Us Visitor Visa: The Door To Exploring Different Dimensions Of The Usa
Regardless of whether you want to visit the USA for tourism, or a short-term business activity, the non-immigrant USA tourist visa can be your gateway! While it can be difficult to get a USA tourist visa on your own, the experts at the US Immigration Zone have got you covered. With years of experience and expertise in the industry, we can help with the comprehensive proceedings of your US Visitor Visa. Get in touch with us today to make your US tourist visa process smooth and successful!
US Tourist Visa or US Visitor Visa is a non-immigrant visa type upheld by the US Government to allow foreign nationals to travel to the United States for a fixed number of days. There are basically two types of American Tourist Visas which include B1 for Business and B2 for Tourism. Individuals who have both reasons to visit the US can apply for B1/B2.
B1 Visa For Business
This type of visa is granted to individuals who wish to visit the United States for short-term business purposes such as attending meetings/seminars, finalizing deals, settling an estate, or negotiating contracts. Remember, the B1 Visa for business doesn’t permit individuals for permanent residence or employment in the US.
B2 Visa For Tourism
Given below are the situations when your US tourist visa application can be supported by B2 Visa:
- Tourism
- Visiting friends or families
- Medical Treatment
- Social Events
- Event/Competition Participation
- Short-term study courses less than 18 hours per week
When can your B2 Visa doesn’t accept your arrival in the US:
- Study
- Work in media as a foreign journalist
- Seeking permanent residency
- Long-term employment with a U.S. company
- Paid performances or professional work before a paying audience
- Arriving as a ship or aircraft crew member
When it comes to applying for a US travel visa, you need to state a few things to make it clear to authorities that your visit to the US is clean and short-term.
The Purpose
The first thing is to clearly state the purpose of your visit, whether it is for business purpose or tourism.
Clarify That It Is A Temporary Stay
Make sure you prove to the authorities that you’re visiting the US for a purpose and will return after its completion.
Financial Stability
State that you’ve enough funds to sustain in the US during your stay.
Determined About Returning
State that you’re determined to return to your home country by presenting strong pieces of evidence like a job, family, or property.
Choose between the B-1 visa for business visits and the B-2 visa for tourism. The B-1 Visa is for those who are going to attend meetings or conferences or indulge in any business-related work while the B-2 Visa is issued if the person is visiting for tourism, to see relatives, or is going for treatment.
Complete an Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application also known as DS- 160 form, from the Consular Electronic Application Center. Any information provided here must be accurate and complete because this form is necessary for the visa interview.
A fee has to be paid to cover the cost of the visa application and this cannot be refunded back to the applicant. The amount differs according to the nationality and visa status of the candidate. Usually, payment is made online or at other affiliated banks. Do not throw away the receipt because you will need it later for the interview.
Apply for an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in your home country for a visa interview. Appointments may also take time depending on the availability of the provider, hence it is recommended to make an appointment early.
If your age, then interview is:
- 13 Years or Less: Generally not required
- 14-79 Years: Required at some exceptions
- 80 Years and More: Generally not required
Gather and assemble all official documents for your visa application you need. The tourist visa USA requirements include:
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in the country to be visited.
- The final page of the DS-160 confirmation that shows the barcode.
- The receipt for the payment made in respect of the visa fees.
- A colored passport photograph that has been taken within the last month with compliance with the US visa photo specifications.
- Affidavits that may include your travel plan, proof of financial support, and proof of strong ties with your home country such as employment or family ties.
On the day of the interview go to the US Embassy or Consulate as scheduled. Expect questions concerning your tourism itinerary, amount of money that you have with you, and connections with your home country. You may also be urged to give some identification features like fingerprints.
Following an interview, the application will undergo other processes of evaluation. This may require extra paperwork or security clearance checks.
It is set by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency official who is present at that particular entry point. Generally, the visitors are permitted to visit for up to a maximum of six months.
Yes, an extension of stay is possible by filing an application for an extension of stay by filling the Form I-539 to USCIS before the current stay expires.
Yes, the applications can be rejected and if the case is obvious and you do not meet the requirements or the consular officer has reasonable doubts in your purpose of applying for the visa.
Indeed, one can reapply as many times as possible in case the visa is declined. However, you should explain the causes of refusal and submit any other documents that might help with the application.
Yes, once you have been issued a visa you are free to travel to the US. However, the visa does not grant permission to enter the country, instead, that is determined by the CBP officer at a port of entry.
Indeed, all children of every age require a visa to enter the United States. The application process for children is similar to that of adults.
Absolutely not, a US Visitor Visa does not allow the holder to work or conduct any type of business in the United States.
To change the status of a B1/B2 Visa, follow these steps:
Determine Eligibility: First of all, it is vital to check your eligibility for a change of status to avoid any issues in the future.
Choose the New Visa Category: This is your chance to decide which category of the visa you want to change to.
Fill out Form I-539: Fill and submit the form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status along with the fee.
Gather Supporting Documents: Gather supporting documents including the current I-94 and proof of financial support.
Submit the Application: Enclose the form and documents and submit the mail to the correct USCIS office or center.
Wait for Processing: Your application will be processed by USCIS and may request further details.
Receive Decision: If your application is granted, you will be issued with the new I-94 having a new status.