US Visitor Visas

 

Many people want to visit the U.S., whether because they have family in the country or they just want to see the sights. The B2 Visa allows them to see relatives and all the attractions that make the U.S. Learn more about US Tourist Visas below.

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Who Should Apply for a Visitor Visa / US Tourist Visa

 A US Visitor Visa is a non-immigrant visa for those who wish to enter the United States temporarily for business, tourism, or visiting. Sometimes a US Visitor Visa is also called a US Tourist Visa. Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may be eligible for a B-1 or B-2 visa, or both (B-1/B-2) if your reasons fall under both categories. Visas may be either single-entry or multiple-entry, depending on an individual’s eligibility. Applicants for visitor visas must be able to prove that they are not coming to the country to immigrate, but rather to visit for one of the purposes included under the visa.

 

 

Note that individuals traveling to the US from Canada or Bermuda are not required to have a visa to enter the country. If you are a citizen or national from a participating country, you may be eligible to apply for the Visa Waiver Program, which would exempt you from requiring a Visitor Visa.

 

 

The B-1 Business Visa

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When traveling for business, an individual should apply for a B-1 visa. Reasons to apply for a business visa include the following: consulting with business associates, attending a business conference or convention, negotiating contracts, purchasing property, and investigating business opportunities. If you plan to come to the United States for one of these business-related purposes, you may be eligible to apply for a B-1 visa.

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The B-2 Tourism and Visit Visa 

 

Those who wish to travel to the US for tourism, vacation, or to visit the family should apply for a B-2 visa. This visa also includes those who are entering the country for medical treatment or participation in certain types of social or service events. Visit our B-2 visa page to learn more about the qualifications required to apply.

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Application and Entering the United States

 

The application process for a B-2 or B-2 visitor visa may vary depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply. To apply, you will likely be required to fill out the online non-immigrant visa application. 

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Mandatory Documents

 

• A passport that is valid for travel to the United States – passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in her passport.

• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.

• Application fee payment receipt – if you are required to pay before your interview.

• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.

 

 Additional Documents Which May Be Required for a US Tourist Visa

 

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:

 

• The purpose of your trip,

• Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or

• Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.  

 

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

 

 

Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant’s residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. 

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Attending Your US Visitor Visa Interview

 

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visitor visa.  

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing.  The consular officer will inform you if this is required.

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Have You Been Refused a US Visitor Visa?

 

Not all US visitor visa applications are accepted by USCIS. If you or someone you know has been refused a visitor visa, visit our page on the US visa refusal letters and what to do. It is important to determine why you have had your application turned down in order to figure out what your next step is and reduce the chances of it happening again.

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Contact us to discuss your US tourist visa: