For good reason, a trip to the United States of America is at the top of most people’s travel wish lists. Every year, over 77 million tourists visit the country, making it one of the most visited in the globe. It’s easy to state that America is unlike any other country in the world because it has everything from amusement parks to historical landmarks.
By obtaining a visa, a foreign citizen can travel to a port of entry in the United States (generally an airport) and apply for permission to enter the country. It is important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. It is the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry to have the authority to permit or deny admission into the United States of America. You will receive an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, from the CBP official if you are allowed to enter the United States.
If you do not depart the United States on time, you will lose your status. If an individual is out of status, their visa is automatically cancelled (Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act). It is important to note that any multiple entry visa that was voided for being out of status will not be valid for future entry into the United States.
It is also possible that you may not be able to obtain a visa in the future if you fail to depart the United States on time.
During your stay in the United States, if your plans change (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive a job offer), you may be able to change your nonimmigrant status to another category through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
You do not need to apply for a new visa if you receive a change of status from USCIS while you are in the country. If you depart the United States, you will need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy in the appropriate category relating to your travel.
The process of applying for a visa involves several steps. You may have to complete the application steps differently, depending on the U.S. visa office. Consult an immigration consultant for instructions and assistance in completing your application.
There are certain limited exceptions to the general requirement for visa applicants to undergo interviews.
In general, an interview is not required if you are 13 or younger. As a general rule, the ages 14-79 require a visa interview with some exceptions for renewals, whereas ages 80 and older do not require an interview
The US Embassy or Consulate in your country should schedule your visa interview. It is possible to schedule your interview at another American Embassy or Consulate.
Visa interview wait times vary by location, season, and visa category, so apply early. Find out how long it takes for an interview to be scheduled at the location where you intend to apply.
Get an estimate of the wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Some embassies and consulates waive the in-person interview requirement for visa-specific cases. Generally, those cases have shorter wait times.
Fees – If necessary, make sure you have the non-refundable visa application fee paid before your interview.
If your visa application is accepted, you may also be required to pay a visa issuance fee.
Before your visa interview, gather and prepare the following documents:
There may be a need for additional documentation
To determine if you are qualified, additional documents may be required. Additional documents may include, for example, evidence of:
Evidence of your employment or family ties may suffice to prove the purpose of your trip and your intention to return home. You may be able to show evidence that another person will cover some or all your trip costs if you cannot cover all of them.
Rather than relying on assurances from family and friends in the United States, visa applicants should be considered for admission based on their residence and ties abroad. There is no need to submit a letter of invitation or an affidavit of support when applying for a visitor visa. Suppose you decide to bring a letter of invitation or affidavit of support to your interview. In that case, you should be aware that it will not be used as one of the factors to decide whether to grant or deny your visa application.
A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are eligible for a visitor visa. A visa can only be granted if you meet the requirements outlined by U.S. law. During the application process, digital fingerprint scans are taken using ink-free technology. Usually, they are taken during your interview, but it varies by location.
The consular officer may determine that your application needs further administrative processing after your visa interview. If this is required, the consular officer will inform you. Following the approval of your visa, you may have to pay a visa issuance fee (depending on your nationality) and arrange to have your passport and visa returned to you.
At Royal Migration, we understand the complexities of USA immigration. Our team is dedicated to providing clear, accurate, and up-to-date information to help you achieve your goals in the USA. Browse through our comprehensive FAQs below for quick answers and valuable insights. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our experts for personalized guidance.
In the United States, a nonimmigrant visa allows you to travel to a Port of Entry (airport/seaport). Upon arrival at your destination Port of Entry, the Customs and Border Protection officer who processes your entry will determine the length of time you may remain in the country before leaving. You may travel to the Port of Entry until and including the last day of the validity period of your nonimmigrant visa. Upon arrival in the country, a Customs and Border Protection officer determines how long you can remain in the United States, not the duration of your visa.
Visit your child with your B-1/B-2 visa (or travel under the Visa Waiver Program, if eligible), but you cannot live with them without your immigrant, work, or student visa.
It is strongly recommended that applicants wait until they receive their passport and new visa before booking their travel. If you wait until you receive your visa before booking your tickets, you will not have to worry about buying an airplane ticket only to discover that your visa has been denied or having to change your tickets after you have purchased them.
An expedited visa interview appointment might be possible if you have an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC).
