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Sri Lankan citizens are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and must obtain a US visa before travelling. We help with the B1/B2 Visitor Visa and F1 Student Visa: the DS-160, supporting documents, SEVIS and fee guidance, and interview preparation for the US Embassy in Colombo.
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US visa applications are decided in a brief, in-person interview, which makes preparation critical. Unlike the UK or Canada, most US visa categories do not require a large paper bundle in advance; the consular officer’s assessment during the interview carries significant weight. Both categories below require the DS-160 and an interview at the US Embassy in Colombo.
For tourism, visiting family, attending conferences, or short business trips. The B1/B2 is a combined business and tourist visa; most applicants apply for both purposes on a single application. Sri Lankan citizens are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a full visitor visa.
For students accepted into a SEVP-certified US school, college, or university. The F1 visa requires a Form I-20 issued by the school and payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee before the interview can be scheduled.
The B1/B2 is a nonimmigrant visa that allows temporary travel to the United States for business (B1) or tourism, family visits, and medical treatment (B2). Most Sri Lankan applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visa, which can be used for either purpose on different trips.
The visa itself only permits you to travel to a US port of entry and request admission. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the airport makes the final decision on how long you may stay, generally recorded on your electronic Form I-94.
Note: a B1/B2 visa does not permit employment in the United States, enrolment in a full degree programme, or paid performances or competitions.
Valid for travel to the United States, generally for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
The DS-160 must be completed and submitted before the visa fee is paid and the interview is scheduled.
Proof of payment of the non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee.
A recent photograph meeting US Department of State requirements, uploaded with the DS-160 (a physical copy may be requested at interview).
The core of most B1/B2 interviews: employment, business, family, or property that will bring you back. Assessed under Section 214(b), which presumes every applicant is an intending immigrant unless they show otherwise.
An invitation letter, conference registration, or travel plan, where relevant. Not always required in advance, but be ready to discuss it at interview.
Bank statements, salary slips, or business income documents showing you can cover the cost of your trip.
Visa validity and the number of permitted entries for Sri Lankan B1/B2 applicants are set under the US Department of State’s reciprocity schedule for Sri Lanka, and can change. Confirm the current terms on the official reciprocity tables at the time of your application.
The non-refundable MRV fee for a B1/B2 visa is USD 185 per applicant, payable before your interview is scheduled. A separate Visa Integrity Fee of USD 250, introduced under US federal law in mid-2025, applies at visa issuance for most nonimmigrant categories; at the time of writing it had been enacted but was not yet being actively collected at all posts, so confirm the current status before applying. Some nationalities also pay a visa issuance (reciprocity) fee after approval; this does not currently apply to most Sri Lankan B1/B2 applicants but should be checked on the official reciprocity page.
The F1 visa is the primary US student visa for full-time academic study at a SEVP-certified school, college, or university, from language training and undergraduate degrees to postgraduate and doctoral programmes.
Before applying, you must first be accepted by a SEVP-certified US institution, which will issue you a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
F1 and M1 applicants must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, currently USD 350, before scheduling a visa interview. This is separate from, and in addition to, the USD 185 MRV fee. Keep your SEVIS receipt for your interview.
You must demonstrate that you, or a sponsor, can cover tuition and living costs for at least the first year of your programme, as stated on your Form I-20. Total costs commonly range from roughly USD 20,000 to over USD 60,000 per year depending on the institution and programme, so rely on the exact figure on your I-20 rather than a generic estimate.
F1 interviews typically focus on your choice of course and institution, your academic background, your financial plan, and your ties to Sri Lanka or credible post-study plans. Officers commonly ask why you chose your specific programme and school, how you will fund your studies, and what you plan to do after graduation.
At The Visa Central, we help students prepare clear, honest answers to these questions rather than generic or memorised scripts.
The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is the mandatory online form for almost all US nonimmigrant visa categories, including B1/B2 and F1. It must be completed and submitted through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) before you can pay your visa fee and schedule an interview. The confirmation page, with its barcode and application ID, is one of the most important documents you will bring to your interview.
Once submitted, the DS-160 cannot generally be edited, so we review your draft answers before you submit.
Most B1/B2 refusals are issued under Section 214(b), which places the burden on the applicant to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent. F1 refusals often relate to financial credibility or unclear study plans.
The officer was not convinced of strong enough employment, family, financial, or property ties to return after the visit.
A vague explanation, or answers that don’t match the DS-160 or supporting documents.
Statements that don’t support the travel plan, or F1 finances that fall short of the I-20 cost figure.
Differences between the DS-160, supporting documents, and interview answers.
Not being able to explain why you chose your programme or how it connects to your background and plans.
A prior refusal, overstay, or immigration violation not properly addressed.
A Section 214(b) refusal is not permanent and has no mandatory waiting period, but reapplying with the same documents and the same answers is unlikely to produce a different outcome. The Visa Central can review your previous US refusal and help you prepare a stronger, more consistent reapplication where genuinely possible.
All US nonimmigrant visa applications from Sri Lanka are processed through the US Embassy in Colombo. There is no VFS Global or third-party visa centre for US visas; applicants apply through the official ustraveldocs.com portal and attend their interview at the embassy.
We understand your travel or study goals, background, finances and, for students, your institution and programme.
We confirm B1/B2 or F1 and prepare a personalised document and evidence checklist.
We help you prepare and review your DS-160 answers for accuracy and consistency.
We guide you through the MRV fee (and SEVIS fee for F1) and booking your interview at the US Embassy Colombo.
We review your supporting documents and identify gaps before your interview.
Mock interviews covering your purpose of travel, ties to Sri Lanka, finances and, for students, academic plans.
What to expect at the US Embassy Colombo, and next steps including passport collection.
210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka.
Applications, fee payment, and scheduling are managed through the official US visa services portal for Sri Lanka (ustraveldocs.com); passport and document collection is handled through registered collection centres.
Interview wait times at the US Embassy Colombo change frequently and are published monthly by the US Department of State. Recently they have generally been shorter than at many larger posts, but this can change. After a successful interview, issuance typically takes a few working days, though administrative processing can take longer. Check the official Visa Appointment Wait Times page and apply early.
Set by the US Department of State and applied worldwide. Verify on the official fee schedule before payment.
No visa consultant in Sri Lanka, or anywhere else, can guarantee a visa. Any consultancy that promises guaranteed approval should be treated with caution. The final decision always rests with the US consular officer at the US Embassy in Colombo, under US law including Section 214(b).
What we do promise is professional preparation, clear advice and honest guidance at every step.
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Yes. Sri Lanka is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program, so Sri Lankan citizens must obtain a US nonimmigrant visa, such as a B1/B2, before travelling to the United States for any purpose.
B1 covers business purposes such as meetings and conferences, while B2 covers tourism, family visits, and medical treatment. Most applicants are issued a combined B1/B2 visa covering both purposes.
The MRV visa application fee for a B1/B2 visa is USD 185 per applicant, non-refundable. Additional fees, such as the Visa Integrity Fee, may apply depending on implementation status; always confirm current fees before paying.
The DS-160 is the mandatory online nonimmigrant visa application form required for most US visa categories, including B1/B2 and F1. It must be completed before you pay your visa fee and book an interview.
The visa itself does not set your length of stay. A Customs and Border Protection officer decides your authorised period of stay when you arrive, recorded on your electronic Form I-94.
No. A B1/B2 visa does not permit employment in the United States or enrolment in a full-time degree programme.
Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act presumes every nonimmigrant visa applicant intends to immigrate unless they prove otherwise. Most B1/B2 refusals cite this section when the officer is not convinced the applicant has strong enough ties to Sri Lanka.
The F1 visa is the standard US student visa for full-time academic study at a SEVP-certified school, college, or university, issued after you receive a Form I-20 from your institution.
The SEVIS I-901 fee is a separate government fee, currently USD 350 for F1/M1 students, paid before the visa interview and in addition to the USD 185 MRV visa fee.
You must show funds covering at least the first year of tuition and living costs as stated on your Form I-20. This figure varies by institution and programme, so always refer to your specific I-20 rather than a general estimate.
All Sri Lankan applicants apply through the official US visa services portal for Sri Lanka and interview at the US Embassy in Colombo, located at 210 Galle Road, Colombo 03.
Wait times change frequently and are published monthly by the US Department of State. Always check the official Visa Appointment Wait Times page for Sri Lanka before planning your travel or study dates.
Emergency expedited appointments may be available in genuine urgent situations, and a limited paid expedited appointment service exists at some posts for B1/B2 applicants. Availability should be confirmed directly with the embassy at the time of application.
Typically your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, MRV fee receipt, appointment confirmation letter, and supporting evidence for your specific visa category, such as financial and ties documents for B1/B2, or your I-20 and SEVIS receipt for F1.
Generally, interviews are conducted individually, though limited exceptions exist for special needs applicants or minors, subject to the embassy’s specific rules. Confirm current policy with the embassy before your appointment.
You will typically be given a refusal notice referencing the relevant section of law, most often 214(b) for B1/B2. You may reapply at any time, but should address the underlying concern rather than resubmitting the same application.
Yes. We can review your refusal circumstances and help you prepare a stronger, more consistent reapplication where genuinely possible.
Travel history can support an application, but it is not the only factor. Your overall ties, purpose of travel, and credibility are considered as a whole.
A US-based relative or friend can provide a letter of invitation and, where relevant, financial support documents, but this does not guarantee visa approval, which still depends on your ties to Sri Lanka and stated purpose of travel.
We help you prepare and review your DS-160 and supporting documents and prepare you thoroughly for your interview. The DS-160 must be submitted under the applicant’s own information, and the interview must be attended in person by the applicant.
No. No consultant can guarantee a US visa. The decision is made solely by the consular officer at the US Embassy in Colombo.
Because we focus on transparency, genuine advice, thorough DS-160 and document review, and realistic interview preparation tailored to your individual circumstances.
Speak with The Visa Central for professional guidance and interview preparation before you apply.