How to Get an American Visa
U.S. visas are needed when a citizen of another foreign country wants to enter the United States. The visa is put with the individual's passport and allows that person to enter a port, land border crossing or airport. There are two types of visas: nonimmigrant and immigrant. Nonimmigrant visas are used for individuals who are entering the country temporarily, while immigrant visas are designed for those who wish to remain in the United States permanently. (See References 1)
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Instructions
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Research what is needed to obtain a U.S. visa. Many countries have different requirements to what is needed to apply. Review the requirements before proceeding with the application process.
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Make an interview appointment. Interviews are required for applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 years old. Interview waiting times vary depending upon the country and number of visa applicants. An application processing fee also is associated with applying for a visa. (See References 2)
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Prepare the required documentation. This documentation includes a nonimmigrant visa electronic application, a valid passport and one 2x2 photograph. It is possible, depending on the country, that more documentation will be required. Visitors must explain why they are wanting to enter the United States, when they intend to leave the country and how they plan to pay for the trip.
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Go to the application appointment. Bring all of the necessary documents and applications. An ink-free, digital fingerprint scan also will be taken. If the visa is accepted, the visa will be put with the passport and returned. Processing times vary by country.
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Tips & Warnings
U.S. citizens are not required to have a U.S. visa to travel to a foreign country. However, a visa might be needed by the embassy of the country they are planning to visit.
Some individuals who are entering the United States from eligible countries such as Canada and Bermuda, might be able to travel without a visa.
Individuals planning to enter the United States for medical treatment need to show documentation detailing the medical diagnosis from a doctor and a letter from the medical facility in the United States explaining that they will treat the condition.
Emergency visas are possible. An emergency appointment with the U.S. Embassy in the person's home country is required. Acceptance is generally based on medical-related, humanitarian or urgent business reasons.
If a visa is denied, an individual can apply again if they can offer new information that would override the refusal.
Greater review is being taken with visa applications, so apply well before the trip.
Children must either have a valid passport or a visa. If traveling with a parent and the child is included in the parent's passport, the child must have their own visa.
If an individual does not leave the United States by the departure date listed, they are in violation of U.S. immigration laws. This could cause future ineligibility for a visa.
References
Resources
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