Visa Requirements to Visit the U.S. from Iraq

Do I Need a Visa to Visit from Iraq to the United States?

Yes, you need a visa to visit the United States from Iraq. Depending on the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay, you may be eligible to apply for either a tourist visa (B-2 visas) or a business visa (B-1 visas). You will need to meet certain requirements and provide supporting documents when applying.

What Types of Visas Can I Get from Iraq to Visit the United States?

Iraqi citizens are eligible to apply for a range of nonimmigrant visas to visit the United States, including B-1/B-2 visas for business and/or pleasure, F-1 visas for students, J-1 visas for exchange visitors and H-1B visas for certain specialty occupations. Iraqi nationals may also be eligible to apply for a diversity visa through the U.S. Department of State’s Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV).

Do I Need an Visa Interview to Visit from Iraq to the United States?

Yes, if you are a citizen of Iraq and intend to travel to the United States, you will need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. That process will include an in-person interview with a consular officer.

What are the Required Documents to Visit fromIraq to the United States?

In order to visit the United States from Iraq, you must have a valid nonimmigrant visa for travel to the United States. You will need to schedule an appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Iraq for an interview. The following documents are needed to apply for a nonimmigrant visa:

• Passport with at least six months validity beyond your planned stay in the United States

• Completed and signed visa application form DS-160
• One passport-sized photograph
• Official financial documents and sponsor letters showing sufficient funding for your stay in the US
• Evidence of employment or academic admission to a U.S. institution
• Letter of invitation from your host in the US (if applicable)
• Evidence of strong family, social, and economic ties to your home country that will motivate you to return after your visit

What are the Steps to Apply for a Visa to Visit from Iraq to the United States?

1. Determine the type of visa you need: To visit the United States from Iraq, you must apply for a nonimmigrant visa, such as a tourist or business visa.

2. Schedule a visa appointment: You must schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Iraq where you will apply for your visa.

3. Prepare necessary documents: Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form and gather all required documents, such as a valid passport, evidence of funds to cover your trip, and any other relevant documentation that is requested.

4. Attend the visa interview: You will be interviewed by a consular officer who will determine if you are eligible for a visa. You will also be asked to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a digital photograph.

5. Pay the visa application fee: You must pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your visa can be issued.

6. Wait for your visa to be issued: After your application is approved, your passport with the visa will be mailed to you within 10 business days.

Are There Special Instructions to Visit from Iraq to the United States?

Yes. Those who wish to visit the United States from Iraq must first obtain a valid travel visa. A traveler from Iraq must also complete the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to be approved for travel to the United States. Prohibited goods, such as weapons and ammunition, may not be brought into the country. Additionally, travelers should have valid documents and proof of their eligibility to enter the United States.

What is the Visa Fee to Visit from Iraq to the United States?

The visa fee to travel from Iraq to the United States is currently $160 (U.S. Dollars) payable at the time of application.

What is the Processing Time to Get a Visa to Visit from Iraq to the United States?

The processing time for a visa to visit from Iraq to the United States varies depending on the type of visa being applied for and the individual’s circumstances. Generally, it may take from several weeks to several months for a decision to be made.

What to Do in Case of a Visa Denial to Visit from Iraq to the United States?

If you are denied a visa to visit the United States from Iraq, you should first review the reasons for the denial. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate that issued the denial should provide a detailed explanation for why your visa was denied. If you believe the denial was due to a misunderstanding or mistake, you may be able to reapply for the visa. However, if your application was found to be ineligible for any of the reasons listed in U.S. immigration laws, then you will likely need to submit additional evidence or qualifications in order to be approved for a visa.

You should also contact a qualified immigration attorney in order to understand your options and determine the best course of action. An immigration lawyer can review your case and provide guidance on how to better prepare a future application or appeal a prior denial. Additionally, an immigration lawyer can help you determine if any other visa categories may be available to you that could facilitate travel to the United States.

What are the Frequently Asked Visa Questions and Answers to Visit from Iraq to the United States?

Q: What types of visas are available for travel to the United States from Iraq?

A: Citizens of Iraq may travel to the United States under one of the following visa categories: Tourist and Business Visitor Visa (B1/B2), Student or Exchange Visitor Visa (F1/F2), Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Refugee/Asylee Visa, or an Official or Diplomatic Visa.


Q: How do I apply for a visa to travel to the United States from Iraq?

A: You can apply for a visa by submitting a complete and correct application form along with the required documents at the US Embassy in Baghdad or at a US Consulate in Erbil. All applicants must appear in person for an interview at the Embassy or Consulate.


Q: What documents do I need to apply for a visa?

A: Applicants should bring a valid passport, two recent passport-size photographs, evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the United States, evidence of their current employment and/or studies, as well as any other documents that may be requested at the time of application.