intention is to enroll in a short recreational course of study which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate, the Visitor (B) Visa will do.
  • If your spouse and/or children intend to live with you in the United States while you study, they must enroll for the SEVIS.
  • Applicants who are between the age of 14–79 require a visa interview. If the applicant is above or below this age range, then a visa interview is not required.
  • Foreigners should provide the transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools they previously attended.
  • Standardized test scores required by the school you have been accepted to in the United States should be provided.

M-1 (Vocational)

  • This visa is issued to those who want to engage in non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the United State.
  • If your intention of traveling to the United States is to engage in a short recreational course of study, then you should apply for the Visitor (B) Visa.
  • Applicants of this visa should make sure they have been accepted into the academic institution of their choice before applying for this visa.
  • This visa does not allow foreigners to transfer schools within the first six months of their program.
  • Transcripts, certificates, and degrees of schools previously attended by the applicant should be provided.
  • Proof of English language proficiency should be provided.
  • Receipt which shows that the visa application fee has been made in full is required.
  • This visa is valid for the duration of the applicant’s study.

Journalist visa

  • The Journalist Visa is issued to representatives of the foreign media traveling to the United States to temporarily work in their profession.
  • Eligible applicants of the Journalist Visa include members of the press, radio, film, and print industries.
  • The activities to be done while on a Journalist Visa must be for a media organization having its home office in a foreign country.
  • The activities to be engaged in by the applicants of this visa must be informal in nature and generally associated with the news gathering process.
  • Journalists must be working under contract with a credential issued by another country’s professional journalistic association.
  • If the applicant of this visa will be attending a conference, seminar, convention, or meeting and will not be reporting about the conference or meeting, the Visitor Visa can be used instead.
  • Foreigners who will be taking still photographs without receiving income from a U.S source should not apply for this visa.
  • Only applicants between the age of 14-79 require a visa application interview. Applicants who are above 79 and below 14 do not require a visa application interview.

C (Transit)

  • Foreigners traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States en route to a foreign destination are the applicants of this visa.
  • If you have other reasons for visiting the United States asides transiting through the country, you should apply for the appropriate visa.
  • Holders of a valid Visitor (B) Visa may be able to transit through the country on this visa.
  • Visa and other entry permits of the destination country are required.
  • Flight ticket of the destination country should be provided.
  • Applicants of this visa should note that they cannot receive payments for the services they render while in the country.
  • Foreigners should exit the country after their visa expires.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fee is required.

D (Crewmembers)

  • This is the visa for Kenyans who work on sea vessels or international airlines transiting through the United States.
  • Crewmembers can stay in the United States for a maximum of 29 days.
  • You are not allowed to extend your stay in the country.
  • Holders of this visa must enter and leave the United State in the same dock or airport.
  • After leaving the United States, you can only reapply for this visa after 6 months.
  • You are neither allowed to enroll for a study program nor apply for a Green card.
  • A letter from your employer stating detailing the name of the vessel, duration of stay in the United States, date and port of entry, date, and port of exit as well as your job position should be provided.
  • Continuous discharge certificate is required.
  • Evidence of a clean criminal record should be provided.

Where to apply

United States of America embassy & visa application centers in Egypt.

Cairo

Address5 Tawfik Diab Street, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt.
Phone+202 2797 3300
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Frequently asked questions

What types of visas are available

There are a lot of nonimmigrant visa types available for you depending on the purpose of your travel

Should I book my travel before the interview

Applicants are strongly advised not to book travel until after they receive their passport and visa.

I changed my name, is my US visa with my old name still valid

If you legally changed your name, you will need to obtain a new passport. Once you have obtained a new passport, you can then apply for a visa.

I have a non-immigrant visa that will expire soon. Do I need to go through the whole visa application process again

Yes, you will need to go through the entire visa application process each time you apply for a visa, even if your visa is still valid.

How long does my passport have to be valid in order to apply for a US visa

The passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay in the United States.

United States of America embassy in Egypt All Egypt visa requirements
Visa fees and rules change often. Confirm the latest United States of America visa requirements with an official embassy or consulate before booking travel.