Due to the global pandemic, in-person routine tourism/business B1/B2 visa
B visa
A B visa is one of a category of non-immigrant visas issued by the United States government to foreign citizens seeking entry for a temporary period. The two types of B visa are the B-1 visa, issued to those seeking entry for business purposes, and the B-2 visa, issued to those seek…
Full Answer
How long does a B2 visa last in the US?
The B2 Tourist visa in the United States is valid for ten years after it is issued. If you intend to stay in the United States for an extended period of time after that, you will need to renew your B2 Visa. It also allows you to stay in the United States for up to 180 days each entry.
Can a B1 B2 visa holder work in USA?
Additional Information An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States. There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid.
Should I Reserve a B1/B2 visa appointment?
If you do not have an emergency need to travel, do not reserve a B1/B2 appointment, as the appointment may be cancelled once we resume in-person B1/B2 visa interviews and may adversely affect the scheduling of a subsequent routine visa appointment.
How to apply for a B2 visa extension?
You should submit the following documents when applying for a B2 visa extension: 1 Completed form I-539. 2 Your valid passport. 3 A written statement on the reason behind the requested extension. 4 Evidence of financial support. 5 Payment of the extension fee, which is $370. 6 Original or photocopy of I-94 card.
Can non-US citizens visit the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic?
You must be fully vaccinated to travel to the United States by plane if you are a non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa).
What documents do I need to enter the US if I am a sea crew member with a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa during COVID-19?
What documentation do I need if I am a sea crew member traveling with a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa? You will need to show Your C-1 and D visa; AND An official letter from your employer (paper or digital) indicating your entry to or transit through the United States is required for the purpose of operating a vessel or return travel after disembarking the vessel consistent with your visa and official letter.
What are the requirements for a noncitizen, nonimmigrant, to travel to the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Noncitizens who are nonimmigrants and seeking to enter the United States by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States from a foreign country.
Does a non-U.S. citizen need to be vaccinated to enter the US during the COVID-19 pandemic?
If you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country.
What can I use as proof of COVID-19 vaccine?
You can use your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination card or a copy of your vaccination record (digital or paper) as proof of vaccination in the United States.
Do I need to get a proof of being "fully vaccinated" against COVID-19 before I travel by air to the US from a foreign country?
If you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country.
What is the difference between SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19?
In 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that originated in China. The virus is now known as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease it causes is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Is negative COVID-19 viral test mandatory to travel to the United States?
As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.
How long before I-94 expires can I apply for a B2 visa?
You should do so at least 42 days before the expiration of your I-94 card. Yet, you are not allowed to apply within three months of arrival in the US. You should submit the following documents when applying for a B2 visa extension: Completed form I-539. Your valid passport.
What is VisaExpress?
VisaExpress specializes in assisting visa applicants throughout the whole process.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a Tourist Visa?
To be eligible for a US Tourist visa, the purpose of your visit should be one of the following:
How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa?
To apply for a US Tourist visa you must go through these simple steps :
What is transit visa?
A Transit Visa to USA is a permit to make a shortstop in the US, in order to reach your destination country. The US transit visas allow you to enter the US and stay for a layover. Afterward, when your planned flight or ship leaves for your next destination, you will have to leave the US.
Can I Get a Green Card With a US Tourist Visa?
It is very difficult to get permanent residence or a Green Card if you are a tourist in the United States. Since the B2 visa is a temporary visa, you must prove that you will return to your home country after it expires in order to get it. Also, you are not allowed to look for a job or start studying, which means the easiest paths to a Green Card may not be available for you.
Rant
I’m annoyed on this beautiful Tuesday morning because for some reason I crossed timelines with a rude, passive aggressive “cUsToMeR SeRvIcE” rep. She was so rude that I had to call her out on it and she ended the live chat. It’s almost like the people who work for USCIS do not want to be there.
Part 2 of EXPEDITE REQUEST APPROVED: what evidence I sent & how I organized my arguments
TL;DR: here's what I faxed to USCIS. Please don't abuse this information (don't plagiarize, monetize, or otherwise use it irresponsibly). I've redacted passages someone could use to identify me or my spouse. The appendix table on pages 16 and 17 is an exhaustive list of supporting documents I attached to my description of circumstances.
I-765 was approved
Yay!!! I just want to share you guys that my I-765 was approved, last Monday, 2.5 weeks after my biometrics appt!!! We are just waiting for our interview date. Our PD is Sept 28, 2020!
My Timeline Marriage-Based, National Benefit Center (MSC), and Field Office in Lawrence, Massachusetts
My Timeline Marriage-Based, National Benefit Center (MSC), and Field Office in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
USCIS Enables Online Filing of Form I-765 for F-1 OPT
Looks like USCIS is allowing F-1 OPT students (pre-, post-, and STEM extension) to file I-765 online now on the myUSCIS website. All other categories still need to file the paper I-765. (Screenshot from my myUSCIS account.)
Expedite Request Approved Less than 24h After Submitting Evidence!
Submitted expedite request on Feb 22. On Mar 2, USCIS emailed me asking me for proof that my expedite request meets the criteria. On Monday, Mar 15, I faxed a detailed description of my situation (~17 pages including cover letter and table of contents) and 200+ pages of supporting documentation attached.
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.
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.
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.
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 are the exceptions to the suspension of entry?
There are certain exceptions to the suspension of entry, including exceptions for certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, among other exceptions listed in the proclamations.
How long is a visa application valid for?
There is no fee to change an appointment and visa application fees are valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid. The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law.
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.
When did Biden suspend travel to India?
On April 30, President Biden signed Presidential Proclamation 10199 suspending most nonimmigrant travel from India. In light of the travel suspension and due to the current pandemic situation in India, most other routine nonimmigrant visa and VAC appointments at U.S. Embassy New Delhi and the consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, ...
Is there a drop box for visa renewal in India?
Drop Box Appointments: Consular sections across India are now accepting a limited number of drop box applications for renewals of H, L, C1/D, O, I, F, M, and J visas at our Visa Application Centers. Please visit our website to determine whether you are eligible for drop box processing and schedule an appointment for document drop-off. A list of drop-off locations is available on our website.
