Is USA accepting visitor visa? All US visitor visa applications are still being accepted and processed, although this process is taking longer than usual due to the spread of COVID-19. Only United States citizens and foreigners deemed essential travelers to the U.S. may enter at this time.
Do you need a visa to enter the United States?
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), ...
What is the purpose of a US visa?
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.
What is the difference between a tourist visa and immigrant visa?
Overview. Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1),...
Does having a visa guarantee entry to the United States?
While having a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States, it does indicate a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad has determined you are eligible to seek entry for that specific purpose.
What is a B-2 visa?
A foreign national traveling to the United States for tourism needs a visitor visa (B-2) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Tourism is a short visit for vacation, for visiting family and friends, or for medical treatment.
Do you need a visa to travel to Bermuda?
Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism.
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 Can I Use a Visa to Enter the United States?
Having a U.S. visa allows you to travel to a port of entry, airport or land border crossing, and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspector to enter the United States. While having a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States, it does indicate a consular officer at a U.S.
What Types of Visas Are There?
The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel. There are two main categories of U.S. visas:
Additional Resources
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How to get an expedited visa appointment?
All applicants requesting an expedited appointment are required to first pay visa fees for a regular visa appointment. Applicants who are granted an expedited appointment but subsequently refused a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate will not be allowed to utilize this option to obtain another expedited appointment.
How long does it take to get a B1 visa in the US?
The average wait time in the US Consulate Lome for a B1/B2 visa is about 7 days; however, wait times fluctuate throughout the year. To avoid missing your planned trip, we advise applicants to apply at least one month in advance of their scheduled departure.
What to mention when scheduling an appointment?
Please mention your current appointment date, the date you wish to have and the reason why you need an expedited appointment.
What is a B visa?
The “B” Visitor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1), or temporarily for pleasure (B-2).
What is a letter of invitation?
A letter of invitation from the corresponding company in the United States attesting to the urgency of the planned visit, describing the nature of the business and that either the U.S. or local company will suffer a significant loss of opportunity if an expedited appointment is not available.
How long does a passport have to be valid?
A valid passport for traveling to the U.S. – your passport must be valid at least six months beyond the period of your travel to the United States. If you are traveling with family, each person must have a separate visa application. Your passport cannot have mistakes concerning the name, age, gender, or place of birth.
What happens if you apply for a job that is incomplete?
If your application is incomplete or incorrect, you will be turned away and you will have to make a new appointment for a later date.
How to get an expedited visa appointment?
In all cases: You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.
What does 999 days mean?
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.
Can a consular officer refuse a visa?
The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing.
Does administrative processing include time?
These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect some applications. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.
