how to take visa

Visa Application Guidelines

• STEP 1 - Gather information on your situation Seek information and check if you require a visa or not ...
• STEP 2 - Set up my online application Fill out the visa application form ...
• STEP 3 - Book your appointment Arrange an appointment with the visa application centre ...
• STEP 4 - Submit your file Application in person ...
• STEP 5 - Track your application ...

Full Answer

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

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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.

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How do you get a visa?

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.

What are the documents required for visa?

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.

What are the 4 main steps to getting a visa?

The U.S. Department of State issues visas at U.S. Embassies and Consulates....Four Steps to Help You Apply for a VisaPay your visa fee,Obtain acceptable photographs,Complete your online DS-160 visa application,Get a list of all required documents you must bring, and.Schedule your visa interview appointment.

What is the cost of 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.

What are the 4 types of visa?

Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.

How long does it take to get visa?

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 is visa interview?

The interviewer will be behind a glass window, and you will be able to speak through a microphone on the glass window. You will be able to hear the interviewer through a speaker, which is also on the glass window. A slot below the window will let you exchange documents with the interviewer.

Can I apply for visa online?

The online visa application form is available on the official embassy website of a county. For example, you can apply for a visa online in India. Before applying online, make sure you would be able to provide all required documents needed by the country on the date of your visa interview.

How long does a visa last for?

U.S. immigration at the port of entry determines how long a person may remain in the United States. The holder of a B-2 visa may be admitted for an initial period of six months, which is extendable in six month increments.

How much is a student visa?

An F1 visa allows international students to study full time at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved university in the United States. F1 visa costs are around $510 per application, and you should apply at least three months before your course start date. Part-time work is very restricted on an F1 visa.

How much is visa to UK?

Standard Visitor visa - for UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and GuernseyVisa typesVisa application fee (INR)Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry)9985Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years)37544Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years)66899Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years)835745 more rows

How much is a visa to Canada?

The application fee per person for a Canada Visitor Visa is CAD$100. If you also have to submit the biometrics, that will cost you an additional CAD$85. So together, the whole cost of just applying for this visa is CAD$185.

Is Aadhaar card required for visa?

Eligibility Criteria For Indian Applicants They must possess valid and correct IDs like PAN card, Aadhaar card, and Voter ID card. Applicants with no criminal background are preferred to the ones with a history in crimes of any kind.

What documents do I need for a visa to India?

General Requirements: Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages. Correct visa fee with two recent 50*50 size photographs. Please check the Photo Specifications. Duly Filled Online Application form (printed) with Signatures on both pages with signed declaration.

What are the requirements for a visa to India?

The India e-Visa requirements are essential to obtain the necessary authorization to enter India. Among the most important requirements, you will need a valid passport, an email address and a debit or credit card. Be sure to check the validity of your passport.

What do I need for UK visa?

You should submit the following documents to apply for a UK visa:UK visa application form. ... Two photographs. ... Your Valid Passport. ... Proof you have the financial means to cover the living costs while in the UK. ... Proof of accommodation. ... Detailed travel itinerary. ... Tuberculosis Test Results. ... Biometric information.More items...

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 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 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 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”.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

How to pay visa fee in India?

The fee can be paid either electronically as a bank transfer or in cash at designated CitiBank or Axis bank branches throughout the India. In order to ensure the proper amount is paid and activated in a timely manner, first create a profile at US visa Service website and choose the Schedule Appointment option. On the payment confirmation screen you will be presented with payment options and further details of how to initiate payment. The fee is good for a year from the date of payment. You must take an appointment within a year for your visa interview.

How many digits are in a visa barcode?

After successfully completing the application, you will receive a confirmation with a 10-digit barcode. Take a printout of this page. This will be needed for setting up your visa interview appointment.

When to schedule fingerprinting appointment for VAC?

After taking appointment with the consulate or embassy for personal interview, schedule the fingerprinting appointment at least a day or two before the interview at the consulate. Earlier, the fingerprints were taken during the personal interview. But under the new rules you are required to give the Biometrics information at the VAC appointment. This measure has been introduced to reduce congestion at the US consular facilities and to speed up the applicant processing. Schedule the visa interview appointment at the Consulate or Embassy prior to the VAC appointment.

How long does it take to get a settlement from a Visa?

Follow the instructions for sending the transactions through to the acquirer. Follow through until the acquirer confirms your settlement. You will see the credit card payments in your bank account within 1 to 3 days.

What is online visa checkout?

Online transactions – Visa offers a program called Visa Checkout. This lets you set up a system on your company’s website to accept online Visa transactions. There are also numerous other platforms available. You need to research the service that will best fit your company’s needs, your costs, and your sales methods.

What is an acquirer in credit card business?

In the credit card business, an “acquirer” is the bank that processes your credit card transactions. When a customer buys from you with a Visa card, you forward the credit card transaction to the acquirer. The acquirer then sends all your transactions to the Visa company.

What is processing information?

Processing information – estimate the number of transactions you expect and the totals in sales that you anticipate

Do merchants need to be familiar with Visa rules?

Keep familiar with Visa’s operating rules for its merchants. Visa has certain expectations for all merchants who do business with Visa cards. You need to understand these rules, keep current, and follow them as they change.

Why is it important to accept a visa?

Reduce the cost of cash management and slippage. Accepting Visa helps limit transactions made with actual cash. Reliable. Safe. Convenient. Go with Visa.

How fast do Visa cards get credited?

Get fast access to funds. Visa card transactions are credited to your account almost immediately.

How does a merchant swipe a Visa card?

1. Cardholder presents Visa card to pay for purchases. 2. Merchant swipes Visa card, enters the dollar amount, and transmits an authorization request to the acquirer. 3. Acquirer electronically sends the authorization request to VisaNet. 4.

What is the purpose of multiple layers of security on a visa?

Visa's multiple layers of security protect your business and your customers from fraud online, over the phone and at point-of-sale.

What is Nuvei's number?

With the best merchant services out there, Nuvei's goal is to empower businesses to make the world their local marketplace. 1-877-441-4729. Peoples Trust. Peoples Trust provides credit and debit card processing along with value-added products for any merchant.

Where to apply for a student visa?

After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa. You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.

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 is 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 is a B visa?

After you are admitted to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status, you must separately apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to student (For M) status prior to the start of your program.

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.

How far in advance can you get a student visa?

New Students – Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.

What is the purpose of a consular interview?

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.

How to use this step-by-step guide?

There are two websites for scheduling US visa appointments. Which website to use depends on the country where you plan to schedule your visa appointment

PART 1: Schedule US visa appointment in Asia, Central America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East

Determine the country where you plan to schedule your US visa appointment. If the country is in the below list, continue with instructions here from PART 1. If not GO TO PART 2.

PART 2: Schedule US visa appointment in North and South America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East

Determine the country where you plan to schedule your US visa appointment. If the country is in the below list, continue with instructions here in PART 2. If not, GO BACK TO PART 1.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If need to travel to the US urgently, you may qualify for an expedited US visa appointment. Keep in mind that you must have a strong reason and must be able to provide documentary evidence to prove it.

CONCLUSION

That’s it, folks! Follow this step-by-step guide to schedule US visa appointment. If you have any questions or stuck at any step, feel free to comment here or email me.

Who Needs to Attend a US Visa Appointment?

There are some cases when the applicant does not need to attend a US visa appointment and can obtain a US visa appointment waiver. In order to get this waiver you must fulfill one of the following conditions:

How to apply for visa waiver?

To apply for an appointment waiver, you must either choose the option online or call the VAC where you are applying. The VAC will verify whether you are eligible for a visa interview waiver and they will let you know whether you will still need to schedule an appointment or not.

How to Reschedule a US Visa Appointment?

However, if you absolutely cannot attend the US visa appointment, then you can reschedule them.

How to reschedule an appointment for a US visa?

To reschedule a US immigrant visa appointment, you must contact the NVC and explain your reasons for wanting to reschedule. You must provide your case number or application number and let them know of a time that is convenient for you so they can try to get you that appointment.

What is the NVC for visa?

Unlike the nonimmigrant visas when you have to schedule everything yourself, the National Visa Center (NVC) is responsible to schedule the appointments for immigrant visas.

What happens if you apply for a visa that has no limit?

If the visa you are applying for does not have a limit, then they schedule the biometrics and interview appointments immediately. If the visa has an annual limit, then they wait until it is your turn, so until you get a current processing date. When it is your turn to get that visa, then they schedule the appointments.

How long does it take to get a visa interview?

This might take a few days to a few weeks depending on the type of US visa you have applied for and the workload that they have. Once they process the application, a visa appointment must be made. You can also schedule an emergency appointment, if you fulfill certain conditions.

How to fill out a visa application?

Fill out the visa application form 1 Your application fees are due upon filing. 2 If your home country is eligible, you must fill out the online application form. You will be guided through the whole process by on-screen explanations.#N#Before validating and printing out your application, you will be asked to create a personal account that includes your email address in order to save your partially- or fully-completed form. After this step, you will receive the list of required supporting documents and have the opportunity to book your appointment. 3 If your country is not eligible, please check the appropriate procedure on your country of application page.

How long does it take to get a visa for a short stay?

Check on the average appointment wait times to ensure that you are able to submit your application three months to two weeks prior to your departure date for a long stay visa and 6 months to two weeks to your departure date for a short stay visa.

What is the service provider for a visa?

The service provider (or consulate ) will receive you, review your application, collect the visa fee, capture your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) and retain your passport and the copies of all your supporting documents in order to forward them to the consulate.

How long can you hold a Schengen visa?

If you hold a biometric Schengen visa issued within 59 months, either bearing the mention ‘VIS’ or issued after March 2016, your previous biometric data can be re-used.

What is the role of consular services?

The consular services nonetheless remain fully responsible for reviewing applications and making visa issuance decisions.

How old do you have to be to get a visa?

Any visa applicant aged 12 or older must submit his or her visa application in person. The following biometric data will be required: a photo (scanned or taken during your appointment), and ten individually-taken fingerprints.

What is visa wizard?

The visa wizard will help you determine, depending on your situation, the visa requirements to which you are subject, as well as the submission fee and required supporting documents.