How to Visit the USA on a Visa

Foreign nationals who wish to visit the United States and are not recognized by the Visa Waiver Program must obtain a B-2 visitor visa. The B-2 visa restricts visitors to stays for pleasure, tourism or medical treatment. It does not allow for business visits or the performance of any type of business activity. In general, B-2 visas are issued for up to a six months' duration, although when cases warrant, visas may be valid for a full year.

Things You'll Need

• Passport

Instructions

1. Schedule a visa appointment at a United States embassy or consulate. Every United States embassy and consulate has a unique visa appointment scheduling method. Some require appointment scheduling to occur over the phone, while others utilize the Internet. Expect to pay an appointment fee at the time of scheduling.

2. Complete Form DS-156 or DS-160, depending on which form the embassy or consulate requires. Many embassies and consulates require you to fill out these forms electronically, prior to your visa appointment. Check the website of the United States embassy or consulate where your visa appointment is scheduled to determine the proper application.

3. Prepare your passport and any additional documentation requested by your embassy or consulate. A list of documentation required for your interview is posted on the United States embassy or consulate website.

4. Provide evidence of your plans while visiting the United States, as well as your financial ability to return home after the expiration of your visa. Inability to prove your responses to these questions may result in a visa denial.

5. Obtain passport-sized photographs for your visa. Some embassies or consulates offer photo services, but if not, bring your photographs to your visa appointment.

6. Complete visa interview and turn in all documentation, including passport, to the immigration officer. You will receive your passport, with B-2 visa stamp inside, a few days after your visa appointment interview.

7. Enter the United States using your B-2 visitor visa. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents may ask you questions regarding the intentions of your visit. At the completion of the questioning, you will receive an I-94 entry card with an expiration date stamped on it. The I-94 card stamp serves as your official authorization to enter the country, and the date stamped is up to the discretion of the agent.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not overstay the validity of your I-94 card. Even if your B-2 visa indicates a longer validity date, your authorized status in the United States directly ties to the date stamped on your I-94 card. If necessary, you can exit the country and return to gain additional time in the United States.

References

• United States Department of State: Types of Visas
• Global Visas: US Tourist Visa
• Visa Pro: B-2 Visa