How to Obtain an American Tourist Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you have been wanting to visit the US for medical reasons or leisure, then you must acquire an American tourist visa. In this informative post, you’ll learn everything you need to learn regarding the application process, eligibility criteria and more for the American Tourist Visa. Without any further delay, let us help you learn more about these visas below.
What is a U.S. Tourist Visa?
An American tourist visa (non-immigrant/visitor visa) is an official travel document. It is issued by your country’s US Embassy/Consulate.
Non-immigrant visas issued by the US Consulate or Embassy can be divided into B1 (for work) and B2 (leisure/personal) visa documents.
However, they’re different compared to permanent or immigrant visas, since they have:
- A limited validity (i.e, for a few weeks or months, depending on the type)
- To be periodically renewed
- No special benefits like Social Services, etc.
- A reduced processing time
Why You Need a U.S. Tourist Visa?
You’ll need a B-2 visa as it will help you travel to, or through the United States in a hassle-free manner. Citizens of most countries can get an American tourist visa, except in certain cases of ineligibility. Let’s take a deeper look at this below.
An American Tourist Visa will let you visit the United States as:
- A tourist
- A person seeking entertainment
- Someone wishing to meet their family members
- An individual seeking medical treatment
On the other hand, a B1 visa will be issued to you if you have work-related reasons for visiting the US, such as:
- A business meeting
- Transit purposes
- Attending a seminar, conference, training session, etc.
Now, if you happen to belong to visa waiver country, you won’t need a physical Visa to travel there. Instead, you can apply for the eVisa or the ESTA (Electronic System of Travel Authorization).
With the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you can travel in the US for up to three months without a visa.
As a Canadian citizen, you are authorized to enter the United States only with your passport. You don’t have to apply for a visa. You’ll be allowed to stay in the US for max 6 months at a time.
Permanent residents of Canada need to apply for a traditional American Tourist Visa.
Bermuda nationals can come and stay in the country for up to 180 days without a visa.
If you have been present in Iraq, Iran, etc. after 1st March 2011, then you will have to visit the US Consulate to apply for a visitor visa. Click here to learn if you belong to any of these countries.
Which Documents Do You Need to Apply for a U.S. Tourist Visa?
You can apply for a non-immigrant American Tourist Visa if you fulfill the following requirements:
Passport
You must have a valid passport that is active for at least the next six months after your visit or stay in the US.
Application
The DS-160 form must be filled with all the correct and relevant information.
Photograph
Your photograph should be a recent one and comply with all the requirements.
Proof of financial stability
The American Tourist Visa application process will require you to showcase your financial strength. You’ll have to have sufficient funds to travel to and from, and stay in the US as well.
Reason to return to your home country
You must show that you have ample reason to go back to your homeland after your trip.
Travel History
You must showcase which countries you’ve traveled to previously to gain entry to the US. Check for more detailed information here.
Previous Immigration records
If you have existing records that show you entering the USA, then you’ll be required to furnish the same.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a U.S. Tourist Visa
Here, we will learn about the B2 Visa Application process:
Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form
You can fill out the online DS-160 form issued by the U.S in the following manner:
- Visiting the website
- Starting a new application
- Answering all the relevant questions
- Digitally signing the form and submitting it
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee
You can pay the sum in the following manner:
- Logging into your account and clicking the pay option
- Selecting a debit card and paying the required sum
After you make the payment, you should keep the receipt for your interview as it will have the transaction number.
Step 3: Schedule Your Visa Interview
You can schedule an appointment at the U.S Embassy in the following manner after filling out the form and paying the fee:
- Logging in and selecting your appointment slot
- Printing the confirmation page so that you can carry it with you to the appointment
Remember to carry the following documents for the interview:
- Passport
- Two photographs that fulfill official requirements
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Original police clearance certificate
- Original birth certificate with a photocopy and English translation if necessary
- A medical examination report from a U.S Approved panel physician
- Your relationship proof (single/divorced)
- An I-134 form
Preparing for Your U.S. Tourist Visa Interview
Be prepared for some in-depth questioning by the officials:
Common Interview Questions
- Personal (your reason for visiting, any existing family members, ties to your home country etc.)
- Nature of employment and financial stability
- Your itinerary
- Your previous travel records
While you might feel understandably nervous, you can ace the interview in the following manner:
- Brushing up on your communication skills
- Having the proper documentation (including any additional required)
- Giving precise answers
- Clarifying factors such as how your family will support itself during your absence
- Being positive
- Demonstrating your ties to your home country clearly and firmly
After Your U.S. Tourist Visa Interview
Depending on how your interview went, you’ll have to wait for a certain period.
What Happens After the Interview?
After the American Tourist Visa interview, you’ll have to wait for the following:
- 3-5 working days on average: if your visa application is approved during the interview. The visa will take 2-3 days to reach you.
- 21 days: if you applied for the IWP (Interview Waiver Program). Your passport will take 2-3 days to reach you after the formalities
You can check your Visa application status here if you’re anxious.
Visa Denial
Now, take note that your visa might be denied for the following reasons:
- Filling in incomplete or false information
- Having priors such as unlawfully staying in the USA, etc.
- Arousing the suspicion of the customs officer, etc.
All Set For Your Trip To The U.S.?
We hope you’re ready for your journey. Update your passport if necessary and get all certifications you will need for the American tourist visa. The United States has a strict border control policy, and you must present yourself well with documents to back up your reason for entry. For any help, reach out to the HelpDesk.
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