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The United States is one of the best places to visit and stay in the world. However, it is important to note that you need a valid visa to enter the United States. Millions of people apply for visas to visit the United States every year. They seek to visit the US for various reasons, such as medical treatment, education, employment, business, or a diplomatic visit.
Although most visa applications are approved, many applicants are still denied because they do not follow the necessary procedures. You can still apply again if your visa application has not been approved. If you have a valid reason for visiting the United States, you should apply again.
Applying for a visa in the United States can be a lengthy and complicated process. There are numerous US visa travel requirements. The US immigration system is highly organized and provides you with all the necessary information to immigrate to the United States for a short or long time.
The visa application process is full of information and paperwork that can overwhelm most individuals. An attorney can help you understand the US visa travel requirements and take you through the visa application process.
Here is what you need to know about applying for a US visa and how to complete the process.
Visa options
Different types of visas are available in the United States, depending on the purpose for which you are coming. You will most likely be turned down if you do not have a good reason for coming. That is why the US government denies many visa applications each year.
If you are planning to come to the United States, you must apply for an immigrant or non-immigrant visa. An immigrant visa is for people who want to stay in the United States for an extended period. On the other hand, a non-immigrant visa is for people who are visiting the United States for a short period with a particular purpose.
Your visa choice in the US falls into one of these two categories. A non-immigrant visa is for people who want to come to the US for a short period, like for work, family visits, or to study. But if you want to move to the US permanently, you need an immigrant visa. Immigrant visas come in many forms, like immigrant investors visas, family reunification visas, etc.
One of the main differences between a non-immigrant and an immigrant visa is the length of stay. A non-immigrant visa is only valid for a limited time, and once it expires, you must return to your country. On the other hand, an immigrant visa is permanent and allows you to come and go whenever you want. In both cases, you must meet the US visa travel requirements.
Contact an attorney to learn more about the US visa travel requirements of these visa options.
The visa application process
1. Pick your visa choice.
Before you start your visa application in the United States, it is important to decide which visa option is right for you. You must choose the right visa type based on your purpose. There are several types of visas available in the United States. B-2 visas are for visiting the United States for tourism purposes. You can meet up with friends and attend events in the United States.
B-1 visas are for traveling to the United States for business purposes. You can attend meetings and conferences. F-1 visas allow you to go to the United States to study. You can get a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. H1-B visas are for work purposes. You can work in the United States in a specific field.
The H-4 visa is for dependents of foreign workers and allows them to travel with a foreign worker. The L-1 visa is for international transfers and allows you to work in your job’s US office. Several other types of US visas are available, so if you are unsure which one is best for you, speak with an attorney.
The US visa travel requirements for each of these visa options are different. So, make sure you meet them and are eligible before you apply. It is also important to have the right paperwork for your visa when you are interviewed.
2. Get someone to sponsor you.
A foreign national seeking to immigrate to the United States on an immigrant visa will need a sponsor in the United States. This could be an American citizen, a legal permanent resident, your spouse, or someone you intend to work for. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
Your sponsor will begin the immigration process by filing an I-130 for an Alien Relative with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you want to work, your sponsor must file a USCIS Alien Worker application. Your sponsor must complete an initial petitioning process. This includes submitting paperwork, completing forms, and responding to a few questions.
The success of your sponsor’s petition depends on how many visas are available and how persuasive the application is. Some visa categories (e.g., employment visas) have limited visas available each year so that you will be on the waiting list. More applicants join the waiting list each year as more visas become available.
Obtaining an immigrant visa in the United States can take up to 18 months. Therefore, you may not receive an immigrant visa until one year after your sponsor sends the petition. This means you will be considered for an immigrant visa on a first-come, first-serve basis. The availability of your visa will depend on the date the petition was filed.
Do not apply for immigrant visas until your sponsor’s petition is approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once USCIS has approved your petition, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for review. The NVC will determine if your petition is “current” or “in the next 12 months.”
Once the NVC has reviewed the petition, the immigration visa prep process begins. The NVC collects fees and forms from both sponsors and immigrants. Your attorney will inform you of the US visa travel requirements and let you know what needs to be done.
2. Get the things you need to support your case.
Depending on the type of US visa you seek, you will need various documents and information to support your application. Here is a list of what you may need:
- Your passport.
- Your personal contact information.
- Your family information.
- Your current job information.
- Your work experience.
- Your education history (from 10th grade).
- Travel itinerary.
- Your travel expenses.
- Your digital passport (white background).
- Your destination.
- Info about your contact person in the US?
- Info about your travel companions?
You will also need documentation or information unique to your visa application. For example, if you are applying for an H1-B visa, you will need USCIS’s petition approval notice.
3. Complete forms and schedule appointments.
Once you are set up, you must complete forms such as the DS-160 (for non-immigrant visas) or the DS-260 (for immigrant visas). Foreigners can do this online or visit their country’s US embassy or consulate. Failing to complete the application form could significantly impact your visa, as it is part of the US visa travel requirements.
It is important to have an attorney help you complete the application form. You must also schedule an appointment at the US embassy or consulate to submit your visa application and other documents. The length of the waiting period will vary depending on where you are located, what time of year it is, and what type of visa you are applying for.
You can learn more about the waiting period by speaking with an attorney. Remember that you will need to pay the fee before your appointment. Your home country’s US embassy or consulate will let you know when to pay.
4. Meet up with the appointment.
It would help if you spoke with a visa officer when you arrive at your appointment. They will review your application and decide if you can be approved for a visa to the United States. They will ask you questions to ensure you understand what you need to meet the US visa travel requirements.
They will also ask to take your fingerprints, and you may have to pay additional fees. After your interview, they may ask you to complete additional paperwork before they make a final decision on your application. This depends on what is going on at your interview.
If you feel overwhelmed by the process, hiring an attorney can help you navigate it.
Get help!
Non-US citizens have many ways to enter the United States, but it takes a lot of effort to get the right visa. That is why it is so important to hire an immigration attorney. At Gehi and Associates, we have a team of skilled immigration attorneys who can assist you with any visa application.
We have a proven track record of success, so you can trust us to take care of your immigration application and make it an enjoyable experience. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!
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Our law offices in NY offers free consultations, both virtual and in-person, for all legal and immigration matters. To schedule one, please contact us today!