U.S. VISA

What is VISA Card

Visa is a Legal Document of Permission to Visit any Country, used with a Passport and Travel Tickets (To and Fro), issued by the Embassy of the Country, where the traveler is planning to Visit.

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.

A visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. A visa simply indicates that a U.S. consular officer has determined that you are eligible to apply for entry to the United States for a specific purpose.

Each Country has its own Visa Types for Foreigners and Rules to fulfill to apply for a Valid Visa.

VISA Types: for USA

Nonimmigrant VISA	Immigrant VISA
A nonimmigrant visa (NIV) is issued to a person with permanent residence outside the United States but wishes to be in the United States on a temporary basis for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work, or study.	A foreign citizen seeking to immigrate generally must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident immediately. To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen seeking to immigrate generally must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident immediate relative(s), or prospective U.S. employer, and have an approved petition before applying for an immigrant visa. The sponsor begins the process by filing a petition on the foreign citizen’s behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Business/Tourist Visa Work Visa Student Visa Exchange Visitor Visa Transit/Ship Crew Visa Religious Worker Visa Domestic Employee Visa Journalist and Media Visa Treaty Trader and Treaty Investor Visa	Family-Based Immigration Fiancé(e) Visa Employment-Based Immigration Returning Resident Visa Diversity Visas

How to Get VISA for USA ?

• Complete the DS-160 Non-immigrant Visa Application Form online

(There are two types of US visas: immigrant (Permanent) and non-immigrant

(Temporary OR form DS -160 ). Immigrant visas are for those who intend to live in the US permanently, while nonimmigrant visas are for those who want to visit the US temporarily.)

You should have proof of strong ties to your home country, such as employment verification, school enrollment, or property ownership.

 (Citizens of some countries may be eligible to visit the US without a visa for up to 90 days. This includes citizens of Canada and Bermuda for tourism and visits.)

The most common types OF visa are:

• Tourist/Visitor Visa (B-2): For leisure or visiting friends and family.
• Business Visa (B-1): For work-related purposes like meetings.
• Student Visa (F-1 or M-1): For academic or vocational studies.
• Work Visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.): For employment.
• Immigrant Visa: For permanent residency (e.g., family sponsorship, green card).

 Complete the DS-160 Form

• Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center.
• Fill out the DS-160 form online.
• Save and print the confirmation page with the barcode.

 Pay the Visa Application Fee

• The fee depends on the visa type, typically ranging from $160 for tourist and business visas to higher fees for work or immigrant visas.
• Pay through the designated bank or online payment options.

 Schedule Appointments

Two appointments are required:

1. Visa Application Center (VAC):
   • Visit a VAC for biometrics (fingerprinting) and photo.
   • Bring your DS-160 confirmation, visa fee receipt, and passport.
2. Consular Interview:
   • Schedule this after your biometrics appointment.

 Prepare for the Interview

Documents to carry:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
• DS-160 Confirmation Page.
• Visa Fee Receipt.
• Appointment Confirmation.
• Supporting Documents: These depend on the visa type. Examples include:
  • Financial statements, proof of ties to India, employer letters (for tourist/business visas).
  • Admission letter, I-20 form (for student visas).
  • Job offer letter, LCA approval (for work visas).

 Attend the Interview

• Be prepared to explain:
  • Purpose of your trip.
  • Plans for returning to India.
• Be truthful and concise.
• Dress formally and confidently.

 Wait for Visa Processing

• If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa stamped.
• Processing time varies but is usually a few days to a few weeks.