How
To Get Visitor Visa ?
If
you want to travel to the United States for a limited
amount of time, you most likely will need a visitor visa.
If you are from a country that is part of the Visa Waiver
Program, you won't need a visa, you will be granted up
to 90 days of stay in the US. B-1 visas are for business
travelers, B-2 visas for visitors who travel for pleasure
or for medical treatment. Depending which country you
are from, getting a visitor visa can be easy or hard(er).
Difficulty: Easy
Time
Required: Several weeks
Here's How:
1. Locate the US consulate nearest you. This can be
done by going to the Department of State's Web site
where you can find a list of all embassies and consulates
worldwide.
2.
If you are from a country that is part of the Visa Waiver
Program (VWP), you don't need a visa. However, as of June
26, 2005, all VWP travelers need a machine readable passport.
Go to the Department of State's VWP section for a list
of countries that are part of the VWP. If you don't have
a machine readable passport, you need to apply for a visitor
visa.
3.
Read and follow the consulate's instructions. Most applications
must be made in person, but some consulates allow the
application to be sent by mail, a travel agent or a drop
box.
To qualify for a visa, you must prove
- The purpose of your trip is to enter the U.S. for business,
pleasure, or medical treatment
- You plan to remain for a specific, limited period
- You have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other
binding ties which will insure your return abroad at the
end of the visit
4.
If your application has to be made in person, call your
consulate and set up an appointment. Due to recently implemented
security measures, getting a visa interview date is taking
longer, so make sure you call your consulate early enough.
Once the visa is granted, it will take 1 or 2 days for
it to be processed. In order to find out how long it will
take to get an appointment with your US consulate, go
to the State Department's Visa Wait Times Web site.
5.
When you get your appointment date, gather the necessary
documents and information. You need:
- Your original passport, valid for at least six months
from the date of departure from the United States, and
any expired passports with previous U.S. visas
- Two recent passport-size photos for each applicant,
including children and infants
6. If you are not a citizen of the country you live in,
you need your residency permit
- One completed application form DS-156 for each person
traveling, including one form per infant and/or child.
Answer all questions accurately and sign the form(s).
- All males between ages 16 and 45 must also complete
form DS-157.
- Original receipt for the MRV application fee
- Self-addressed stamped envelope (postage for express
or registered mail). The embassy is not liable for lost
passports
7.
Minors under 18 years traveling alone need written parental
authorization
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (usually
bank statements for the most recent 3 months).
- If traveling as a tourist (B-2), a letter from your
employer/school stating length of time you have worked/studied
there, showing you are on vacation and that you will return.
A detailed statement of your plans during the trip and
after your return from the U.S., incl. a future work contract,
if possible.
8.
If traveling for business, a letter from your employer
explaining the purpose and length of your stay in the
US and who will pay your salary/expenses, a travel plan
(itinerary) and supporting documentation that will show
what activities will take place during the trip.
9.
Once you have received your visitor visa, you will be
able to travel to the US. On your trip, fill out form
I-94 and show it at the port of entry (airport, border
control, harbor) together with your visa and passport.
Remember: The visa does not guarantee entry into the US,
it merely allows you to seek admission. The visa (-stamp)
is valid for ten years and allows you multiple entries
into the US; however, it is determined by the USCIS officer
how long you will be able to stay in the US.
10.
When you return to your home country, you will have to
turn in your I-94 stub at the port of exit.
What
You Need:
Valid passport and, if applicable, any expired passports
with previous U.S. visa
Two current passport-size photos
If applicable, residency permit of the country you live
in
Original receipt for the MRV application fee
Self-addressed stamped envelope (postage for express or
registered mail)
Completed application form DS-156 and DS-157, if applicable
Written parental authorization if under 18
Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
B-2 visitors: Written statements from schools, employer
B-1
visitors: Letter from employer with travel details
:
