Step-by-Step: Applying for a Visa
- Apply for a Visa (Some applications that allow you to move permanently to the United States are often informally referred to as a Green Card application.)
- You may need to prove to US immigration authorities that you have enough funds to cover your initial stay in the States.
- Arrange the requisite documents for the visa type you are applying for. ...
- In most cases, someone must sponsor you or file an immigrant petition for you.
- Wait until the petition is approved and a visa is available in your category. Then apply for an immigrant visa. ...
- Get a medical examination.
- Go to an interview.
- Wait for a decision on your application.
How can I get an immigrant visa for the US?
Foreign nationals of countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. can participate in a random drawing for the potential of getting an immigrant visa (Green Card). Check the State Department’s Diversity Visa site to learn more about the program. You must be a foreign citizen from a country with a low immigration rate to the United States.
Do I need a visa to enter the US?
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.
How to get an immigrant visa for a spouse of US citizen?
Immigrant visa for a Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (IR1 or CR1) - An immigrant Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130 is required. Learn more. Nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) - It is important to note that application for the nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) who married a U.S. citizen must be filed and the visa must be issued in ...
How to apply online for a tourist visa to the US?
How to Apply Online for a Business or Tourism Visitor Visa to the U.S. 1 To complete online form DS-160, the nonimmigrant visa application form. 2 A photo. 3 A visa application fee. 4 To schedule an interview.
How long can you live in the US with a visa?
When you enter the U.S., a customs officer will give you authorization to stay in the U.S. for up to six months. If you'd like to stay for longer, you may be able to apply to extend this for up to one year.
How can I permanently stay in USA?
Apply for a Green Card If you are eligible, file Form I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with USCIS, including all supporting documents and fees. USCIS will review your application and schedule an interview with you. Once issued, your Green Card will be valid for 10 years.
What is the easiest way to immigrate to USA?
Immediate relatives are spouses of US citizens, parents of US citizens, and unmarried minor children of US citizens. There is no limit on the number of visas available each year for immediate relatives. Being a US citizen's spouse is the fastest, easiest way to immigrate to the US.
How much is a visa to live in America?
US Nonimmigrant Visa Application FeesVisa typeCostNon-petition Based Visas$160Petition Based Visas$190E Visas$205K Visas$265
Can you move to America without a job?
Some permanent work visas that do not require a job offer and a sponsor in the United States are the EB-1, O-1 and EB-5 visas.
How much money do I need to move to America?
The cost to immigrate to the US including the entire process will be around $4000 to $12,000. When an individual applies with the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), you need to pay several fees.
Who can sponsor me in USA?
Who You Can Help ImmigrateWho Can Sponsor WhoWho You AreImmigrants You Can PetitionU.S. citizenMarried children or adult childrenU.S. citizen age 21 or olderBrothers and sistersU.S. permanent residentUnmarried children4 more rows
How long can I stay in America without a visa?
90 daysThe Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 40 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.
How difficult is it to move to USA?
You can come to the US legally if a family member (including a new spouse) sponsors you, an employer sponsors you, or you are seeking asylum as a refugee. The next step is submitting the relevant applications and paperwork, which could take as many as six months to process.
How can I live in America legally?
Essential Steps to Get an Immigrant VisaIn most cases, someone must sponsor you or file an immigrant petition for you.Wait until the petition is approved and a visa is available in your category. Then apply for an immigrant visa. ... Get a medical examination.Go to an interview.Wait for a decision on your application.
How long can you stay in America without a green card?
The Normal Rule. The quick answer to the question of how long a visitor can lawfully stay in the United States for most people is six months.
How can I live and work in USA?
Non-U.S. citizens can permanently live and work in the U.S. by applying to be a lawful permanent resident and obtaining a Green Card. Lawful permanent residents are entitled to limited rights and benefits as compared to U.S. citizens.
What are the 5 requirements to become a U.S. citizen?
Be able to read, write, and speak basic English; Demonstrate good moral character; Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government; Demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and.
How long can you stay in the US without a green card?
If you are outside of the U.S. for less than 1 year, you will only need your green card (I-551) or a returning resident visa to re-enter the U.S. If you will, however, be outside of the U.S. for longer than 1 year, you will need to apply for a re-entry-entry permit.
How many years does it take to get PR in USA?
You can expect the processing time for permanent residence to be more lengthy than most other visas. According to USCIS, an application for permanent residence (Form I-485) will take anywhere from 6 months to 33 months to process.
How can I stay in US for 2 years?
Apply for a re-entry permit using Form I-131 - Application for Travel Document. For permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. For conditional residents, it is valid for up to two years.
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 an O-1 visa?
The O-1 visa is for people who can be described as an ‘individual with extraordinary ability or achievement”. But who is extraordinary? Apparently, you are super special if you have recognized achievements and national or international acclaim. You must also show you have or do business (i.e are making money) from your achievements, preferably within America. There doesn’t seem to be a limit to the fields you can be extraordinary in and it quite common with scientists, athletics, artists, and actors. Freelancers and well-known bloggers are also another categories, however, I have been told they are getting far stricter on this.
How long is a J1 visa good for?
J1 Summer Visa- students will use this to work or intern in America. It is for a maximum of four months and recent changes have come into place that you now need a job set up before moving over. You must be currently enrolled in a third level degree.
How to contact USCIS for travel documents?
without obtaining one, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for assistance: United States: Call 1-800-375-5283; for TTY dial 1-800-767-1833. Abroad: Contact the nearest USCIS international office or a U.S. Embassy or consulate.
What is a green card?
A Green Card (Permanent Resident Card): Gives you official immigration status in the United States. Entitles you to certain rights and responsibilities. Is required if you wish to naturalize as a U.S. Citizen. If you have questions about applying for, renewing, or replacing a Green Card, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
How to get a document authenticated?
The process to get a document authenticated depends on the specific document, the state in which it was issued, and other factors. Check with your state’s document authentication agency. Also, visit the Authentications page from the Department of State (DOS).
Start Here
When applying for immigration status to permanently move to the U.S. you begin with a petition to USCIS.
Complete Your Visa with the U.S. State Department
After the visa petition is approved at DHS/USCIS, it moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) at the U.S. Department of State for visa pre-processing. This organization collects fees, reviews documents and schedules interviews. Personnel at the NVC will contact the applicant with instructions on completing their formal visa application.
Special Situations
There are some special situations where the law provides for foreign citizens to move to the United States. This includes the the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), which is an inter-agency effort, the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to increase the number of Iraqi refugees admitted to the United States.
What is the visa for a non-US citizen?
Some of the most commonly requested visas are: Immigrant visa for permanent residency Permanent Residency: the U.S. immigration status that allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work permanently in the United States. Fiancé (e) visa to marry your U.S. citizen fiancé (e), and live, in the U.S.
What is an immigration visa?
Immigrant visa for permanent residency Permanent Residency: the U.S. immigration status that allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work permanently in the United States.
How long does a passport last in the US?
The documents you need and whether your passport needs to be valid for six months after your travel dates depend on the country you are arriving from and your citizenship or status. Open All +.
How many people get green cards a year?
About a million people a year receive Green Cards, designating them as new permanent residents of the United States. Many of those people arrive in the U.S. through an immigrant visa.
What to do if you are a refugee?
If you believe you need protection as a refugee, contact the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or another international nonprofit volunteer agency. If these organizations are unavailable to you, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate.
When do you pay for an immigrant visa?
The best time to pay the fee is after you pick up your immigrant visa from the U.S. consulate, before you leave for the United States. When you receive your immigrant visa, you’ll get a sealed packet of documents to give officials at the U.S. port of entry.
What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative?
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative covers travel by land, sea, or air from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda: American citizens entering the U.S. must show a valid passport, U.S. passport card, a Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST), or an enhanced driver’s license.
Can I get same sex visa as opposite sex spouse?
Same-sex spouses of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), along with their minor children, are now eligible for the same immigration benefits as opposite-sex spouses. Consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates will adjudicate their immigrant visa applications upon receipt of an approved I-130 or I-140 petition from USCIS. ...
Can a spouse get a K-3 visa?
Nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) - It is important to note that application for the nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) who married a U.S. citizen must be filed and the visa must be issued in the country where the marriage took place. After the visa process has been completed, and the visa is issued, the spouse can travel to the United States to wait for the processing of the immigrant visa case. Two petitions are required: Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, and Petition for Alien Fiancé (e), Form I-129F. Learn more.
What is a visa for employment?
The visa provides entry to the U.S. and , depending on the type of visa obtained, may provide authorization for employment in the U.S.
What is a work visa?
What's a U.S. work visa and why do you need one? A visa is a document that provides authorization for travel to and admittance to the United States. Before visiting, working, or immigrating to the U.S., generally a citizen of a foreign country must first obtain a U.S. visa. 1 .
What is the annual green card lottery?
The annual green card lottery program ( Diversity Immigrant Visa Program) is an opportunity for potential immigrants to obtain the status as a permanent legal resident of the U.S. 5
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 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.
What happens if you try to get a visa?
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 United States.
What form do I need to bring for an L visa?
L Visa Applicants – If you are included in an L blanket petition, you must bring Form I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, to your interview.
What is the purpose of a visa interview?
During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
What form do I need to file for a temporary worker visa?
Some temporary worker visa categories require your prospective employer to obtain a labor certification or other approval from the Department of Labor on your behalf before filing the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, with USCIS. Your prospective employer should review the Instructions for Form I-129 on the USCIS website to determine whether labor certification is required for you.
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 don't leave the US on time?
Failure to depart the United States on time will result in you being out of status. Under U.S. law, visas of travelers who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). If you had a multiple-entry visa and it was voided due to you being out of status, it will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
How to lodge a visa online?
Most visa applications can be lodged online by creating an ImmiAccount. This is our preferred method of visa lodgement to helps us process your application faster.
How to check visa details?
You can check visa details and conditions through Visa Entitlement Verification Online system ( VEVO ).
How long does it take to get an ETA notification?
You may need to wait up to 12 hours after applying to receive your notification. You can also confirm if your application has been approved by checking your visa status through the AustralianETA app (if you applied through the app) or by using the Check an ETA function.
How to know if you have an ETA?
After you have applied for an ETA, you should wait for a written notification which will be sent to you by email. In most cases, you will be notified of the result of your ETA application immediately. Sometimes there will be a delay before receiving your notification.
What to do if your Australian visa has not been finalised?
If your Australian visa has not been finalised and you would like to withdraw your application you will need to advise us of this in writing. You can complete the form 1446 and attach it to your ImmiAccount .
Can an ETA be processed without further information?
If you have been notified that your ETA cannot be processed or approved without further information, you can: Use the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Request for further processing form to contact an Australian Visa Office and provide information so we can consider whether you are eligible for an ETA.
Can I apply for a visa for Australia if I have a no further stay?
If your current visa includes a ‘No Further Stay’ condition, you can submit a request to waive this condition and if this is approved , you may lodge an application for a further visa while you are in Australia . Information on how to request a waiver can be found at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/waivers-and-permissions/no-further-stay-waiver.
