US tourist visa requirements: Documents required
- A valid passport and old passports (if any)
- Recent photograph (as per the requirements)
- Completed and signed DS-160 form.
- The confirmation page of the DS-160 form must be stamped at the Visa Application Centre.
- Receipts of the visa fee
- Proof of funds
- Proof of character or any other documents showing that you have no criminal record
Full Answer
What are the documents needed for USA tourist visa?
USA Tourist Visa – Visitor Documents
- Mandatory US Tourist Visa Documents. Confirmation page of online submitted Form DS-160 with CEAC barcode. ...
- Non-Immigrant Intent. Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- Supporting US tourist visa documents. ...
Is it hard to get an US tourist visa?
There are many factors that can improve or hamper your odds for approval of a US tourist visa. The primary reason for the interview is to convince the consular officer that you have no intention of overstaying or immigrating permanently to the US. Being unemployed, or employed for a short period of time at the same job may hurt your case.
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. ...
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
What are the documents required for US tourist visa?
Documents required for U.S D visa Completed DS-160 application form. Your passport with at least one blank page to be able to affix visa. One photograph fulfilling the requirements set by the U.S authorities. Proof of having paid transit visa fees.
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.
What is the qualification to get visa for USA?
Eligibility Criteria for US Visa The applicant must have a passport that is valid for a period of at least 6 months. You should not have any past history of crimes or should not have any criminal case ongoing cases against them. Dependents/ spouses travelling with the applicant should apply for separate Visas.
Is it easy to get tourist visa for USA?
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.
How long is the process of tourist visa in USA?
Though visa processing time is typically one week, processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements. Nonimmigrant visa applicants are encouraged to apply at least three (3) months in advance of the intended date of travel.
Do I need invitation letter for U.S. tourist visa?
An invitation is not required and cannot guarantee visa issuance. In fact, there are no required documents for tourist/business visa applications. Visa applicants must qualify for the visa according to their own circumstances, not on the basis of a sponsor's assurance.
How long does it take for a U.S. visa to be approved?
How long are the U.S. visa application processing times? It is hard to give a general statement about what visa processing times you can expect. The entire visa application processing takes somewhere between two weeks and four months, depending on the type of visa.
How much bank balance is required for U.S. B2 visa?
There are no rules for any minimum balance requirement for your bank account, people's experiences say that somewhere between 5 to 10K$ is enough to show.
Is bank statement required for US tourist visa?
The below documents are required to prove that you will return to the home country after your temporary visit in the United States: Bank statement of last 6 months with sufficient balance; updated and attested. Income Tax Returns/Form 16 for last 3 years.
How many months bank statement is required for US visa?
Ans. You are required to show at least 3-9 months of bank statements to get hold of a US student visa.
What is proof of sufficient funds for travel USA?
Travelers visiting the U.S. from a foreign country must be able to prove to a CBP Officer that they have sufficient funds (i.e. credit cards, cash, travelers checks, money orders etc.) to cover their travel, lodging, entertainment, meals, etc.
How much is bank statement for visa?
The Applicant needs to submit statement of last three (3) or six (6) months. The bank documents must be recent – the date of the closing balance or the date of the most recent transaction must be less than one (1) month old at the time of applying.
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 ).
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.
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.
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.
How long can you stay in the US on a tourist visa?
The US tourist visa allows you to stay up to 180 days in the US. But if you stay that long continuously in the US on a tourist visa, you will have trouble entering the US again. You may be questioned on your purpose of visit.
How to apply for a US visa?
US tourist visa requirements are clear and detailed. US visa application is a multi-step process. The first step of the application process is to fill DS-160 form online. The second step is to schedule the visa interview appointment. This step involves paying the visa fee, picking the location and date of your visa interview.
What is the second step in the visa application process?
The second step in the visa application process is to schedule US visa appointment. This involves paying the visa fee, selecting the location and date of your interview.
What happens if you get approved for a visa?
If approved, you will be told that your visa is approved. You will be given a sheet of paper with instructions on how to pick up your passport or when to expect the delivery.
How much does it cost to get a visa in the US?
The US visa application fee is $160 payable in US dollars or local currency (in Asia only). You can pay your visa fee in various ways, such as cash at a local bank, electronic fund transfer or using a credit card.
What questions do visa officers ask?
During the interview, visa officers typically ask questions related to your purpose of travel, itinerary, ties with your home country, etc. Some of these questions can be from your DS-160 or completely different.
How long does it take to get a US visa?
Meaning, the visa officer will tell your visa result at the end of your interview. You will be able to pick up or receive your passport within 3-10 business days from your interview day.
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 to qualify for a visitor visa?
To quality for a visitor visa, you must meet the requirements laid out in the Immigration and Nationality Act. When you go in for an interview at your closest U.S. embassy or consulate, the consular officer who interviews you decides whether or not you qualify. The Immigration and Nationality Act presumes everyone applying for a visitor visa intends to immigrate to the U.S. permanently; the purpose of the interview is for applicants to demonstrate otherwise. Your purpose for visiting the United States must be for business, pleasure or medical treatment, and you must plan to remain for a specific, limited period of time. You have to provide evidence of funds to cover your stay, and evidence of social and economic ties in your country of citizenship.
What countries are eligible for visa waiver?
The Visa Waiver Program applies to nationals of 36 countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden and Singapore. Such visitors must be visiting for business or pleasure. They must apply for an authorization to travel under the waiver program from the Electronic System for Travel ...
What is the purpose of a visitor visa interview?
The Immigration and Nationality Act presumes everyone applying for a visitor visa intends to immigrate to the U.S. permanently; the purpose of the interview is for applicants to demonstrate otherwise. Your purpose for visiting the United States must be for business, pleasure or medical treatment, and you must plan to remain for a specific, ...
What happens if a visa is denied?
If a visa is denied, applicants may try again but only if the reason for the denial has been overcome. A serious infraction such as criminal conviction may make a person permanently ineligible for a visa unless the U.S. government grants a waiver. References. U.S. Department of State: Visa Waiver Program.
Does a visa allow travel?
A visa allows travel but does not guarantee entry. At the port of entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer inspects all travelers and decides whether they can enter based on their visas and passports, the I-94 forms completed before inspection and the nature of the visit.
What is an immigrant visa?
Immigrant visas are for individuals who wish to obtain visas for permanently relocating to the United States. Immigrant visa applicants require a petition to be submitted by a sponsor (e.g. a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)) The United States is known as the melting pot of the world for good reason.
What is the process of getting a green card?
Naturalization is the process through which a green card holder obtains US citizenship. There are certain core requirements that everyone must satisfy, but the length of time that an applicant must have had the green card before applying for naturalization differs.
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 :
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.
Do Tourists Get Access to American Healthcare?
As a foreigner visiting the United States for tourism purposes you will not receive free healthcare. The American healthcare system is the most expensive in the world with the treatment of a broken leg or broken arm that will cost you $2,500, while staying at a US hospital for one night may cost over $10,000, on average.
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.
How much does it cost to get a US visa?
The application fee for the US Tourist Visa is $160. Depending on your country’s relationship with the US, you might have to pay other fees too. These are called visa issuance fees and they vary from country to country. After making the payments, you need to keep the receipts and attach them to your file of required documents.
How long does a US visa last?
You can file the form DS-160 here. Your valid passport. It must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the United States. However, there are some countries that are exempt from this requirement only needing a passport ...
What to bring to a trip to the US?
Bring a letter from an employer that gives details of your position, salary, length of employment, the period of authorized vacation and purpose of the trip to the US – If employed.
What is the SEVP for student visa?
This educational institution has to be under the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You will also have to pay SEVIS I-901 fee aside of the normal visa fee and submit proof of payment during the interview.
How to fill out DS-160?
Form DS-160. If you are applying for a US nonimmigrant visa you should complete the online application form DS-160. You can fill the DS-160 form online via the Consular Electronic Application Center. Aside from the main documents, there are others you will have to submit in order to support the answers you have given in your application form, ...
How to upload a photo for a visa?
The US visa photo requirement is one of the main requirements for every visa you apply for. Upload the photo while you apply online through the DS-160 form. If the upload fails, you can submit the photo on the appointment day. However, we advise you that, even if you upload the photo online, to still bring it with you in case you need it during the interview.
What is a travel itinerary?
The travel itinerary is a travel plan that shows what you are planning to do while you are in the US. It includes documents as a purchased flight reservation that shows your planned date of entry and exit in the US. If applicable, it can also show inner flight reservations. Also, you will have to submit some proof of accommodation.
What documents are needed for adoption?
Anything like: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, close family photographs, adoption certificate (if you are adopted or have adopted a child), divorce certificate, spouse’s death certificate, etc.
Us Tourist Visa Requirements by Nationality
Us Tourist Visa Application Process
- Validity of US tourist visa
The validity of US visasdepends on the country of passport. US tourist visas are usually issued for 1 year, 5 years or 10 years. Example:The B1/B2 or B2 visas for Afghanistan passport holders are valid for 1 year only. Whereas, for Bangladesh passport holders, the B1/B2 visas are valid for 5 y… - When to apply for US tourist visa
You can apply for US tourist visa as early as you can. Unlike, other country visas, US visa can be applied as early as you. I have seen some readers apply as much as 1 year in advance. —
Entering and Leaving The Us
- Entering the US by air
Port of entry in the US airports usually have two lines for arriving passengers. One for citizens and permanent residents and the other for visitors. You will go and stand in the visitor’s line. When your turn comes, you will be sent to either an automated kiosk or to an immigration officer. If yo… - Leaving the US by air
Unlike many other countries, the US does not have exit passport control. There will not be any immigration checks while exiting the US. The departing airline will notify your exit details to the US Customs and Border Protection. You can check your history of US entry/exit dates on the US Visi…
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to apply for US tourist visa?
You can apply for US tourist visa by first completing the DS-160 form online. The US tourist visa application is a 4 step process. 1. Fill DS-160 form online 2. Make the visa fee payment 3. Schedule visa appointment 4. Pick up passport The DS-160 form can take several days for you t… - How much is the US visa application fee?
US visa application fee is $160 USD. This is fee is payable in local currency (in Asia) or in USD (rest of the world).
Summary
- US tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. But, the multi-step application process can be confusing for many. A Visa interview is mandatory so it can be intimidating. If you have a genuine reason to travel along with relevant information and documentation, then you have nothing to worry about.