The Malaysian passport is a powerful and useful 'weapon' for Malaysians. Having a Malaysian passport, allows millions of Malaysians to travel across continents. According to the Henley Passport Index, this passport credential ranks 13th in 2021, which allows individuals visa-free entry into 179 countries and territories worldwide!

However, on the other hand, Malaysians are needed to apply for a visa before any visit to the United States except for designated areas where the completion of Form I-736 is enforced in lieu of a visa.

So, how do Malaysians apply for a US visa? Keep reading.

To enter the United States, Malaysian visitors need a valid visa. For first-time applicants, here is step-by-step guidance on how to apply for a US visa for Malaysians.

If you are familiar with the style of a passport photo, this is extremely similar. Please make sure that your photo complies with all requirements and is legible.

Common requirements include your recent photo, having a solemn face, forbidding the use of accessories like eyewear and earbuds, and having a stark white background. If you are wearing a hijab, make sure it is darker so that your image can be seen clearly against the white background of the photograph.

There are various visa forms for various purposes. You should apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa as a tourist. B1/B2 visa is an official document to enter the US and is available for travel for leisure, business, or medical reasons. After your application is approved, the visa will be electronically connected to your passport.

The B1/B2 Visa permits a maximum stay in the United States of 180 days per entry. Keep in mind that during this time you cannot look for a paid job. After being issued, the B1/B2 visa is valid for 10 years.

You can apply through an online website to apply for a B1/B2 visa. As a Malaysian passport holder, you may rely on iVisa to assist you with the US visa for Malaysians. The B1/B2 Visa application on the iVisa website will only take you ten minutes to complete the online form. After completing the online process, you might need to attend an interview depending on your nationality.

To apply for a visa online with iVisa, you must have the following documents ready;

The processing time is at least four weeks and is dependent on numerous factors. It also depends on the consular authorities who will review your application.

Apply for the visa through iVisa. It will help to verify your application error-free and provide you with a simpler and faster service than the one offered by the conventional provider. The service fee is quite reasonable.

You will hear from iVisa regarding the next steps when they have processed your application. An interview at the US embassy or consulate may be planned for you.

From the Ampang Park LRT station, it takes 10 minutes to get to the embassy. If you decide to drive, you can leave your car in the care of the automatic car stacker MAPS parking system, which is situated close to the embassy.

Bring the following items to your appointment at the embassy: your passport, a recent photo (full face on a white backdrop, 50mm x 50mm), the letter confirming the appointment, and a government-issued photo ID, such as an NRIC and a driving licence. You may bring other supporting documents.

Show up 20 minutes early for your appointment. Wear the proper attire. During the interview, you may be asked about your reason for visiting the United States, your current employment in Malaysia, and so on. Respond honestly. The procedure is simple and takes only a few minutes.

If your application is successful, you will be informed right away. Your passport will be kept to proceed with the visa approval. You will receive instructions on how to get your passport back together with the visa and will be notified by text message when it is ready.

To self-collect, bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driving licence or NRIC, an appointment confirmation letter, and a copy of the SMS or email.

Done!