USA Visa Application for Children and Minors

Every traveler entering the United States, including infants and toddlers, must hold an individual visa. There are no age-based exemptions from this rule: even a newborn requires a separate visa to enter the country. This applies equally to both immigrant and nonimmigrant travel purposes. Parents therefore need to follow the same formal application process on behalf of their children as adult applicants do.

In 2025, the U.S. Department of State introduced important updates to the visa procedures for minors. One of the most significant reforms concerns in-person consular interviews: all minor applicants must now attend interviews accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. As a result, parents should carefully review the current requirements before starting the American visa for a child application process.

Table of contents

• Who is considered a minor by the U.S. visa rules?
• Distinction between nonimmigrant and immigrant visas for minors
• Significant U.S. visa policy updates in 2025
• How to apply for a U.S. visa for a minor: step-by-step process
• U.S. visa application fees for children
• Required documents for a child’s visa application
• U.S. visa photo requirements for children
• Online U.S. Visa Photo Maker
• U.S. Visa Photo App
• Attending the consular interview
• After the interview: next steps and USCIS registration
• FAQ

Who is considered a minor by the U.S. visa rules?

Under U.S. immigration law, a minor is generally defined as an unmarried person under 21 years of age.

However, specific visa procedures may apply differently depending on the child’s age. For instance, applicants under 14 were previously exempt from personal interviews, while those under 21 may still qualify as dependents for family-based petitions.

These distinctions are important when assessing the US visa requirements for minors under current consular practices.

Distinction between nonimmigrant and immigrant visas for minors

Children traveling temporarily to the United States - such as for tourism, study, or medical treatment - apply for nonimmigrant visas. By contrast, those joining family members as permanent residents must obtain immigrant visas.

The U.S. tourist visa for a minor child falls under the B1/B2 nonimmigrant category, which allows temporary stays for vacation or visits to relatives.

Significant U.S. visa policy updates in 2025

Effective September 2, 2025 (as announced July 25), the department stated that “all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer” except in very limited categories.

For example, the new guideline explains:

• Applicants under age 14 are no longer automatically eligible for interview-waiver programs.
• Remaining waiver eligibility is limited to diplomatic/official visa types (such as A-1, A-2, G-1 through G-4, NATO categories) or renewals of full-validity B-1/B-2 visas issued when the applicant was at least 18 years old and applying within 12 months of expiration.

The updated policy means that for a child applying for a tourist or other nonimmigrant visa category, the expectation is now the same in-person interview requirement as for adult applicants, unless one of the very narrow exemption categories applies.

Mandatory attendance at interviews

From 2025 onward, every child applicant must attend a personal interview accompanied by at least one parent or legal guardian. This new requirement applies even if the parent has a valid U.S. visa. Therefore, parents should prepare for the U.S. visa interview with children by scheduling appointments well in advance and gathering all necessary documents.

Limited renewal exemptions

While most applicants must now attend an interview, certain renewals still qualify for streamlined processing. The US visa interview waiver for children may apply if the previous visa is still valid or expired less than 48 months ago, provided the application is submitted in the same country and visa category.

How to apply for a U.S. visa for a minor: step-by-step process

When applying for a U.S. visa, a parent, guardian, or another adult may submit applications for themselves and their children together. The process is flexible: a single consular account can manage multiple applicants in the same family. That allows parents to schedule appointments and pay fees for all members at once, avoiding multiple trips to the embassy or consulate.

1. Complete the DS-160 form online

Every traveler, including adults and children, must have an individual DS-160 form, available at the U.S. Department of State Consular Electronic Application Center. The parent or guardian completes their own form, then fills out separate forms for each child. Each form must include accurate biographical and passport information.

DS-160 Form Instructions. How to Complete Your U.S. Visa Application

2. Create a family consular account

Using the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services portal, you can create an account to manage multiple applications. This account allows scheduling interviews for all family members, paying visa fees, and tracking each application

3. Pay visa application fees

The U.S. visa fee for children and adults depends on the visa category (typically $185 for B1/B2 tourist visas). Parents can pay for all family members at once using online card payment, bank transfer, or designated payment centers. Payment receipts are required for interview scheduling. See official guidance on travel.state.gov.

4. Schedule interviews for the whole family

Once payments are confirmed, you can select interview dates for all applicants. Since 2025, the U.S. visa interview for children under 14 must be attended in person, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Families can coordinate a single appointment so everyone attends together. Some limited renewals may still allow dropbox submissions; check State Department guidance.

U.S. visa application fees for children

The U.S. visa costs for minors are identical to that for adults and depend on the visa category. For most nonimmigrant tourist visas (B1/B2), the fee is $185. Payments can be made online, through bank transfer, or at designated payment centers. It is crucial to retain the payment receipt, as it will be required to schedule the interview and to enter the consular premises.

Fees vary by classification and are regularly updated on the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website.

USA Visa Fees: Questions and Answers (2025 Update)

Required documents for a child’s visa application

To apply for a U.S. visa, parents must provide several supporting documents proving the child’s identity, relationship to the guardian, and travel purpose. For every minor, the required documents are:

• The child’s valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended stay in the United States.
• The DS-160 confirmation page for the child. Each minor must have a separate DS-160 form completed and submitted.
• A recent digital photograph that meets the official U.S. visa photo requirements.
• Payment receipt confirming the visa application fee has been paid for the child.
• Copies of the parent’s passport and U.S. visa (if the parent has previously traveled to the U.S.).
• The child’s birth certificate showing parental or legal guardian relationships.

If a parent or guardian is submitting visa applications for the entire family, these documents must be provided for each child individually, while the parent’s own documents are submitted alongside their application. Proper preparation of these documents ensures smooth processing and avoids delays at the consulate.

U.S. visa photo requirements for children

The U.S visa application photo must strictly follow the official U.S. Department of State photo requirements:

• Size: 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) exactly.
• For digital uploads, the image must be square, between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels, in JPEG format, and less than 240 KB in file size.
• The child’s head must be centered and occupy 50–69% of the photo’s height, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• The background must belain white or off-white, without patterns, shadows, or objects.
• Neutral facial expression with both eyes open. Babies or toddlers may be photographed with a natural, calm expression.
• The photo must have been taken within the last six months to reflect the child’s current appearance.
• No hats or head coverings, except for religious purposes (must not obscure the face).
• Glasses are not permitted unless medically necessary, and the eyes must be clearly visible.
• High-resolution, in color, with no shadows, glare, or red-eye.

Online U.S. Visa Photo Maker

Parents can easily prepare professional visa photos at home using online tools. Visafoto instantly converts any uploaded picture into a U.S. visa-compliant image. The service adjusts background, size, and head position to meet the exact embassy standards.

To use the service:

1. Upload a photo of the child or family member taken against any background.
2. Select the country and visa type (e.g., U.S. visa).
3. Automatic adjustments are applied, including background replacement, head positioning, and resizing to meet embassy standards.
4. Download the results as a digital image suitable for online DS-160 submission, and optionally print a ready-to-use physical copy.

Example of the photo you can upload to Visafoto:

The photo after edit by Visafoto

With a 99.7% acceptance rate and over 500,000 approved photos, Visafoto ensures compliance with official U.S. visa requirements or offers a full refund. Our tech support is available 24/7 for any issues.

U.S. Visa Photo App

Another convenient solution is the 7ID App (available for iPhone and Android). This mobile tool automatically crops images, changes the background, and creates printable templates. The editing ensures that lighting and proportions meet official criteria.

7ID also offers 24/7 quality support and works perfectly for both online submissions and printed applications. For busy parents, these services eliminate the need for professional photo studios and help meet U.S. visa photo requirements for children effortlessly.

Attending the consular interview

At least one parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor to the scheduled interview. During the session, a consular officer will verify all documentation, confirm travel plans, and ask questions to assess the legitimacy of the trip. The U.S. visa interview for children under 14 is typically brief and focuses on verifying family relationships rather than testing the child’s personal knowledge.

Typical visa interview questions for minors

• What is the purpose of your trip to the United States?
• Who will pay for your travel and accommodation?
• Do you have relatives in the U.S.?
• When will you return home?

Parents should prepare clear, consistent answers and ensure that supporting evidence (such as return tickets or proof of income) is available.

After the interview: next steps and USCIS registration

Once the interview concludes, applicants can track their visa status online via the Consular Electronic Application Center. If approved, the passport with the visa will be returned by courier or picked up at a designated collection center.

For certain visa types, post-entry registration with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may be required, particularly for immigrant visas.

FAQ

Does a 2-year-old need a visa for the USA?

Yes. Even infants and toddlers must hold individual visas. There are no exceptions for age; every traveler, regardless of age, must have the appropriate entry document.

Is there a US visa dropbox for minors?

In limited cases, yes. Some consulates allow document-only submissions for eligible renewals, provided the previous visa was issued in the same category and country.

What is the process for a US tourist visa for minor child renewal?

Renewals must be submitted through the same portal as new applications, with updated documents and a recent photograph, unless the consulate specifically allows a drop-off (Dropbox) process.

Do children need biometrics for a U.S. visa?

Yes. All children applying for a U.S. visa, including minors under 14, may be required to provide fingerprints and have their photograph taken during the consular interview. Exceptions may apply for very young children at some consulates, but parents should confirm local procedures in advance.

What should parents do if a child is sick on the day of the interview?

Parents should contact the consulate immediately to reschedule. Each consulate has its own rescheduling policies, but it is better to postpone than attend when the child cannot participate fully.

Can a child travel to the U.S. with only one parent or guardian after the visa is issued?

Yes, a child can travel with one parent or guardian as long as the visa is valid. Parents should carry supporting documents showing custody or consent from the other parent if applicable.

Are there special considerations for children traveling alone?

Yes. Children traveling without parents or guardians may require additional consent letters, notarized authorizations, or proof of adult supervision arrangements. Consulates may request documentation before issuing the visa.