How to Apply for a United States Visa Card
The process of getting a visa varies based on the type of visa an applicant is attempting to acquire. There are several different types of visas including visitor visas, student visas, temporary worker visas and immigrant visas.
A visitor visa is for someone visiting the U.S. for a very specific period of time for business, pleasure or medical reasons. A student visa is required for an applicant who is visiting the U.S. for the purpose of completing an educational course or program and will return to their country once the course is complete. (There is also an Exchange Visitor Visa for those applicants approved to participate in an educational exchange program.)
A temporary worker visa is for applicants who will be working temporarily in the U.S. under nonimmigrant status. Immigrant visas are for applicants wishing to move to the U.S. permanently.
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Instructions
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Obtain a passport. Applicants for a U.S. visa card must already have a passport for their country of citizenship allowing them to travel abroad. Applicants should also obtain two passport size photos (2x2 inches), one for the actual passport and the other for the visa application.
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Determine the type of visa application you require. There are several visa types including: visitor, student, temporary workers or immigrant.
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If you are applying for a temporary worker or immigrant visa, you must submit a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the applicant. The petition should be submitted by the applicant's sponsor, who must be a prospective employer, U.S. citizen, or lawful permanent resident. The petition must be done before the applicant can submit a visa application. Only temporary worker or immigrant visa applicants require a sponsor. For more information about submitting the petition, contact the USCIS (see Resources).
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Complete a Nonimmigrant Visa application. The visa application may be obtained online at the U.S. Department of State's website (see Resources) or the U.S. Embassy or consulate office that has jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence.
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Complete additional forms. Additional forms vary per type of visa for which the applicant is applying. For example, if applying for a student visa, the applicant must also complete a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students.
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Submit the visa application at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate's office. In addition, the applicant should submit her passport, a 2x2 inch photo and the visa processing fee. The fee varies per location. Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate's office, or National Visa Center about the fee amount. (This visa application is not required for those applying for an immigrant visa. Required forms will be issued by the National Visa Center to immigrant visa applicants once the petitions are approved by the USCIS.)
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Schedule an interview. Most applicants 14 to 79 years of age will be required to interview with a representative at the Embassy Consular Section. Immigrant visa applicants will need to schedule an interview with the National Visa Center. Applicants should schedule this interview when they submit their application and additional materials. At the time of scheduling the interview, applicants should inquire as to what other documents or evidence may be required of them during the interview.
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Show up and bring any required proof or documents to the interview at the Embassy Consular Section. For example, if traveling for medical reasons, an applicant may submit a medical diagnosis from a local physician and an additional letter from a U.S. physician or treatment center agreeing to treat the applicant. Students may be required to submit educational transcripts and official test scores. Most applicants will require proof that they, or someone else, can financially care for them while in the U.S.
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Complete a medical examination. Medical examinations are typically only required for immigrant visa applicants. The applicant must undergo medical services and tests such as a blood test and chest x-ray. They also must get required vaccinations before being allowed to immigrate to the U.S. For more information on the medical examination, speak with a representative with the National Visa Center.
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Pay the visa processing fees. If the visa application is approved, an applicant will have to pay additional fees to process the visa. Fees vary per location and type of visa. An applicant should speak with an embassy, consulate, or National Visa Center representative about actual fees.
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References
Resources
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