How to Get American Visa from Maldives – Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Maldivian passport and American visa application with Statue of Liberty and New York skyline, representing how to get American visa from Maldives.

How to Get American Visa from Maldives – Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

USA Visa from Maldives

মালদ্বীপ থেকে মার্কিন ভিসার জন্য DS-160 ফরমে এখন addressভেরিফিকেশন সিস্টেম আরও কঠোর হয়েছে। এম্বাসি সাক্ষাতকারে অধিকাংশ প্রশ্ন এখন ট্যুর পরিকল্পনা ও আর্থিক স্থিতিশীলতা যাচাই নিয়ে।

If you’re a Maldivian citizen or an expat living in the Maldives and planning to travel to the United States, getting a U.S. visa is the first and most important step. The American visa application process may look complicated at first, but if you follow the right steps and prepare properly, it’s quite manageable.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to apply for a U.S. visa from Maldives, including the types of visas, required documents, application process, and interview tips to increase your chances of approval.

1. Types of American Visas for Maldivian Applicants

Before applying, you need to choose the correct type of U.S. visa according to your purpose of travel:

  • B1/B2 – Business and Tourist Visa: For tourism, visiting friends or family, or attending business meetings.

  • F1 – Student Visa: For studying in an accredited U.S. college or university.

  • J1 – Exchange Visitor Visa: For exchange programs, internships, or short-term academic training.

  • H1B – Work Visa: For skilled professionals working for U.S. employers.

  • K1 – Fiancé Visa: For those engaged to U.S. citizens intending to marry in the U.S.

  • Immigrant Visas: For those planning to move permanently (family, diversity, or employment-based immigration).

For most Maldivian travelers, the B1/B2 visa is the most common option.

2. Where to Apply for a U.S. Visa in Maldives

The United States does not have an embassy in the Maldives. All U.S. visa applications from Maldivian residents are processed through the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Embassy Address:
U.S. Embassy Colombo
210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
https://lk.usembassy.gov

You will need to travel to Sri Lanka for your visa interview after completing the online application and scheduling an appointment.

3. Step-by-Step Process to Apply for U.S. Visa from Maldives

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Use the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Wizard to confirm which visa applies to your situation.

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Form

Visit https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC and fill out the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.

Make sure to:

  • Use correct personal information (matching your passport)

  • Upload a recent passport-size photo (2x2 inches, white background)

  • Save the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode — you’ll need it later.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Application Fee

You can pay the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee online or at a designated bank in Sri Lanka after creating an account on the U.S. Visa Appointment Service website:
👉 https://www.ustraveldocs.com/lk/

Visa fee for most nonimmigrant categories (B1/B2) is $185 USD (as of 2025).

Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment

After payment, log in again to schedule:

  • Fingerprinting & document submission appointment

  • Visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo

Step 5: Prepare the Required Documents

You must gather and organize all supporting documents before the interview.

Essential Documents:

  • Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond travel date)

  • DS-160 confirmation page

  • Appointment confirmation letter

  • One recent passport-size photo

  • Visa fee payment receipt

  • Proof of financial support (bank statement, salary slips, etc.)

  • Travel itinerary (if available)

  • Letter from employer or school (if applicable)

  • Proof of ties to the Maldives (property, family, job, etc.)

4. Attending the U.S. Visa Interview in Sri Lanka

At the interview, a consular officer will ask questions about:

  • The purpose of your visit

  • Duration of stay in the U.S.

  • Your job or study background

  • Family or relatives in the U.S.

  • Financial situation and ties to Maldives

✅ Interview Tips:

  • Dress neatly and professionally

  • Be honest and confident

  • Keep answers short and clear

  • Do not submit fake documents

  • Bring only required papers

If the officer is satisfied, your visa will be approved, and your passport will be kept temporarily for visa stamping.

5. Visa Processing Time and Collection

Visa processing usually takes 3–7 working days. Once approved, you can collect your passport from the document pickup location in Colombo or have it delivered.

If additional administrative processing is needed, it may take longer — sometimes a few weeks.

6. Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

Even a small mistake can lead to visa refusal under Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. Here are some common causes:

  • Incomplete or incorrect DS-160 form

  • Weak financial documents

  • No strong ties to Maldives (e.g., job, family)

  • Previous visa overstays

  • Inconsistent interview answers

If denied, you can reapply after correcting the issue — there’s no waiting limit.

7. Helpful Tips to Increase Your Chances of Approval

  • Provide accurate and consistent information.

  • Show strong reasons to return to Maldives (job, business, property).

  • Carry sufficient proof of financial stability.

  • Book your travel only after visa approval.

  • Be respectful and professional during your interview.

8. U.S. Visa Renewal for Maldivians

If you already had a U.S. visa that expired within the last 48 months, you may be eligible for a visa renewal without interview under the Interview Waiver Program in Sri Lanka.
Check eligibility on: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/lk/lk-niv-visarenew.asp

9. After Receiving Your U.S. Visa

Once you get your U.S. visa:

  • Double-check the details (name, visa type, validity).

  • Plan your flight — most routes connect via Doha, Dubai, or Singapore.

  • Carry all documents you used during your application while traveling.

At the U.S. airport, you will pass through CBP (Customs and Border Protection), where officers may ask additional questions about your trip.

Conclusion

Applying for a U.S. visa from Maldives might seem like a complex process, but with proper preparation and documentation, you can easily secure your visa. Always apply early, follow instructions carefully, and stay transparent during your interview.

If you need professional help, consult a trusted travel or visa consultancy such as Expat Migration, which provides step-by-step visa guidance for Maldivian applicants.

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