how to get someone a visa

• For a U.S. visa, fill out the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (form DS-260).
• The application is available at U.S. embassies and online at www.state.gov under the "Travel" tab at the top of the page.
• You can enter the information on the PDF.
• A separate application must be filled out for each person who is immigrating, regardless of age.

What countries can you visit without a visa?

Countries that belong to this agreement include:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Barbados
• Belize
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• jamaica
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

More items...

What countries require visa for US citizens?

Popular Destinations Which Require Visas for US Citizens

• Australia. US citizens must acquire an electronic visa called an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) before traveling to Australia.
• Brazil. Brazil visas must be obtained well in advance of departure from a Brazilian Consulate. ...
• China. ...
• India. ...
• Indonesia. ...
• Kenya. ...
• Myanmar. ...
• Russia. ...
• Vietnam. ...

Do you need a birth certificate to get a visa?

Yes in certain circumstances the production of the birth certificate may be mandatory when one wants to take the benefit of age in order to receive medical aid or other benefits in a country when one is there on a visa issued t As per my knowledge, a birth certificate is not necessary in order to issue a visa by countries in general.

How long does it take to get a visa from?

The US visa processing time depends on the type of visa that you are applying for. It takes from 3 to 5 weeks for a US visa application to get processed. After the processing, the applicant can get a positive reply on their application, and the consulate will deliver the document. The delivery of the visa can take up to two other workdays.

How much does it cost to get a visa?

The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190.

How do I sponsor someone to come to the US?

on a relative petition must have a financial sponsor. If you choose to sponsor your relative's immigration by filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, you must agree to be the financial sponsor and file an affidavit of support when the time comes for actual immigration.

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor visa for a friend?

Unfortunately, the only way that you can sponsor a person's visa or green card application is if you are the non-citizen's employer, relative, or fiancé(e). The U.S. immigration laws do not allow you to sponsor someone just because they are your friend.

How long does it take to get a visa in person?

The US visa processing time depends on the type of visa that you are applying for. It takes from 3 to 5 weeks for a US visa application to get processed. After the processing, the applicant can get a positive reply on their application, and the consulate will deliver the document.

How much money do you need to sponsor someone in USA?

The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $22,887. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not in active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.

What documents do I need to invite someone to the USA?

What documents are needed for an Invitation Letter?Scanned copy of host's ID or passport.Evidence of means of financial subsistence.Proof of homeownership or rental contract.An itinerary of the planned visit.Documentation of the host's time off from work for the visit.

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a non family member?

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a non-family member for immigration? Unfortunately, no, you can't petition for a foreign national's visa or green card if they aren't a family member.

Who can sponsor me to USA?

Who You Can Help ImmigrateWho Can Sponsor WhoWho You AreImmigrants You Can PetitionU.S. citizen age 21 or olderParentsU.S. citizen (at least age 18, for financial sponsorship purposes)SpouseU.S. citizen (at least age 18, for financial sponsorship purposes)Minor, unmarried children4 more rows

Can I help someone become a U.S. citizen?

As a citizen of the United States, you may help a relative become a lawful permanent resident of the United States by obtaining what is often referred to as a “Green Card.” To do so, you need to sponsor your relative and be able to prove that you have enough income or assets to support your relative(s) when they come ...

How long does a visa last?

Usually 6 months. In addition, you can apply for extension of stay for another 6 months. Reason for extension must be consistent with the terms and conditions of your original status. Such type of visa is normally issued up from a period of 1 month to 10 years.

How long can I stay in the US on a tourist visa?

six monthsWhen 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 long is a tourist visa in USA?

6 monthsThe US Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2) is a non-immigrant US Visa. Its validity period ranges from 1 month to 10 years and allows single, double or multiples entries to the US. The period of stay which is a maximum of 6 months is recorded by the Customs and Border Protection officer.

Can I sponsor an immigrant that is a non family member?

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a non-family member for immigration? Unfortunately, no, you can't petition for a foreign national's visa or green card if they aren't a family member.

How much does it cost to sponsor an immigrant?

Mandatory FeesGreen Card CostsFamily Sponsorship Form (I-130)$535$535Green Card Application Form (I-485)$1,140Not requiredFinancial Support Form (I-864)$0$120Work Permit Application Form (I-765) (optional)$0Not required7 more rows

What is required to sponsor an immigrant?

You must also be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. You must have a domicile in the United States or a territory or possession of the United States. Usually, this requirement means you must actually live in the United States, or a territory or possession, in order to be a sponsor.

How much does it cost to sponsor an immigrant worker?

In general, a visa sponsorship costs approximately $4000 but may cost $8-9,000 if a company has more than fifty employees and 50% of those employees are foreign nationals.

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 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 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.

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.

How to get a visitor visa?

To qualify for a visitor visa, applicants must: 1 » Complete and sign the required application forms 2 » Bring evidence that their visit is temporary and that they will return home after their legally authorized stay, and 3 » Undergo security clearance procedures

How to qualify for a visitor visa?

To qualify for a visitor visa, applicants must: » Complete and sign the required application forms. » Bring evidence that their visit is temporary and that they will return home after their legally authorized stay, and. » Undergo security clearance procedures. We understand that you may want to help with the visa process.

Who evaluates visa applications?

A consular officer from the U.S. Department of State ( not USCIS) evaluates every visa application on its own merits according to the law. You can be most helpful by making sure the applicant has all the information they need to submit a correct application.

Can a visitor visa be denied?

Please note that visitor visas are very much discretionary. So although you meet all the requirements the Department of State reserves the right to deny such a visit.

What is an immigrant visa?

Immigrant visas are for permanent immigration (green cards). But sponsoring a visa may apply to businesses helping an individual obtain a temporary work visa (such H-1B) or an organization that administers a visitor visa (like J-1).

What is a sponsor visa?

These visas are temporary and must be renewed regularly. Visa sponsorship means an employer is willing to obtain a work visa for highly-qualified candidates who live outside the United States. It’s not a simple process for employers. They must prove that they were unable to fill their vacancies with qualified American workers for sponsoring a visa. When an organization sponsors an employment visa for a new employee, they help complete the application, prepare labor certification paperwork, and represent the petitioner for the visa.

What is visa sponsorship?

Visa sponsorship is typically associated with a petition. The U.S.-based person or entity submits a petition on behalf of the foreign national. Once approved, the foreign national is generally able to apply for the desired visa.

What does it mean to sponsor a visitor?

If a family member or friend is willing to sponsor the visitor, that means that the sponsor has agreed to cover the costs should the visitor no longer have the means to pay. It mitigates the possibility the visitor will become a public burden. To sponsor a visitor, the supporter prepares Form I-134, Affidavit of Support.

How to sponsor an alien relative?

Both U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may start the sponsorship process by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Although there are additional forms along the way, this is how the process begins.

How many people get a green card through a relative?

Family-based immigration is the most common way to obtain a green card. In fact, over 600,000 people get a green card through a relative each year. Visa sponsorship comes from the petitioning relative but can also come from other sponsors.

What is CitizenPath service?

Ready to start? CitizenPath’s service was designed by immigration attorneys to give you an affordable, reliable way to prepare the petition. You’ll have the ability to prepare Form I-130 from the comfort of your own home knowing that you did everything right. To learn more about pricing and the 100% money-back guarantee, view our I-130 Visa Petition Package.

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.

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 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.

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.

Do you have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

Who notifies you when the visa interview for your fiancé (e) is scheduled?

The U.S. Embassy or consulate notifies you when the visa interview for your fiancé (e) is scheduled.

Who determines if a fiancé qualifies for a K-1 visa?

The DOS consular officer determines whether your fiancé (e) qualifies for the K-1 nonimmigrant visa.

What is the form for alien fiancé?

You file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e) according to the form instructions. This form asks USCIS to recognize the relationship between you and your fiancé (e).

What form do I need to get married?

If you are a U.S. citizen who wants to bring your foreign fiancé (e) to the United States in order to get married, you will need to file a Form I-129F, Petition For Alien Fiancé (e). This is the first step to obtaining a K-1 nonimmigrant visa for your fiancé (e). The K-1 nonimmigrant visa is also known as a fiancé (e) visa.

How long is a fiancé's work authorization valid?

In this case, your fiancé (e)’s work authorization is valid for only 90 days after his or her entry into the U.S. Your fiancé (e) may also apply for work authorization at the same time he or she applies for a Green Card. In this case, your fiancé (e) can file Form I-765 together with the Form I-485.

Where to send I-129F?

The NVC forwards the approved Form I-129F to the U.S. Embassy or consulate where your fiancé (e) will apply for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa. This is generally the U.S. Embassy or consulate where your fiancé (e) lives. The U.S. Embassy or consulate notifies you when the visa interview for your fiancé (e) is scheduled.

How long does it take to get a green card if you are married?

If your fiancé (e) marries you within 90 days of being admitted to the United States as a K-1 nonimmigrant, he or she may apply for lawful permanent resident status in the United States (a Green Card). If you have already married, plan to marry outside the United States, or your fiancé (e) is already residing legally in the United States, ...

Where to inquire about visas in progress overseas?

Inquiries on visa cases in progress overseas should be made to the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your case .

Can you give access to private information to a third party?

In general, under the provisions of the FOIA and Privacy Act, access to information about private individuals cannot be given to unauthorized third parties absent the individuals’ written consent.