How to Obtain a USA Tourist Visa
In general, all foreign citizens traveling to the United States are required to have a visa in addition to a passport. Exceptions to this rule are Canadians, who need only a passport, and citizens of the 35 countries covered by the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The list can be found at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#countries.
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Things You'll Need
- Passport with validity date of at least six months beyond your stay in the U.S.
- Application form DS-156
- Application form DS-157 (select applicants)
- One 2x2 photo
- Fees
- Documentary evidence of the purpose of your trip, sustainable income, intent to return
Instructions
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Application
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1
Complete form DS-156. If you are a male aged 16-45 or of any gender but reside in a country designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, complete form DS-157. A link for both visas is provided in Resources.
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2
Produce documents that demonstrate the purpose of your trip is tourism, you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses, the length of your trip (such as a return airline ticket), social and economic ties abroad (such as family and a job), a residence abroad.
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3
Schedule an interview with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your jurisdiction if you are between 14 and 79 years old.
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4
Pay the $131 visa fee, as of October 2009, made out to the Department of Homeland Security, at the interview. This is an application fee only. A visa issuance fee may be charged if your country of origin charges U.S. citizens a fee. A link is provided in Resources to determine if you will be charged a reciprocity fee in addition to the application fee.
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Tips & Warnings
You can pay with bank drafts, cashier's checks, certified checks, personal checks and money orders. However they must be drawn on U.S. banks and must be payable in dollars. Plan ahead. Go to http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php, to check the wait times for interviews or visa processing at the consular office in your city.
References
Resources
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Comments
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I actually did all the above but unfortunateley my passport had no emty pages and it was sent back to me afetr all was approved. I have now a new passport, what do I do continue the process?
