how to get approved for a us tourist visa

To apply for one of these visitor visas, you must:

1. Complete Form DS-160
2. Pay visa application fees
3. Provide supporting documents needed
4. Attend your immigration interview

Full Answer

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.

What do I need to apply for a US tourist visa?

In general, you will need: 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 to find out if you need a tourist visa?

1 Find out if you need a visa. Check to see if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). ... 2 Determine which visa you might need for your visit. Most business and tourism travelers use B-1 and B-2 visitor visas. ... 3 Apply for a visa.

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.

How do you increase your chances of getting a US visa?

U.S. Tourist Visa: How to Make your Chances of Approval HigherEmployment. Having a job in your home country will not guarantee to have your visa issued. ... Family Obligation. ... Property and Personal Asset. ... Community Involvement. ... Travel History.

How much money do I need to show for US tourist visa?

How much money do I need to show for US Tourist Visa? Officially, there is no limit for the money to be shown for the US Tourist Visa. Any amount that can validate the overall expenses for your US trip must be adequate. This includes to and fro air tickets, medical insurance, boarding, lodging, shopping, etc.

What do I need to qualify for a tourist visa in USA?

Here are the required documents for a US visa:An online nonimmigrant DS-160 application form. You can file the form DS-160 here.Your valid passport. ... One photograph. ... Receipt proving payment of $160 for a nonimmigrant US visa application. ... Social media details.

Why US tourist visa gets rejected?

An applicant's current and/or past actions, such as drug or criminal activities, as examples, may make the applicant ineligible for a visa. If denied a visa, in most cases the applicant is notified of the section of law which applies.

Is US giving tourist visa now?

U.S. Embassy Manila has resumed all routine visa services. Wait times for interviews are longer than before the pandemic, except for immediate relatives. For nonimmigrant visas, the embassy is prioritizing applicants with urgent travel needs.

Do I need bank statement for US visa?

The United States government requires all international applicants to provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses before the forms needed for obtaining a visa can be issued. This proof can come in the form of personal or family bank letters, bank statements, stock statements, company sponsorships, etc.

Can a US citizen sponsor a friend for a tourist visa?

If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and you have a friend or relative who seeks to come to the U.S. as a tourist (on a B-2 visitor visa), you might be able to help the person by providing a letter of invitation.

Do I need invitation letter for U.S. tourist visa?

An invitation is not required and cannot guarantee visa issuance. In fact, there are no required documents for tourist/business visa applications. Visa applicants must qualify for the visa according to their own circumstances, not on the basis of a sponsor's assurance.

Who is eligible for B1 B2 visa?

B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrant visas are for individuals, from countries for which the United States requires a visa, who wish to enter the United States temporarily for any of the following purposes: for business (B-1) such as consulting with colleague, presenting a lecture, attending a conference, a job interview, or an ...

How can I avoid rejection of US visa?

Waiver for ineligibility You must fill in the Form I-601, which is the Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility and send it directly to USCIS Lockbox Facility. If you have any queries regarding your U.S. Visa refusal you should contact the U.S. Consulate where you applied for the Visa.

Why US visa is difficult to get?

The consulate might have information that there is an economic downturn in the country or recent political unrest. In such a situation, it might give extra scrutiny to people applying for tourist visas, especially first-time applicants and applicants applying outside their home country.

Does US Embassy do background check for tourist visa?

The U.S. embassy/consulate will conduct visa interviews, a background check, and require a medical examination performed in the country where the individual is applying for the visa.

How much money do I need as a tourist in USA?

As a rough guide, budget between US$100 and US$250 per day for travel in the USA. On average, you should get by comfortably on the following daily budgets for spending money: Low budget: US$50-80 per person. Mid-range budget: US$100-150 per person.

How much money should I have to enter USA?

International travelers entering the United States must declare if they are carrying currency or monetary instruments in a combined amount over $10,000 on their Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B) and then file a FinCEN Form 105.

How much money do you need to enter USA?

Typically, the correspondent asks the American citizen to send money or credit card information for travel or visa expenses, including saying they must have $2000 to show Customs and Border Protection when they come to this country.

How much money do you need to have to enter the US?

Here's what the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website writes: “It is legal to transport any amount of currency or monetary instruments into or out of the United States,” But anyone carrying more than $10,000 must declare the amount by filing a Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary ...

What determines the type of student visa you need?

Your course of study, the school you plan to attend, or the exchange program you will be with will determine the type of student visa you will need.

What is an F-1 visa?

F-1 visa classification is for a full-time international student pursuing academic studies.

What is ESTA in travel?

Fill out the (ESTA) online application. ESTA determines the eligibility of a visitor to travel to the U.S. under the VWP.

What is transit C visa?

Transit C visa classification is for foreign nationals traveling through the U.S. to another country and stopping briefly in the U.S. as part of their travel to the next foreign destination.

What happens if you violate your work visa?

If you violate the terms of your work visa, it could be revoked. You could be deported, arrested, or denied re-entry into the U.S.

Can an international student apply for a student visa?

An international student can apply for a student or exchange visitor visa only after being accepted by a school certified in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students’ records are kept in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Learn more about SEVP and SEVIS, and about the SEVIS fee.

Do you need an authorization to travel under VWP?

If you plan to visit the U.S. under the VWP, you must get an approved travel authorization prior to your trip. Authorization approvals are determined using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) .

What is a US tourist visa?

US visitor or tourist visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows temporary stay in the US for the purpose of holiday or tourism. In securing US Tourist Visa for a Thai, the US Embassy would determine the qualification of the applicant based on their eligibility under all applicable US laws for this visa category. Although there might be no definite assurance of the visa approval, it is still helpful to know how to increase your chances of getting a US visa.

What does the US Embassy determine about an applicant?

US Embassy would also determine the background of the applicant, particularly on the subject of employment. Below are some of the typical questions asked:

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.

How often do you update your biographical information on a Chinese passport?

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first. This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

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 evidence is needed to show the purpose of a trip?

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

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.

What is the visa approval odds calculator?

The Tourist Visa Approval Odds Calculator utilizes a proprietary algorithm developed by RapidVisa, using data from our customers and from statistics put out by the NVC. These numbers are designed for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for your results. Many other factors may play into your approval odds not taken into account by this calculator, including your visa interview.

What does it mean if you have not overstayed your visa?

If you've traveled to other countries before, especially first-world countries and did not overstay your visa and returned to your country, this is a sign that you are trustworthy to follow the visa process. If you have traveled to a first-world country with strict immigration policies and didn't overstay your visa, this goes a long way to prove you are trustworthy.

What does it mean to pay for a trip?

Means to Pay for Trip. If you have no means to pay for the trip, and are relying on only a friend or family member to pay, this could go against your odds. However, if you have the means to pay yourself or if your company is paying for the trip, this signals that you won't become a burden to the state.

Is it better to state a vague purpose for travel?

The more specific and precise your purpose of travel is, the better your case for travel. If you simply state a vague purpose like "tourism", you're not very convincing. However, if you are attending a specific conference in your profession, or attending a wedding, or spectating an event like a concert or solar eclipse, or anything else that is very specific and has a convincing reason to be in a specific place at a specific time, this builds a better case.

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.

How to get a US tourist visa?

You need to go through multiple steps to complete this process: Step one: fill in the online form. It is not possible to get a US Tourist visa online, but it is possible to fill in the application online. iVisa will soon be able to help you with that. The form is called a DS-160, and the fact that you can fill one online makes things easier.

How to get a visa for a US citizen?

The first requirement you need to meet is eligibility. You must provide proof that you apply for a US tourist visa for the purpose it was intended. Basically, you need to prove the following: 1 A valid passport –Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months, beginning with your period of stay in the United States. 2 Digital photograph – you can take it yourself following the requirements. 3 Travel itinerary – if you have already made travel arrangements. 4 Dates of your last five visits or trips to the United States – if you have previously traveled there. You may also be asked for your international travel history for the past five years. 5 A declaration to demonstrate if your purpose for visiting is business, tourism, or medical treatment. 6 You have to prove if you can provide for yourself while in the US.

What is a United States B1/B2 Visa?

The United States B1/B2 Visa is an authorized document that offers you entry to the United States. It is electronically linked to your passport.

How long does it take to get a visa after an interview?

When the interview is over, the consular officer will take his or her notes, and your visa will be granted or denied in a few weeks, depending on the season.

How to check eligibility for a visa?

You can verify your eligibility using the iVisa's Visa Checker. Just pick your country of origin and the United States as the destination country. The information will appear in seconds.

How long does it take to get a B1 visa?

Super rush processing – this is the fastest alternative you have at hand. You will get your US B1/B2 Visa in only 5 days, and you will be charged USD 200.00 (service fees included).

What is a declaration for a US tourist visa?

A declaration to demonstrate if your purpose for visiting is business, tourism, or medical treatment. You have to prove if you can provide for yourself while in the US. If you can cross all of the above off the list, you can apply for your US Tourist visa.

How long is a visa interview?

The average visitor visa interview is only about three minutes long. This means the officer does not have much time to look through documents, so will rely heavily on the interview to determine the applicant's credibility and qualifications.

Do consular officers have access to information?

Know that consular officers have access to lots of information and some countries share vast amounts of data with the U.S. government, so it is always best to be honest in your interview, as this will give you the best chance for approval.

Is it normal to be nervous during a visa interview?

It's natural to be nervous during a visa interview, and consular officers know this. Still, it is easier to be calm and collected when you are being honest and are prepared to answer the officer's questions with succinct, yet thoughtful answers.

What forms do I need to renew my visa?

If you’re on a visa, like an H1 or L1, then a copy of your visa along with Form I-797 and I-94. If at the time of applying your visa has expired or is set to expire, then you can submit copies of the renewed petitions.

What is the form I-134?

Form I-134 is what you need to submit to obtain a visitor’s visa. Known as the Affidavit of Support, this is an 8-page document with six pages of instructions. This serves as evidence of your income and certifies that you’re in a financially-healthy condition to support your visitors.

What documents are needed for a parent to visit their child?

The additional documents for parents visiting their children in the U.S. are: Birth certificates of children. Photocopies are sufficient, but if that isn’t available, an affidavit can serve the requirements. Photocopies of the passport of the sponsoring child.

What documents are needed to get a job offer?

The documents to include are: Copy of passport. Letter of employment provided at the time of your job offer if you’re employed in the U.S. If you’re on a visa, like an H1 or L1, then a copy of your visa along with Form I-797 and I-94.

Is a letter of invitation mandatory?

Letter of Invitation. Unlike Form I-134, the Letter of Invitation is not mandatory, but it is special in its own way as it makes the process smoother. This letter is written to your parents or relatives who wish to come to the U.S. on a tourist visa. The main topics to touch on in the Letter of Invitation are: