An American visa is a US visa. Which one you need depends on why you are going: non-immigrant visas cover temporary stays such as visiting (B-1/B-2), studying (F-1) or working (H-1B), while immigrant visas lead to permanent residence. Choose by purpose, because each category has its own requirements.
For a visitor visa you complete the online DS-160 form, pay the visa application fee and book an interview. The US Department of State and the US Embassy are the authorities: see the visitor visa page and US Embassy in South Africa.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Visitor (B-1/B-2): DS-160 confirmation page, application fee receipt and an interview.
- Student (F-1 and M): a Form I-20 from a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), and the SEVIS fee.
- Work (H-1B): a US employer must register you and file a petition for you.
- Immigrant: permanent residence routes, including the Diversity Visa programme.
Passport and Travel Document Requirements
The official appointment service says your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States, unless country-specific agreements provide an exception. Check the exact rule for your passport on the State Department visitor page before you travel.
Visa and Supporting Document Requirements
For a visitor visa, bring your DS-160 confirmation page showing your application ID number to the interview. For a student visa, bring the original Form I-20 issued by your SEVP-certified school. For H-1B, your employer files Form I-129 with USCIS; you do not file it yourself.
Financial, Health and Entry Conditions
The visa application fee is paid before the interview and is non-refundable and non-transferable. For a B visitor visa (business, tourism or medical treatment) the fee is $185 USD. Other categories cost more, and the official fee schedule for South Africa lists each one. The fee is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase and covers one application. The US Embassy adds new appointments every Thursday afternoon, South African time, and its notice lists Durban among the posts where routine visa services end from 1 August 2026. Students must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, which is mandatory before entering the United States (see Students and the Form I-20).
H-1B visas are subject to an annual cap of 65,000 new visas, plus 20,000 more for people with a US master’s degree or higher. Higher-education institutions, affiliated nonprofits and research organisations are not subject to the cap. Details are on the USCIS H-1B page.
How to Prepare or Apply
- Decide the category that matches your purpose.
- Complete the DS-160 online and keep the confirmation page.
- Pay the visa application fee and keep the receipt. The fee is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
- Schedule your interview and bring the documents your category requires.
- For study, get your Form I-20 and pay the SEVIS fee. For work, wait for your employer’s petition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between immigrant and non-immigrant visas?
Non-immigrant visas are for a temporary purpose such as visiting, studying or working for a period. Immigrant visas lead to permanent residence.
Can I apply for a work visa myself?
For an H-1B, no. The employer registers and files the petition (Form I-129) on your behalf. Other work categories are not covered here, so check the Department of State site.
Is the Diversity Visa lottery free?
Yes. Entry to the Diversity Visa programme is free, and dvprogram.state.gov is the only authorised site for entry. The Department of State warns that no private company can notify you of selection or improve your chances; selected entrants check their status online. See the fraud warning. Whether South Africa is eligible in a given year, and the registration dates, must be checked on the official site.
Do I need a student visa to study in the United States?
Students in F and M status need a Form I-20 from an SEVP-certified school and must pay the SEVIS fee before entering the country.
Confirm the current list with the US Embassy in South Africa or the US Department of State before you apply. See visa requirements and browse all travel and immigration requirements.