How to Apply for USA Visa.
Do you want to migrate to USA? Here is a comprehensive American Visa Application Guidelines.
Getting a visa is an obligate requirement for most foreigners who wish to go the US. People have different reasons why they want to go the US, the reasons could be for business, tourism, studying or the intention to permanently reside there. The US offers endless possibilities, and the achieving the “American Dream” is goal for most of the foreigners wishing to go to the US.
Getting a visa to the US is not entirely an easy process, however, this article will discuss the necessary steps to apply for a US visa.
Steps to Apply for a US Visa
1. Confirm If You Need a Visa
Not all foreigners who wish to move to the US are required to obtain a visa.
Citizens/residents of 39 visa-exempt countries do not require visa to enter the US. Confirm first if you require a visa before you begin your visa application.
2. Chose The Appropriate Visa Type
The second step of the US visa application is to select the appropriate visa type that suits your immigration objectives. Since there are lots of visa categories that suits all immigration objectives, you should pay close attention and select the right visa.
3. Fill in the Non-migrant Visa Application Form DS-160
The Form DS-160, Online Non-immigrant Visa Application is that must be filled by foreigners who wish to stay in the US temporarily. You can obtain the form online on the US consular website from which you are applying from.
You can fill the form DS-160 online:
by yourself via the Consular Electronic Application Center, or
you can engage the service of immigration expert.
Filling The Form DS-160?
The Form DS-160 is divided into two sections. The first section requires you to answer personal questions such as:
Complete name
Marital Status
Nationality
Date and Place of Birth
Address
Phone number
Passport number
Passport book number
Family data
Work
Education etc.
The second section requires you to provide answers in relation to your security and background:
If you have been convicted of a crime or if you have ever been arrested.
If you have been involved in any conspiracy to violate laws prohibiting the sale of controlled substances.
If you have been involved in any money laundering scheme.
If you have ever partook in genocide.
4. Pay The Visa Application Fee
Paying the application fee is the next step in the visa application process.
The Machine Readable Visa Fee for visa candidates depends on the type of visa one applies for. The fee is as follows:
MRV Fee – $160
Petition Based Applicants (H, L, O, P, Q, R) – $190
E-1, E-2 and E-3 visa candidates – $205
It is important to note that, if you decide to cancel your appointment, or your visa application is rejected, the application fees are non-refundable.
You may be asked to pay US visa issuance fee in addition to the visa application fees. The relationship between the US and your home country will determine the visa issuance fee.
Paying the application fee is an important step to continue the visa application process.
5. Chose a Convenient Date For a US Visa Interview
All applicants for the non-immigrants between the ages of 14 and 79 are required to undergo a US visa interview. You are required to chose a convenient for the visa interview with the US embassy or consulate. It is important to schedule the interview as early as possible to avoid delays due to workloads.
6. Arrange The Required Documents
You are required to submit required supporting documents alongside the Form DS-160. The supporting documents will show proof that you meet the eligibility requirements for the visa you are applying for.
7. Attend The Scheduled Visa Interview
This is the last stage in the visa application process. Along with the supporting documents, you must arrive on time. The interviewer will ask you questions about your background and other relevant questions based on the visa you are applying for.
8. Wait For Processing
You will have to be patient for your application to be processed after the interview, and depending on the visa you applied, the processing time differs, and it can range from a few days to a few months. It is very important to only make travel preparations when you are aware of your visa status to avoid unnecessary expenses in case your visa application is denied.
