Coming to the USA would require you to get a visa either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay or an immigrant visa for a permanent stay (Permanent resident visa). The USA Visitors visa is for those looking to enter the country temporarily for the sole purpose of business, tourism, or a combination of both.
In this article, we would be looking at everything you need to know about getting a USA visitor’s visa and what the requirements are for this. Before we delve into the discussion for this article, here is the breakdown of what we would be looking at:
- Activities permitted with a USA visitors visa
- How to apply for a USA visitors visa?
- Documentation
- Further Information
Activities permitted with a USA visitors visa
Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor’s visa:
A visitor’s visa will not be issued for travel purposes or birth tourism. This means you would not be granted a visa into the United States if either for the purpose of just traveling and staying in the U.S or for the purpose of giving birth in the U.S
Many immigrants have leveraged the opportunities that come with giving birth in the United States because this could provide the child access to citizenship based on delivery to not just one country but two.
Mothers are in the habit of traveling to the USA just when they are about to give birth. The U.S. immigration has decided to re-evaluate the situation and stop issuing visas to women who are traveling for that purpose only.
Having this at the back of your mind, you can then know how the application process is carried out.
How to apply for a USA Visitor visa?
There are various steps to apply for a USA visitor’s visa. The process for each step may vary depending on the U.S Embassy or Consulate. For more information about this, visit the U.S Embassy or Consulate website.
Online visa application
The first step you need to take is completing the online visa application. The online nonimmigrant visa application, Form DS-160 must be completed online, after which you need to print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
Scheduling an interview
Interviews are set aside for applicants to meet with the visa interviewer in order to ascertain the legitimacy of their traveling to the United States.
These interviews are generally required for all those looking for a visa to the USA with some exceptions. These exceptions can be seen below:
- If you are below the age of 13, a visa interview is not required
- If you are above the age of 80, a visa interview is not required
Every other person outside the above restriction is required to come for an interview. You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live.
You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but you must be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside your country.
The duration of the waiting period for visa interviews varies according to location, season, or visa category, so you should apply for your visa early in order to meet up with your appointment in the USA if approved.
Paying a non-refundable visa application fee
You are required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. This fee is usually around $160. If your visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality.
Visit the U.S Embassy or Consulate for more information on where to apply to learn more about fee payment.
Documentation
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
- Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in her passport.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
Additional requested documents may include evidence of the purpose of your trip, your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and your ability to pay all costs of the trip.
During your visa interview, the consulate officer would have to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor’s visa. At this stage, you must have met all requirements under US laws to receive a visitor’s visa.
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