The USA has become one of the notable countries in the world that people across the globe would like to visit. People could either prefer visiting and leaving, finding a job and working there or schooling in the US as there are quality schools that provide sound education and are also very much recognized around the world. Living the American dream has been on the minds of many hence the influx of people into the country. Regardless of your reasons do know that there are visa application forms to fill when applying for a visa in the US.
To ascertain a smooth ride to your USA visa application it is best you follow the laid down rules needed so as not to have to wait for so long or even be denied the visa.
Visa Application Form In the US
The young ones may ask what a visa is and why they need to have it to go into the US. Well, it is simple. A visa is a document given to you at the embassy that grants you entry into any country. If you are to apply for a Canadian visa then the visa grants you entry into Canada and not the US.
Furthermore, it is very much important to know that the visa requirement is not for every country. There are some countries that are exempted from acquiring a US visa before they are allowed entry into the country. You may check the countries that do not necessarily need a US visa to be granted entry to 40 visa waiver countries.
Steps To Take When Applying For a US Visa
- Check if you need a visa.
- Choose the route of the US visa you wish to apply for.
- Pay your application fee.
- Schedule visa interview.
- Compile the document file.
- Attend the visa interview.
- Wait for processing.
Check if you need a visa
As earlier stated, there are countries that are exempted from applying for a US visa to gain entry. Click on the link above to check your current status and know how to proceed. If you do not find your country there then you need to proceed with this article and read about how to go ahead with your US visa application process.
Choose the route of US visa you wish to apply for
As earlier stated, there are various reasons people around the globe troop in their number to the US. These reasons have brought about the routes or pathways US visa applicants can use to gain entry into the US. There are different types of visas. Just like any other country, say Canada for instance, there have their different types of visa routes to apply through so does the US.
Since there are different types of US visas applicants need to pay more attention so as not to go through a different route when applying. This may lead to a long length of wasted time, energy, and resources or in some cases an outright denial of the visa because of minor petty mistakes done during the application journey. Below are briefly explained types of US visas.
Types of US Visa
The three types of visas that are available to US citizens are the tourist visa, the business visa, and the student visa. The most common type of visa is the tourist visa, which is typically used by people who are visiting the United States for pleasure. The other two types of visas are more specialized and are used by a smaller number of people. The business visa is used by people who are visiting the United States for business purposes. The student visa is used by people who are studying in the United States. Each of these visas has its own specific requirements that must be met before it can be issued.
Tourist Visa
The tourist visa is for people who are visiting the United States for pleasure. This type of visa does not grant you a permanent stay there and it is usually for a duration of six months. Once the visa expires then you are expected to be in your home country, failure to do so will be deported if found and you may never be issued a US visa again. In addition, the tourist visa is classified into two;
- B1 visa for business visits.
- B2 visas for tourism visitors.
Some tourist visas are used just once by tourists while there are visas that can be used multiple times during a specific period of time. Do well to know which you are applying for.
Business Visa
The business visa is for people who are visiting the United States for business purposes. This is very similar to that of the tourist visa because you are supposed to leave upon the expiration of the visa. More often than not, this visa is usually for a short duration of time and it is strictly for business dealings. These are a little different from the tourist visa in terms of the application process as this needs proof to show that indeed you are embarking on a business trip.
Student Visa
The student visa is for people who are studying in the United States. Each of these visas has its own specific requirements that must be met before it can be issued. This is because a student visa is also classified into two groups. The F and M visas are for academic and vocational purposes. This type of visa depends largely on where your school is and the course you are to embark on upon entry into the US.
The F visa is further broken down into two categories;
- F1 Visa;
- F2 Visa.
The F1 visa is given to students who are coming in to study solely on their own, that is, adults who have come to study in the US while the F2 vis is given to dependents who are depending on the F1 holders. The Mvisa Holders are given to applicants who are coming into the US strictly for vocational purposes.
Having given you the list of the important three groups of US visas, there are still other types of visas that are largely applied for by people around the world and these are;
- Temporary Work Visas,
- Exchange Visitor Visas,
- Diplomatic and Official Visas,
- Transit and Crewmember Visas. etc.
Temporary Work Visas
The Temporary Work US Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows US employers to bring foreign professionals to the United States to work for a specific period of time.
There are two types of Temporary Work US Visas:
- The H-1B Visa is for professionals in specialty occupations.
- The L-1 Visa is for professionals in managerial or executive positions.
To qualify for a Temporary Work US Visa, an employer must:
- Have a petition approved by the US Department of Labor.
- Submit documentation that shows the foreign professional’s qualifications and experience.
- Pay applicable visa fees.
- Ensure that the foreign professional has a valid travel document.
- Provide housing for a foreign professional while in the US.
- Guarantee that foreign professionals will not compete with US workers for jobs.
- Required Documents: Completed petition and all supporting documentation, application fee, passport photo, and visa fee.
- Duration of Stay: The duration of the visa depends on the specific situation, but is typically three to six months.
- Conditions of Stay: The foreign professional must abide by all US laws while in the US. The employer must also ensure that the foreign professional will not compete with US workers for jobs.
- Restricted Activities: The foreign professional may not engage in any employment that would conflict with their visa status or otherwise violate US law. Additionally, the foreign professional must not participate in business activities that would compete with US businesses.
Intra-Company Transfer Temporary Work Visa
The Intra-Company Transfer Temporary Work Visa is used to transfer employees from one US company to another. The visa is typically issued for a period of up to six months, and the employee may be required to return home at the end of the visa period.
To qualify for an Intra-Company Transfer Temporary Work Visa, an employer must:
- Have a petition approved by the US Department of Labor
- Have a foreign employee who is being transferred to the US for a period of fewer than six months
- Meet all other requirements listed in the visa application process
- Required Documents: Completed petition and all supporting documentation, application fee, passport photo, and visa fee.
- Duration of Stay: The employee may stay in the US for up to six months
- Conditions of Stay: The foreign employee must abide by all US laws while in the US. The employer must also ensure that foreign employees will not compete with US workers for jobs.
- Restricted Activities: The foreign employee may not engage in any employment that would conflict with their visa status or otherwise violate US law. Additionally, the foreign professional must not participate in business activities that would compete with US businesses.
Exchange Visitor Visas
Exchange visitors visa are given to those who will want to participate in exchange programs. They are divided into the J1 visa and Q Visa. The J1 visa is for those who will be participating in short-term education or cultural exchange programs.
- The Q visa is for those who will be participating in longer-term programs.
Types of Q visa
It is divided into two types, the R1 visa, and the R2 visa. The R1 visa is for those who will be participating in academic institutions, while the R2 visa is for those who will be participating in business or cultural institutions.
The requirements for both types of visas are the same, except that the R2 visa has a higher requirement for language proficiency.
- If you are applying for a J1 visa, you must provide documentation that shows that you will be attending an approved educational institution and that you will be leaving the United States within the period of your program. If you are applying for a Q visa, you must provide documentation that shows that you will be participating in an approved program and that you will be remaining in the United States for a period of at least six months.
- You also must provide evidence that you have enough money to support yourself while in the United States.
- If you are applying for a J1 or Q visa, you must also provide documentation that shows that you have the financial ability to leave the United States if your program is terminated early or if you do not complete it. You must also provide evidence that you will return to your home country or another country before your visa expires.
- If you are applying for an R1 or R2 visa, you must provide documentation that shows that you will be participating in an approved academic institution, business, or cultural institution. You also must provide evidence that you have enough money to support yourself while in the United States.
- If you are applying for an R1 or R2 visa, you must also provide documentation that shows that you will return to your home country or another country before your visa expires.
- You must also provide evidence that you have the financial ability to leave the United States if your program is terminated early or if you do not complete it.
- You must also provide evidence that you will return to your home country or another country before your visa expires.
Diplomatic and Official Visas
A diplomatic visa is a visa issued to a foreign national who is traveling to the United States on official business on behalf of their government. A diplomatic visa allows the foreign national to travel to the United States and conduct business while in the country.
An official visa is a visa issued to a foreign national who is traveling to the United States to conduct official government business. An official visa allows the foreign national to travel to the United States and conduct business while in the country. Official visas are typically issued to high-ranking officials, diplomats, or members of the media.
A foreign national may be eligible for any type of visa if they meet the requirements set by the U.S. Department of State. To be eligible for a visa, a foreign national must have a valid passport and proof of citizenship. The U.S. Department of State may also require the foreign nationals to provide documentation verifying their travel intentions.