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 Where
do I apply for a visitor visa?
Applicants for visitor visas should generally apply at the American
Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent
residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any US consular office
abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the
country of permanent residence.
Required documentation to apply for a visa.
Each applicant for a visitor visa must
submit these forms and documentation, and submit fees as explained
below:
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An application, Nonimmigrant Visa Application,
Form DS-156, completed and signed
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A Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application
, Form DS-157 provides additional information about your travel
plans. Submission of this completed form is required for all male
applicants between 16-45 years of age. It is also required for all
applicants from state sponsors of terrorism age 16 and over, irrespective
of gender, without exception. Seven countries are now designated
as state sponsors of terrorism, including North Korea, Cuba, Syria,
Sudan, Iran, Iraq, and Libya. Select Special Processing Procedures
to learn more. You should know that a consular officer may require
any nonimmigrant visa applicant to complete this form.
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A passport valid for travel to the United States
and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's
intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person
is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make
an application.
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One 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format.
Visa application fees.
Each applicant for a visitor visa must pay a nonrefundable US $100
nonimmigrant visa application processing fee. Additionally, if the
visa is issued, there will be an additional visa issuance reciprocity
fee, if applicable.
Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly classifiable
as visitors under U.S. law by:
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Evidence which shows the purpose of the trip,
intent to depart the United States, and arrangements made to cover
the costs of the trip. It is impossible to specify the exact form
the documentation should take since applicants' circumstances vary
greatly.
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Those applicants who do not have sufficient funds
to support themselves while in the U.S. must present convincing
evidence that someone else will provide that support.
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Depending on individual circumstances, applicants
may provide other documentation substantiating the trip's purpose
and specifying the nature of binding obligations, such as family
ties or employment, which would compel their return abroad.
Visitor visa when seeking to travel for medical treatment.
Persons desiring to travel to the US for medical treatment should
be prepared to present the following, in addition to any other documentation
the consular officer may require:
-
Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining
the nature of the ailment and the reason the applicant requires
treatment in the United States.
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Letter from a physician or medical facility in
the United States, expressing a willingness to treat this specific
ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment
including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related
expenses.
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Statement of financial responsibility from the
individuals or organization which will pay for the patient’s
transportation, medical and living expenses. The individuals guaranteeing
payment of these expenses must provide proof of ability to do so,
often in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings
or certified copies of income tax returns.
Misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud.
Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a
material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a
visa or denial of entry into the US.
Visa extension.
Those visitors who wish to stay beyond the time indicated on their
Form I-94 must contact the Department of Homeland Security’s
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services to request an application
to extend their visas. The decision to grant or deny a request for
extension of stay is made solely by the Bureau of Citizenship and
Immigration Services
Visitors are not permitted to accept employment during their
stay in the US.
Unless previously canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration
date. Therefore, if the traveler has a valid US visitor visa in an
expired passport, he or she may use it along with a new valid passport
for travel and admission to the United States.
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