A Complete Guide to Getting an American Travel Visa
How daunting does it seem to go through the American travel visa approval process? Much to the chagrin of travelers, this often becomes a killjoy and mars the spirit of traveling to a new country. If you are planning to visit the USA, instead of fretting, get an in-depth understanding of how to get the visa application approved.
Being aware of the procedure beforehand will reduce your worries and make the journey considerably better!
The US Non-immigrant Visa
For those who do fall under the Visa Waiver Program, entering the USA requires the securing of a tourist visa (B1 or B2). Whether you are planning to visit the place for a vacation or on a business trip or to surprise a loved one, acquiring this kind of American travel visa is the first step (even before you start packing your bags).
However, if you hail from (are a citizen of) any of the countries categorized under the Visa Waiver Program, the B1 or B2 visa is not needed. You can just opt for ESTA. This is nothing but a formal document that allows you to enter the country and perform the same activities that you would be able to do with a B1 or B2 visa.
And all that you need to know is available on the DOS website. The Department of State offers a careful explanation of the travel visa and all that you must know before you set on to explore the place. The website has a DS-160 form available, which one must fill out to apply for a B1 or B2 visa.
Want to know what are included in this comprehensive form? It requires a detailed plan of your intention of traveling to the country. Besides giving a travel itinerary, mention your employment history and education, along with your personal background. Remember that any inconsistency in the form can lead to delays or denials.
Delving Deeper into the U.S. Visa
Foreign nationals wishing to visit the U.S. for tourism, medical treatment, business, and other similar reasons must acquire this non-immigrant visa. With this American travel visa, the individual can stay in the host country for a brief period of time (the duration will be mentioned to you beforehand and can range from some days to several months).
What do these Visas Allow?
The visitor visa authorizes you to do certain activities during your stay. From exploring American landscapes to attending business conferences, you can go on about your day without having to face any obstacles.
While the B1 visa specifically caters to business-specific activities, the B2 visa handles social visits and matters of tourism. ESTA allows you to conduct business meetings as well as take tours all over the country, just without the hassle of visiting the consulate to acquire a visa. You can simply apply online for the USA ESTA.
Conditions for Entry
However, no matter which one you hold, you need to show intent to go back to your home country once the purpose of your visit has been served. Besides, show that you are financially stable and meeting all security and health criteria.
Needless to say, most people demanding short-term international travel intend to hold this multifunctional and flexible visitor visa.
B1 Visa
Primarily for businessmen, this American travel visa holds a lot of importance and gives the chance to individuals to conduct business meetings and conferences. Holding this visa will let you attend conferences and conventions. Owing to this, you can negotiate contracts, give or receive business consultations, and also settle financial deals.
Purpose: Issued to individuals visiting the land for business purposes.
Scope: The visa has a limited scope and is not flexible by nature. It gives you the chance to attend only business activities.
Uses: One holding this visa can attend only non-commercial business activities like estate settlement, contract negotiation, etc.
Duration of Stay: A few weeks to a maximum 6 months
Validity: Up to 10 years from issuance date
Entry: Multiple-entry
B2 Visa
Also known as the tourist visitor visa, this is for those who wish to travel to the country on a honeymoon or simply to explore the magnificent beauty of the land. Enter the United States to celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas or even the 4th of July by acquiring this visa. You can even participate in social events or take part in amateur sporting events.
Purpose: Given to tourists and others visiting the U.S. for recreational purposes
Scope: More flexible and relaxed in nature, this allows the tourists to indulge in different activities and not be restricted to merely tourism.
Uses: Someone with this visa can explore the land to the fullest. You can do a range of activities like visiting friends, getting medical treatment, attending festivities, touring all over the place with locals, etc.
Duration of Stay: A few weeks to a maximum 6 months
Validity: Up to 10 years from issuance date
Entry: Multiple-entry
ESTA
For those who do not wish to visit the embassy and yet acquire a visa for the U.S., the USA ESTA is for them. This formal document is provided to the applicant online which acts as a visa and lets the person enter the country. This pertains to the countries included in the Visa Waiver Program. The visa is valid for people entering through the sea route as well as the air route. Check the fees here.
Purpose: Issued to individuals who want to visit the USA for business as well as those who simply wish to travel or visit a family member here.
Scope: It gives travelers the opportunity to explore the country as tourists.
Uses: From attending business meetings to taking part in local celebrations to traveling all over the land as a tourist, the ESTA gives you the flexibility to do it all.
Duration of Stay: 90 days
Validity: 2 years from date of issuance
Entry: Multiple-entry
Documents You Need for the U.S. Visa
What is the most important prerequisite when applying for an American travel visa? You have to carry and submit the right documents without fail. To meet the U.S. visitor visa requirements, be mindful to carry the following documents:
- A passport that remains valid after 6 months after your intended stay
- A non-immigrant visa application that has been completed from the DS-160 portal
- Photographs (preferably in passport size) as per the requirement
- The payment receipt of visa application fee
- Financial documents that work as proof of having enough sustenance to stay abroad
- Proof of having a family or property back in your home country (this speaks in favor of your intent to return to your homeland after the duration of the stay is over)
- A detailed itinerary for the trip
Applying for the USA ESTA
From application to payment to submission, everything is done online. All you have to do is fill out the application form with relevant details that include your contact, employment papers, passport, and relevant background information. No matter your age, fill out the form and give the correct details without making any mistakes.
After completing the application, pay with a credit or debit card. Post submission, you are generally notified within 48 hours, although the decision may remain pending for weeks in some cases.
Your application will be checked for approval by the Customs and Border Protection officials. The procedure is fast, as you are notified of the update via your email. Getting a USA ESTA is hassle-free because you do not need to visit the embassy and get your hands on the visa all the same.
Remember to apply for the visa at least 72 hours before you set foot on the land of your dreams. Maintain this time frame so that in case you do not get the approval email, you can visit the nearest U.S. embassy and talk to them about the visa approval process.
Applying for the B1/B2 Visa
Now that you already know the procedure for preparing for the DS-160 application, be mindful of the rest of the steps.
- Before you submit the form, you have to make the payment of the visa application fee. There are a few countries where citizens might have to pay an issuance fee after the visa gets approved. To know if you are eligible for the assurance fee, visit the government page and select your nationality.
- The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services opines that completing the application (which approximately takes about 15-20 minutes) must be followed by scheduling the interview. If you are an applicant and aged between 14 and 79, you need to sit for the interview in the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your home country. Schedule beforehand so that you get your preferred slot even during the peak season.
- The U.S. travel visa application process requires background checks. This might turn out to be a little haphazard for those who have had complex travel histories. In case you have lived in multiple countries beforehand, tell the interviewer about that in detail.
Ultimately, show responsibility while appearing for the interview. Remember that while acquiring an American travel visa allows you to travel to the country, the final entry is determined by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) once you reach the port of entry. Pay attention to the visa terms, and do not extend your stay.
Ready to Fly to the U.S.?
Getting the American travel visa approved and flying off to the land of your dreams is now easy, only if you exercise caution and honesty. Know the key differences between B1 and B2 visas so that you know which one to apply for.
Moreover, be transparent and confident when going to the U.S. Embassy for the interview, and submit the right documents. Stay true to your claims for having a hassle-free travel experience to the majestic land. For clarification on any step, the HelpDesk is here for you!
Ensure you have checked your eligibility for Online US Visa. Italian citizens, Japanese citizens, Portuguese citizens and Swiss citizens and many others are eligible for Online US Visa.