|
Visitor for Business or Pleasure (B1-B2 Visa)
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The visitor visa
is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). Persons planning to travel to the U.S. for a different purpose, such
as students, temporary workers, crewmen, journalists, etc, must apply for a different visa in the appropriate category. Travelers from certain eligible countries may also be able to visit the U.S. without a visa,
through the Visa Waiver Pilot Program.
Qualifying for a Visa
Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The presumption in the law is that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore,
applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:
· The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business,
· pleasure, or medical treatment;
· They plan to remain for a specific, limited period; and
· They have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit.
The presumption in the law is that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:
· The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment;
· That they plan to remain for a specific, limited period;
· Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States;
· Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad; and
· That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit.
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 U.S. consular office
abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.
Required Documentation
Each applicant for a visitor visa must submit these forms and documentation, and submit fees as explained below:
An application, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, completed and signed. The DS-156 must be the February 2003 date, either the electronic "e-form application" or the non-electronic version. Select
Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156 to access both versions of the DS-156. You may also check with the Embassy Consular Section where you will apply to determine if the hard-copy DS-156 blank form is
available, should you need it.
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. Here is Form, DS-157.
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;
One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements.
What are the Required Fees?
Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee - Each applicant for a visitor visa must pay a nonrefundable US $100 nonimmigrant visa application processing fee.
Visa issuance fee - Additionally, if the visa is issued, there will be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, if applicable. Please consult the Visa Reciprocity Tables to find out if you must pay a visa
issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is. If there is a fee for issuance for the visa, it is equal as nearly as possible to the fee charged to United States citizens by the applicant's country of
nationality.
Additional Documentation
Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly classifiable as visitors under U.S. law by:
· Evidence which shows the purpose of the trip, intent to depart the United States, and arrangements made to cover the costs of the trip may be provided. It is
impossible to specify the exact form the documentation should take since applicants' circumstances vary greatly.
· Those applicants who do not have sufficient funds to support themselves while in the U.S. must present convincing evidence that an interested person will provide
support.
· 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.
Passing through a U.S. Port of Entry
Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The USCIS has authority to deny admission. Also, the period for which the bearer of a visitor visa is authorized to remain in
the United States is determined by the USCIS, not the Department of State Consular Officer. At the port of entry, an USCIS official must authorize the traveler's admission to the U.S. At that
time the USCIS Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure, which notes the length of stay
permitted, is stamped. Those visitors who wish to stay beyond the time indicated on their Form I-94 must contact the USCIS to request Form I-539, Application to Extend Status. The decision to grant or deny a request for extension of stay is made solely by the USCIS.
|
