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Readiness guide

Visitor visa forms, fees, biometrics, and interviews

The form is only one part of the process. A traveler also needs the right account, fee, photo, document upload, biometrics appointment, interview or visa-centre step, and passport return plan.

Last checked July 17, 2026. Rules can change, so use this page to prepare and confirm the final instruction on the official site before submitting.

This page is not legal advice and not an approval prediction.

What to check before paying

  • The official application website or government-linked account.
  • The current fee and whether it is refundable.
  • Photo size, upload, or in-person capture rules.
  • Whether biometrics are required and where they can be given.
  • Whether an interview, visa application centre, mailing step, or passport request can affect the travel date.

Common destination steps

  • United States B-1/B-2 applicants usually complete DS-160, pay the visa fee, and attend an interview unless an exemption applies.
  • Canada visitor visa applicants usually apply online and may need biometrics; eTA applicants use a different process.
  • Australia subclass 600 applicants commonly use ImmiAccount; ETA and eVisitor have different processes.
  • United Kingdom Standard Visitor applicants apply online and usually book a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre.

Do not tick the checklist until

  • You know every required step after the form.
  • Your passport, name, date of birth, and travel dates are consistent across the application.
  • You have enough time for appointments, biometrics, passport handling, and possible extra documents.
  • You know where official messages will arrive and how quickly you can respond.

Structured rule data: forms, fees, biometrics, and interviews

These steps change by destination and route. Confirm the official workflow before paying or booking travel.

Destination

United States

Common form or account

DS-160 for many B-1/B-2 applicants.

Biometrics or interview pattern

A consular interview is common unless an exemption applies.

Reader action

Check appointment waits before choosing a travel date.

Destination

Canada

Common form or account

IRCC account or official online application for visitor visa; separate eTA process for eligible travelers.

Biometrics or interview pattern

Visitor visa applicants may need biometrics and may receive a passport request after approval.

Reader action

Plan for biometrics, passport submission, and return time.

Destination

Australia

Common form or account

ImmiAccount for many subclass 600 applications; ETA/eVisitor use different pathways.

Biometrics or interview pattern

Biometrics, health, or character steps can be requested depending on applicant and location.

Reader action

Watch official messages after submission and respond quickly.

Destination

United Kingdom

Common form or account

Online Standard Visitor application.

Biometrics or interview pattern

A visa application centre biometrics appointment is common for visa-required visitors.

Reader action

Check appointment and passport-return timing before booking travel.

How to use this with the checklist

Go back to the preparedness checker and tick the related item only when the rule on this page matches your nationality, route, documents, and travel plan. If one detail is uncertain, leave the item unticked until you can confirm it.

Sources