US visa application from Hong Kong: How to schedule an interview

Citizens of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) must have a visa to enter the United States, whether for tourism, business, education, or other short-term visits. Starting in September 2025, all US visa applicants from Hong Kong must schedule their interviews exclusively at the US embassy or consulate linked to their country of residence or citizenship.

In this guide, we explain how to schedule a non-immigrant U.S. visa interview for Hong Kong passport holders and residents. We also outline how to efficiently prepare a visa photo at home.

Table of contents

• US visa application for HKSAR residents and nationals: rules and updates
• How to make an appointment for a US visa in Hong Kong: step-by-step guide
• Documents required for a US visa application from Hong Kong
• Is it necessary to provide a photo when applying for a US visa in Hong Kong?
• Online US visa photo tool
• US visa fees and payment in HKSAR
• Interview day at the US Consulate in Hong Kong: what to expect
• How long does it take to get a US visa in Hong Kong?
• How to renew a US visa without an interview?
• How to reschedule a US visa appointment in Hong Kong
• FAQ

US visa application for HKSAR residents and nationals: rules and updates

American visa applications in Hong Kong adhere to federal regulations, but local procedures and recent 2025 updates may impact your preparation.

US visas are available in non-immigrant (temporary, such as B-1/B-2 for tourism/business, F-1 for students, and H-1B for work) and immigrant (permanent residency via family or employment sponsorship) categories. HKSAR citizens apply for non-immigrant visas like the B1/B2 through the DS-160 online form, pay the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee, and make an appointment at the US Consulate General in Hong Kong.

Key updates for 2025:

1. Interview requirement changes: As of September 2, 2025, interview waivers are mostly discontinued. Nearly all non-immigrant visa applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, must attend in-person interviews, eliminating the previous drop-box renewal option for visas such as the H-1B or F-1. Limited exceptions exist for diplomatic visas (A/G/NATO) and certain B-1/B-2 renewals within 12 months if originally issued to individuals aged 18 or older. Additional exceptions are at the discretion of a visa officer.
2. Location of interviews: Starting September 6, 2025, non-immigrant visa interviews must take place in the applicant's country of nationality or residence to prevent "visa shopping" in different countries. While this aims to increase fairness, it might lead to longer wait times in busy locations. In Hong Kong, interviews will be held at the US Consulate General.
3. New DS-160 requirement: From May 2, 2025, your DS-160 barcode number (beginning with “AA”) must exactly match the one used to schedule your visa appointment on www.ustraveldocs.com. A mismatch on your interview date will result in a denied interview.
4. Rescheduling rules: Beginning January 1, 2025, non-immigrant visa applicants can reschedule their appointment for free once. Failure to attend or requiring a second reschedule will require a new fee payment for another appointment.

How to make an appointment for a US visa in Hong Kong: step-by-step guide

HKSAR residents can schedule their US non-immigrant visa appointments using the official US visa portal for Hong Kong. Below, you’ll find a clear guide on how to apply for the US tourist visa interview from Hong Kong.

Prerequisites:

1. Complete the DS-160 form online and print the confirmation page with the barcode.

   Read this article to learn how to correctly complete the DS-160 form.

2. Pay the MRV fee online as directed on the portal.
3. Ensure you have a valid passport, any previous US visas, and ready access to your email.

Step-by-step process:

1. Visit the official US visa portal for Hong Kong and create an account or log in.
2. Enter your DS-160 confirmation number, passport details, and MRV fee receipt to access your dashboard.
3. Click on "Schedule Appointment," select the Hong Kong location, and choose available dates for any required biometrics and your interview at the US Consulate General in Hong Kong.
4. Confirm your appointment slots, print the appointment letter, and gather all required documents for your interview.
5. Arrive early on the day of your appointment with your printed DS-160, the appointment letter, your passport, fee receipt, and all supporting documents. Leave electronics at home, as they are not permitted.

Documents required for a US visa application from Hong Kong

Below, we outline these essentials and suggest additional documents that can strengthen your application.

Core documents for a US visa application at the Consulate in HK:

• A valid passport (at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US).
• The DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode.
• The MRV fee receipt.
• A recent, US-compliant photo (2×2 inches).
• Proof of ties to Hong Kong: employment letter, sponsor's no-objection certificate (NOC), business trade license for business owners, or student enrollment confirmation.
• Financial documentation, like 3-6 months of bank statements, salary slips, or a sponsorship letter showing financial capability for your stay.
• Residency proof for non-nationals, including a copy of your Hong Kong residence visa and ID card.

Additional supporting documents:

• Hong Kong Identity Card (original and copy).
• Evidence of ties to Hong Kong: employment letter, bank statements, property deeds, family records.
• Travel itinerary, hotel reservations, and invitation letters (if applicable).
• Financial evidence: salary slips, tax returns for trip funding.

Supporting Documents for Your USA B1/B2 Visa Application

Visa-specific additions:

• Students (F/M visas): Provide Form I-20/SEVIS and school acceptance letter.
• Workers (H-1B visa): Present I-797 approval, job offer, and credentials.
• For F/M/J visas: Set social media accounts to public.

Bring both originals and copies of all documents to your biometrics appointment and interview at the US Consulate General in Hong Kong.

Is it necessary to provide a photo when applying for a US visa in Hong Kong?

Yes, a photo is essential when applying for an American visa in Hong Kong, both for online applications and in-person interviews. Here’s what you need to know:

• Nonimmigrant visas: Upload a digital photo with the DS-160 form. The photo must be 2×2 inches, have a white background, and show your head size between 1 and 1 3/8 inches. The photo should have been taken within the last six months. If you encounter upload issues, bring a printed photo to the interview.
• Immigrant visas (e.g., Green Cards): Each applicant, regardless of age, must provide two printed color photos, 2×2 inches (51 mm × 51 mm).

Online US visa photo tool

Here, you’ll learn how to take a visa photo online that will be accepted by the authorities.

Thanks to today’s online photo tools, there’s no need to visit a photo studio to get a high-quality document photo anymore. Read on to learn how to take a compliant US visa photo in just a few minutes with Visafoto, a trusted photo editing service. It only takes two simple steps:

1. Take a photo in natural daylight and upload it to the Visafoto tool below.
2. Select "USA" as the country and "visa" as the document type.

That’s it! Visafoto will automatically adjust the background, size, and head position to meet official standards. You will receive a digital copy suitable for online submission and another ready for printing.

Example of the photo you can upload to Visafoto:

The result after Visafoto editing:

Visafoto boasts a 99.7% acceptance rate, producing over 500,000 approved photos. We guarantee compliance with US standards and provide a full refund if your photo isn’t accepted. If you need assistance, our 24/7 technical support is always available.

How much does a US visa application cost in Hong Kong: fees and payment

For most non-immigrant visas, applicants from Hong Kong pay a $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee, which is approximately HK$1,450. This fee must be paid before you can book your interview.

While the $185 MRV fee covers most B1/B2 visas, other visas like the F-1 student visa or H-1B work visa may include additional fees, such as reciprocity fees for Hong Kong, which can be $205 or more.

Here you can find detailed information on US visa fees for different categories

To pay your fee, log into the official US visa portal for HK after submitting your DS-160 form. Choose bank transfer or online payment in HKD, and obtain a receipt number to secure your appointment. Remember, fees are non-transferable, and incorrect payments will prevent appointment booking.

Interview day at the US Consulate in Hong Kong: what to expect

When heading to your interview at the US Consulate General in Hong Kong, be prepared for a security check, biometric data collection, a brief consular interview, and, in many cases, an on-the-spot decision for nonimmigrant visas like the B1/B2. Here, we describe the check-in process, typical questions, and helpful tips.

Arrival and security

Arrive 15-30 minutes early. Late arrivals might be refused entry. Leave bags, electronics, food, and drinks at home, except for a clear water bottle. Pass through airport-style security and then line up for document pre-screening. You’ll need your DS-160 barcode, passport, appointment letter, and photo.

Processing steps

First, have your fingerprints and photo taken, even for children under 14. A consular officer will then conduct a 2-5 minute interview in English or Cantonese. You will be asked US visa interview questions about your connections to Hong Kong, such as employment, family, and finances, as well as your travel purpose and plans. Provide honest, concise answers. Most visas are approved immediately or within a few days for courier pickup. If more information is required, you'll receive a Form 221(g) explaining the denial.

Duration and tips

• Expect the entire visit to take 2-4 hours due to lines.
• Dress in business casual attire, keep calm, and organize all original documents and copies.
• Never lie or exaggerate your financial details or connections. Consular officers might review your past visas or social media history.
• Maintain clear communication, eye contact, and composure. Demonstrate your intention to return to Hong Kong after your US visit by emphasizing honesty, confidence, and strong ties to your home country.

How long does it take to get a US visa in Hong Kong?

The process of securing a US visa in Hong Kong usually takes between 3 and 8 weeks for most nonimmigrant visas, like the B1/B2. This timeframe includes the wait for appointments, the interview, and the visa issuance. The timeline varies depending on the visa category and current demand. Renewals can sometimes be expedited. Here’s a breakdown of typical wait times:

• US visa interview waiting times in Hong Kong: Currently, the US Consulate General in Hong Kong reports short wait periods for appointments: approximately 20 days for B1/B2 visitor visas and less than 15 days for F/M/J students or H/L workers. Dropbox renewals can be completed in about a day. For the most up-to-date information, check the official Visa appointment wait times page, as staffing levels can influence availability.
• Post-interview processing: After approval, passports with visas are generally ready within 3-5 business days and can be picked up or sent via courier. If additional documents are required (221g administrative processing), expect delays of 2-8 weeks. Emergencies, such as medical situations, can qualify for expedited service post-booking.

How to renew a US visa without an interview?

Starting in late 2025, the U.S. Department of State significantly tightened the rules for interview waivers (commonly known as "dropbox"). As of 2026, the waiver option is restricted to a very small number of applicants. Here’s how residents in HKSAR can renew their US visa if eligible for this streamlined process.

While most non-immigrant renewals, including those for minors under 14 and seniors over 79, will require in-person interviews from September 2, 2025, certain Hong Kong applicants may still qualify for the Interview Waiver Programme. This allows renewals by mail for the same visa category within 12 months of the previous visa's expiration, provided there were no prior refusals and the applicant resides in Hong Kong. However, consular officers reserve the right to request an interview.

Note: It is crucial to understand that most other visa categories, including student (F, M), exchange visitor (J), and work visas (H, L, O, P), are not eligible for an interview waiver and will require an in-person interview in 2026.

Here is how to apply for a US visa renewal without an interview in Hong Kong, if eligible:

1. Confirm eligibility on the official U.S. visa service website for Hong Kong after you have completed the DS-160 form and paid the MRV fee.
2. If eligible, send your passport, previous visa, DS-160 confirmation, and a photo via courier to the designated dropbox. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks. Keep track of your application status online. Be aware that weak ties to your home country can increase the risk of denial without an interview.

How to reschedule a US visa appointment in Hong Kong

Residents of Hong Kong can reschedule their U.S. non-immigrant visa appointments using the official portal. There are limits on rescheduling to prevent abuse. Here you’ll see how to reschedule and how many attempts you have.

To reschedule:

1. Log in to your account with your DS-160 number and passport details.
2. Click on "Reschedule Appointment" and select new available dates for your biometrics (if required separately) and for your interview at the US Consulate General in Hong Kong.
3. Confirm the changes and immediately print the updated appointment letter. Rescheduling must be done at least two business days prior to the original date, or it will be marked as a no-show, necessitating a new fee.

In Hong Kong, you are allowed 1-3 reschedule attempts per MRV fee payment. If this limit is exceeded, a new fee of $185 or more will be required. Too many changes can draw scrutiny, but emergencies can warrant expedited requests through a support ticket after your initial appointment booking.

Good luck with your US visa application!

FAQ

Can non-residents or foreign workers apply for a US visa in Hong Kong?

No, US visa applications in Hong Kong are generally limited to HKSAR residents and those with valid local ties, such as holding an HKID. Non-residents should apply for a US visa through the consulate in their home country or the country where they have legal residency.

Do all US visa applicants in Hong Kong need an interview, or are there interview waivers?

Not all applicants require an interview, but interview waivers have strict criteria. You may skip the interview only if you meet these conditions:

• You're renewing a B-1/B-2 (tourist/business) visa.
• Your previous visa is still valid or expired within the last 12 months.
• You were at least 14 years old and provided fingerprints with your last visa.
• You've never had a visa application refused.

Are minors required to appear in person for an interview?

Yes, starting September 2, 2025, minors, including those under 14, must attend a US B1/B2 visa interview, unless they qualify for specific interview waiver categories. Parents or guardians should accompany minors to the Visa Application Center (VAC) for biometrics and the interview at the consulate, bringing supporting documents such as birth certificates and their own passports/visas.

Can a HKSAR passport holder apply for a US visa outside of Hong Kong?

No, according to the 2025 U.S. visa requirements, Hong Kong citizens must attend their U.S. visa interviews in their country of residence or nationality. This means that interviews cannot be conducted outside of Hong Kong.