🇺🇸 U.S. Visa Application Online Bangladesh: The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide (DS-160 to Interview)

 

Your U.S. visa journey from Dhaka is entirely digital. There are three mandatory online components: 1) The DS-160 Application, 2) The MRV Fee Payment, and 3) The Appointment Scheduling. Completing these steps accurately is the fastest way to securing your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka.

This expert, step-by-step guide, brought to you by the certified travel and visa consultants at Air Tickets Point, navigates the complexities of the U.S. visa application online in Bangladesh, ensuring every detail is correct to maximize your success.

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Table of Contents (Your Digital Application Roadmap)

 

• Section 1: The Three Pillars of the Online Application

  • 1.1 Pillar 1: The DS-160 (The Foundation)

  • 1.2 Pillar 2: The MRV Fee (The Unlock Key)

  • 1.3 Pillar 3: The Scheduling Profile (The Interview Slot)

• Section 2: DS-160 Guide: Completing the Mandatory Online Form

  • 2.1 Step-by-Step Access and Saving Your Work

  • 2.2 The Photo Requirement (Compliance is Crucial)

  • 2.3 Critical Sections Demanding Accuracy (Work, Travel History, Ties)

• Section 3: Fee Payment in Bangladesh (EBL Process)

  • 3.1 Generating the CGI Reference Number

  • 3.2 Approved Payment Methods in Bangladesh

  • 3.3 Linking the Payment to Your Online Profile

• Section 4: Scheduling Your Interview at the U.S. Embassy Dhaka

  • 4.1 The Role of the Visa Application Center (VAC)

  • 4.2 Understanding Appointment Wait Times

• Section 5: Air Tickets Point: Your Partner for Online Accuracy and Travel

  • 5.1 Expert DS-160 Review and Error Mitigation

  • 5.2 Seamless Global Travel Services (Flights, Hotels, Tours)

• Section 6: Start Your U.S. Journey Now: Contact Air Tickets Point

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Section 1: The Three Pillars of the Online Application

 

Every nonimmigrant U.S. visa applicant in Bangladesh must successfully execute these three mandatory online steps in sequence.

1.1 Pillar 1: The DS-160 (The Foundation)

 

This is the online form completed via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). It collects all personal, travel, education, and security data.

• Crucial Step: You must select “BANGLADESH, DHAKA” as the location where you will submit your application.

• Outcome: Once submitted, you receive a Confirmation Page with a unique 10-digit barcode, which is essential for the next steps.

1.2 Pillar 2: The MRV Fee (The Unlock Key)

 

The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) Fee is the non-refundable fee required to process your application.

• Payment Requirement: The scheduling system will generate a payment slip with a CGI reference number.

• Purpose: The appointment calendar remains locked until the U.S. Department of State system confirms this payment has been received and validated.

1.3 Pillar 3: The Scheduling Profile (The Interview Slot)

 

This is the online portal used to pay the fee, track the status of your payment, and most importantly, schedule your mandatory interview at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka.

• Mandatory Linkage: The DS-160 barcode and the fee payment must both be successfully linked to this profile.

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Section 2: DS-160 Guide: Completing the Mandatory Online Form

 

The DS-160 is the most critical element. Inaccuracies here are the leading cause of delays or refusals.

2.1 Step-by-Step Access and Saving Your Work

 

1. Access: Navigate to the official CEAC website.

2. Start: Select “BANGLADESH, DHAKA” and click “START AN APPLICATION.”

3. Security: Immediately write down your Application ID (e.g., AA00A00000) and set a security question.

4. Save Frequently: The system times out after 20 minutes of inactivity. Save your progress to your computer frequently to prevent losing valuable data.

Air Tickets Point Tip: Have your passport, travel itinerary (even if tentative), and detailed employment/education history ready before you start the form.

2.2 The Photo Requirement (Compliance is Crucial)

 

A compliant digital photo must be uploaded directly to the DS-160.

• Size: 5cm x 5cm (2 inches x 2 inches).

• Background: Plain white or off-white.

• Compliance: The system uses facial recognition to check the photo. If it fails validation, your application cannot proceed.

2.3 Critical Sections Demanding Accuracy (Work, Travel History, Ties)

 

• Present Work/Education: This section proves your strong economic and professional ties to Bangladesh. Ensure the salary, job description, and company details are accurate and verifiable by your supporting documents.

• Travel History: Be accurate regarding all previous international travel, especially any previous U.S. visits or visa refusals. Honesty is non-negotiable.

• U.S. Contact: Provide a specific U.S. host (friend, family member) or the name and address of your planned hotel.

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Section 3: Fee Payment in Bangladesh (EBL Process)

 

Once your DS-160 is complete and submitted, you must pay the MRV Fee.

3.1 Generating the CGI Reference Number

 

1. Create your profile on the official U.S. visa scheduling website for Bangladesh.

2. Select the appropriate visa type (e.g., B1/B2, F-1).

3. The system will generate a downloadable deposit slip with a unique CGI reference number. This number is your payment identifier.

3.2 Approved Payment Methods in Bangladesh

 

The visa fee (currently $\text{USD } \mathbf{185.00}$ for B1/B2, F, M, J categories, paid in the BDT equivalent) is processed via the authorized bank.

• Primary Bank: Eastern Bank Limited (EBL) is the designated bank for MRV fee collection in Bangladesh.

• Proof Required: You must keep the EBL Bank Cashier receipt (for cash deposits) or the screenshot of the successful transaction confirmation (for EFT/EBL Skybanking), as this is a mandatory document for your interview.

3.3 Linking the Payment to Your Online Profile

 

Allow 1 business day for the bank to process the transaction. Once processed, log back into your scheduling profile. The system will recognize the payment using the CGI reference number, unlocking the calendar for appointment booking.

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Section 4: Scheduling Your Interview at the U.S. Embassy Dhaka

 

With the DS-160 submitted and the MRV fee paid, you are ready to secure your interview date.

4.1 The Role of the Visa Application Center (VAC)

 

While the interview occurs at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, the VAC (managed by the U.S. government’s scheduling partner) handles the initial steps:

• Biometrics: You will first attend a biometrics appointment (fingerprinting and photo collection) at the VAC before your interview at the Embassy.

• Document Collection: You must select a document pick-up location (in Dhaka, Chittagong, or Sylhet) where your passport will be returned.

4.2 Understanding Appointment Wait Times

 

Be aware that wait times for B1/B2 (tourism/business) visas in Dhaka are often several months long.

• Strategy: Immediately book the furthest available appointment date to secure your place in the queue. Once booked, you become eligible to request an Expedited Appointment (EAP) if you have urgent, documented reasons for travel.

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Section 5: Air Tickets Point: Your Partner for Online Accuracy and Travel

 

The US visa application is unforgiving of mistakes. Our Visa Assistance service transforms the complex online process into a secure, stress-free experience.

5.1 Expert DS-160 Review and Error Mitigation

 

• Error Prevention: We perform a meticulous review of your DS-160 before submission to prevent common errors that lead to 221(g) administrative processing or interview cancellations.

• Strategic Evidence: We guide you in selecting the precise financial and professional documentation that effectively proves your compelling ties to Bangladesh, overcoming the legal presumption of immigrant intent.

5.2 Seamless Global Travel Services (Flights, Hotels, Tours)

 

With your visa approved, Air Tickets Point provides unmatched value for your trip:

• 900+ Airlines: As an official agent for almost all airlines, we guarantee the best price and service for international ticketing.

• Discounted Fares: Secure discounts on First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class to the USA and beyond.

• Complete Packages: Simplify your entire journey with our Hotel Reservation and tailored Tour Package services.

It’s time to fly. Ensure your visa application is perfect and your travel is seamless.

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