While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that administers the country's naturalization and immigration system. It is a successor to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, which was dissolved by the Homeland S…
How to apply for a visa to the United States?
Apply for a visa. The process of applying for a visa will vary depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply. Follow the specific instructions for the country that you’re in. In general, you will need: To complete online form DS-160, the nonimmigrant visa application form. A photo. A visa application fee.
How do I apply for a nonimmigrant visa online?
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160. You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview. Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160.
Do I need a visa to visit the United States?
Check to see if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you don't see your country listed, you will need a nonimmigrant visa to visit the U.S. 2. Determine which visa you might need for your visit. Most business and tourism travelers use B-1 and B-2 visitor visas.
Do you have to pay for US visa application fees?
In addition to US visa application fees, you could also be asked to pay US visa issuance fees. Visa issuance fees are determined by the relationship that the US has with your home country. This means that some applicants will have to pay them and some will not. Their amount varies from country to country.
What is a U.S. Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
Find out what visa type is appropriate for you
The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel.
Visa Appointment Wait Time
A wait time listed as "999 calendar days" indicates that the Consular Section is only providing that service to emergency cases. Please check the Embassy or Consulate website for further information.
What is a visa for a foreigner?
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.
Where to schedule a visa interview?
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
What happens after a visa interview?
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this required.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
What happens if you fail to leave the US on time?
Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status. Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
Can a visa be voided?
Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
Do you need an interview for a visa?
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.
How old do you have to be to get a US visa?
5. Schedule a US visa interview. All US nonimmigrant visa applicants between 14 and 79 years old are required to go through a US visa interview.
What is the second step in applying for a US visa?
The second step of the US visa application is to choose the type of US visa that you want to get. Since there are differences depending on the type of US visa you want to get, you should pay extra attention to choosing the right type of visa to apply for.
How long does it take to get a visa after an interview?
Processing times depend on the type of US visa you applied for, but they can range from a few days to a few months. When your visa is processed, you will find out whether you were approved or denied.
What is the form for a non-immigrant visa?
Fill in the Non-immigrant visa Application Form DS-160.
Where to find DS-160 form?
The form can be found online on the website of the US consulate from which you are applying.
How to fill out DS-160?
You can fill the DS-160 form online through: 1 by yourself through the Consular Electronic Application Center, or 2 with the assistance of a third-party company, that we recommend, such as TravelAssist.
Why do people want to go to the US?
For most people around the world, wanting to go to the US means that they need a visa. The reasons for wanting to go differ from just visits for tourism or business, working, studying, or permanently moving there. The country attracts a wide range of people who have various goals and want to achieve “the American dream”.
Where can I find a visa for Vietnam?
On this website you can find information about U.S. immigrant and nonimmigrant visas and the requirements to apply for each. You can also learn how to pay the required visa application fee, and book an interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City
Which website is the definitive source of visa information?
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs websiteand Consular Post websites are the definitive sources of visa information. Should there be discrepancies in content, the Consular Affairs website and Consular Post websites take precedence.
How to update DS-160?
Update your profile with the DS-160 barcode number by selecting “Update Profile” on this website . When scheduling your appointment, use the same barcode from your current DS-160. If you have made an appointment with an invalid or previously used barcode, you must update your profile at least three (3) business days prior to your appointment date with the new/valid barcode. Otherwise, you will not be allowed in for an interview and will need to make a new appointment using the new/valid DS-160 barcode. Please bring printouts of your DS-160 confirmation and appointment confirmation to your interview.
When did the H-1B visa expire?
Presidential Proclamation 10052, which temporarily suspended the entry of certain H-1B, H-2B, J (for certain categories within the Exchange Visitor Program), and L nonimmigrants, expired on March 31, 2021. Visa applicants who have not yet been interviewed or scheduled for an interview will have their applications prioritized and processed in accordance with existing phased resumption of visa services guidance. Visa applicants who were previously refused visas due to the restrictions of Presidential Proclamation 10052 may reapply by submitting a new application including a new fee.
How long is a DS-160 valid for?
Fees paid on or after April 1, 2021 are valid for one year from their date of purchase. Notification for applicants to complete the DS-160 form online. Attention:Nonimmigrant Visas Applicants should submit electronically the DS-160 online form before making an appointment.
When will the immigration interview resume in 2021?
As of October 4, 2021, Nonimmigrant and immigrant visa interviews will gradually resume as staffing, safety guidelines, and local regulations permit. However, please note that applicants may continue to encounter significant scheduling delays.
When is the suspension of entry for foreign nationals?
Entry of foreign nationals who were physically present within the following list of countries within 14 days prior to their entry or attempted entry into the United States is suspended, per Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, 10143, and the Proclamation signed on April 30, 2021:
What is a visa for a foreigner?
What is a Visa? A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
What determines what type of visa is required?
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
Where is the US embassy in Kingston?
Embassy Kingston is located at 142 Old Hope Road in Liguanea, Kingston 6. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. except for holidays.
