A US visitor visa is a short-term, non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to travel to the United States for business or recreational activities.
Generally, individuals who wish to visit the US for 180 days or less will need a visitor visa.
Most other countries’ citizens must apply for and the US must grant them a valid visitor visa before entering the United States. Travelers wishing to explore new places in the US and experience different cultures while visiting family and friends can use a US visitor visa. Please note that US tourist visas do not permit employment.
Once approved, the validity period of a US visitor visa varies and can range from 6 months to 10 years. During this time, visitors can stay in the US and must leave before their authorized stay expires or risk potential deportation and future inadmissibility.
How to apply for a US Visitor Visa?
- Gather the required documents. To apply for a US visitor Visa, you must present several documents, including a valid passport, proof of financial stability, and a letter of invitation from someone in the United States.
- Complete the online visa application. You will need to fill out an online application and pay the visa fee before you can schedule an appointment for an interview.
- Schedule an appointment for an interview. Once you have gathered all of the required documents and completed the online application, you will need to schedule an appointment for an interview at a US consulate or embassy.
- Attend your interview and provide fingerprints. A consular officer will ask questions about your application at your interview.
- Wait for your visa decision. After your interview, the consular officer will review your documents and decide whether to issue you a US visitor visa. The process can take several weeks, so be sure to plan accordingly.
- Receive your visa and travel to the United States. Once you receive your visa, you can travel to the United States within its validity period of six months from the date of issuance. Be sure to check entry requirements for each state you intend to visit to ensure that there are no additional restrictions before entering.
- Stay in compliance with US immigration laws during your visit. It is important to comply with all US immigration laws and regulations while in the United States, as a violation of these laws may prevent you from being able to return.
Before traveling, review the information provided by the US Department of State for more information about applying for a US visitor visa and staying compliant during your visit.
You can contact Gehi and Associates India to help with the information on US visitor visas. They are equipped with a well-qualified and experienced team of lawyers to help you professionally manage your US visit.
The different types of US visitor visa that Indians can apply for.
The different types of US visitor visas are
- B-1 US Visitor Visa – This is for people traveling to the U.S. temporarily for business purposes. It allows applicants to stay in the US for up to six months and does not allow them to work or study.
The B-1 US visitor visa holder can:
- Meet colleagues at work.
- Visit a convention or conference focusing on science, education, business, or other fields.
- Dispose of an estate.
- Hold Contract negotiations.
Requirements
To apply for a B1 visit visa to the US, you must file an application fee and provide several documents, such as
- A valid passport.
- A completed Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
- A receipt for payment of the non-refundable visa application fee.
- A letter of invitation from the company or organization you will visit in the USA.
- Evidence of your intent to return to your home country.
- Additional documentation is requested by the US embassy or consulate where you apply.
To apply for a B-1 US visitor visa in India, you must:
- File the DS-160 form.
- Pay the visa fees.
- Make an appointment for an interview for a tourist visa at the US embassy or consulate.
- Finish the B-1 visa document file.
- Attend the interview for a visa.
- B-2 US Visitor Visa – This type of US visitor visa is for people who wish to travel to the US temporarily for
- Recreational or medical treatment.
- Attending social gatherings held by fraternal, social, or service organizations amateurs
- Participate in sporting, musical, or similar activities or competitions without receiving payment
- Enroll in a brief, non-degree-granting course of study for fun (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)
Requirements:
- A valid passport
- Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form confirmation page
- Application fee payment receipt
- Evidence of ties to your home country (such as a job, property ownership, or family relationships)
- Evidence of your intended activities in the United States (such as travel itinerary and hotel reservations)
- Proof of financial support during your trip (such as bank statements, pay stubs)
To apply for a B2 US visitor visa in India, you have to:
- Complete the Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
- Pay the visa application fee at a designated bank.
- Schedule an appointment for your visa interview in the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India.
- Gather all necessary documents, including your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, photograph, and supporting materials such as employment or financial documentation.
- Attend your visa interview on the scheduled date and time.
- Wait for the processing of your application to be completed and for a decision to be made regarding your visa status.
What to do after you’ve been granted a US visitor visa
Once you’ve been granted a US visitor visa, you must take the following steps to ensure everything goes smoothly:
- Make travel arrangements. Please book your flights and hotel rooms ahead of time so that you’re ready when it comes time to leave. You may also want to purchase health insurance for your stay in the US
- Prepare documents for entry into the US To enter the country, you’ll need a passport, your visa, and any other necessary travel documents; ensure all of these items are up-to-date and accessible before traveling.
- Familiarize yourself with US customs and immigration regulations. Visit the US Department of Homeland Security website to learn more about what is allowed in the country and any restrictions that apply to visitors from your home country.
- Have a plan for when you arrive in the US Make sure you know where you’re staying and how to get there, as well as the contact information for anyone who can help you settle upon arrival (like a host family or school).
- Finally, start exploring! Now that all the paperwork is handled, it’s time to get out and enjoy all that America offers.
Conclusion
For citizens of the vast majority of countries, it is a mandatory requirement to have a visa when you enter the US, and looking for the appropriate visa for an applicant is equally necessary. The application process can be complicated and full of technicalities, and a legal expert will resolve all these issues for you in India. Contact Gehi Law India to avail yourself of all the answers to your visa technicalities. Gehi Law India has a highly professional and experienced team to help you with all US visitor visa applications.
