The most common type of U.S. visa is the B-1/B-2,
which permits travelers to go to the U.S. for short periods
of time for business and tourism. The following page explains
how to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. Summer camp, summer school
and English language study in the U.S. may require a different
type of visa: click here
for more information.
All applicants older than 14 and younger than 80
must make an appointment
and appear in person at the American Institute in Taiwan,
Taipei Office. A parent or legal guardian must apply
on behalf of a
child under the age of 14. Applicants
over the age of 80 may have any representative submit
their applications to AIT.
Required Documents
At the time of the visa application, B-1/B-2
applicants must bring the following documents to AIT,
Taipei:
- A valid passport (the bearer must personally sign
the passport.)
- An application form DS-156
completed in English with one photo. Please include
a Taiwan telephone number on the form. Local addresses
may also be written in both English and Chinese for
clarity. Addresses written in Chinese are not required.
The photo should be 2 inches square (50 mm square) full-face
(eyes facing camera) taken within the past six months.
The head, from top to chin, should measure between 1
to 1 3/8 inch (25 to 35 mm). The photo should be in color with a white or off-white background.
- Male applicants older than 16 and younger than 46
must also submit a completed form DS-157,
Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (in English).
- A non-refundable NT$4,300 visa application
fee. Please pay this fee at any post office before you
come in to apply. Our account number is 19189005.
The account name is "AIT Visa Processing Fee".
This receipt is valid for one year. In order to assist
us with our record-keeping, we ask that one receipt
be presented for each individual applicant.
- All prior passports. If you do not have your previous
passports, then you should present a certified copy
of your entry and exit record. This record is issued
by the Bureau of Entry and Exit (15 Kuang Chou
St, Taipei, Telephone 02-2388-9393)
- If you have changed your name, please include your previous name(s) on your application form DS-156 and bring a copy of your
household registration record.
Useful Tips for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants
Under U.S. law, every person who applies for
a business, tourist, or student visa to visit the United
States is presumed to be an intending immigrant until
the applicant shows otherwise. To qualify for a nonimmigrant
visa, applicants must present evidence of strong ties
to Taiwan that will compel them to leave the U.S. after
their visit. If required, an officer may ask to see documentation
proving your situation in Taiwan. Although no specific
documents are required, you are encouraged to bring in
items available to you from the following list. These
may be helpful in establishing your eligibility for a
visa.
Useful documents might include:
- Household registration record
- Financial records such as bank books,
tax records, or property deeds
- Certificate of employment
- Student transcripts
- Income tax return
- Information about the planned trip
- If it is a business trip, a letter of invitation from
the U.S. Company
- If you own your own business, your company registration,
license, and recent tax receipts
- Marriage certificate
- Children's applications might include original
birth certificates, school reports, the parents'
financial documents and travel documents.
When You Interview:
- Please do not give all of your supporting documents
to the interviewing officer at the start of the interview.
Place required documents in
the window tray. The officer will request additional
documents if needed.
- Please do not present plane tickets as supporting
documents.
For additional information, click
here (The Bureau of Consular Affairs Website).
Study in the United States