The process difficulty in obtaining visa varies depending upon the type of visa required. Most visa applicants are interviewed and two index finger scans are collected as part of the visa application process. The consular officer also evaluates the security risk presented by the applicant in addition to being satisfied that the applicant intends to honor the terms of the visa by returning home.
All applicants' names are routinely checked against sophisticated government databases for possible criminal or other information that may disqualify them.
Supplemental Application -- All male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16-45, and all student and exchange visitors must complete a supplemental application form which helps inform the consular officer's judgment about visa eligibility.
In addition all student and exchange visitor applicants must also get an authorization form from their sponsoring institution in the U.S.
Arriving in the U.S.--Persons traveling without a visa on the Visa Waiver Program, will be enrolled in the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program at all airports and seaports, upon arrival in the U.S.