how to get someone a visa for usa

• In most cases, someone must “sponsor” you, or file an immigrant petition for you.
• Once the petition is approved, and there is a visa available in your category, you apply for an immigrant visa. You do this through a U.S. consulate abroad. ...
• Get a medical examination.
• Go to an interview.
• You’ll then receive a decision on your application.

Full Answer

How long should visa be valid to enter US?

The 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.

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 I need a visa to travel to the USA?

You will need to get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter or transit the USA as a visitor. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need.

What are the requirements for an US visa?

• Application form, either the DS-160 form (for non-immigrant visas) or the DS-260 form (for immigrant visas)
• A passport that is six months valid beyond your planned date of departure from the United States
• Two photographs that meet the U.S. visa photograph requirements
• Valid payment method for a visa fee to schedule an interview

Can a U.S. citizen help someone get a visa?

While you can't petition for a friend's immigrant visa or Green Card (only family members can do that), you can financially sponsor a friend's immigration petition with Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.

How do I sponsor someone for US visa?

Many clients have asked me about sponsoring their friends. 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.

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a friend to visit USA?

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.

What is the easiest way to get a visa to America?

You should apply for a US visa at a US Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence following these simple steps:Check if you need a visa.Choose the type of US visa you will apply for.Fill in the Non-immigrant visa Application Form DS-160.Pay your application fee.Schedule visa interview.More items...

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.

How much money do you have to make to sponsor?

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.

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.

How much bank balance is required for US tourist visa?

The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa? No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.

Who can a U.S. citizen sponsor?

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

What are the 4 types of visas?

Which type of visa do you need? Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.

How much is USA visa?

Visa Types and Application Fee Amounts 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. K visas cost US$265 and the fee amount for E visas is US$205.

Is it hard to get US visa?

Getting a US visa is simple for Indians, and the process is absolutely hassle-free. Having mentioned that, remember one thing that visa requirements for the US are a little different from other countries.

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.

How long does sponsorship take in USA?

Average time - Between five and 14.5 months to get a Form I-130 petition (Petition for Alien Relative) approved by USCIS as of early 2022; another six to 11 months or longer to get an immigrant visa to come to the United States.

How long are you responsible for someone you sponsor in USA?

The sponsor's responsibility lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, has earned 40 work quarters credited toward Social Security (a work quarter is about three months, so this means about ten years of work), dies, or permanently leaves the United States.

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 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.

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 ).

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.

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.

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.

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 Invitation Letter?

A letter of invitation is a formal letter that a U.S. legal resident or citizen writes to invite their foreign relative to their home. Through this letter, the host confirms that they are able to accommodate the guest into their home and guarantees that the visitor will return home once their visa expires.

Samples of Invitation Letters for US Visitor Visa

Below you can find two samples of invitation letter for US visa. The sponsor must address a letter to the consular officer and another one to the US visa applicant. They can write this letter to invite parents, relatives, friends, and any other guest.

Why Do I Need to Provide a US Visa Letter of Invitation?

Usually, the visa applicant will have to submit a letter of invitation for a B2 visa application which is a US Tourist Visa. Keep in mind that it is not a must, but it is highly recommended. The host must fulfill the following requirements in order for the letter of invitation to be valid:

How to Write a Letter of Invitation for US Visa?

Writing a letter of invitation might seem challenging for both, the host and the guest. However, the process of writing it is very simple. The letter should be addressed either to the consular officer or to the guest.

Additional Documents

Since the Letter of Invitation is not a requirement, the host is not obliged to send other documents alongside with it. Still, it would be very thoughtful if the applicant submitted any of the following documents alongside with the Letter of Invitation:

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.

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, ...

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.

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.

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.

Can I mail my spouse an I-485?

We review Form I-485 and the documents your spouse submitted. We may mail a request for evidence to your spouse if we need additional documentation or information.

Extending Your Visit

If Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorizes your admission to the United States at the designated port of entry, you will receive a stamped Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure.

If You Lose Form I-94

You may apply for a replacement Form I-94 by filing a Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record.

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.

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.

How to prepare for an interview?

Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.

What is business traveler?

Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.