What to Expect During the Visa Application Process
What To Expect During The Visa Application Process
Are you planning on traveling to the United States? If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you may need to have a visa to enter the country. A U.S. visa is a travel document that is issued to you by your country in addition to your passport and which allows you to enter the U.S. for a certain period of time.
The visa application process can be daunting and confusing, especially for those who have never held a visa before. If you’re interested in obtaining your visa, learn more about the process below to help you better prepare for filing your application.
Determine the type of visa you need
There are dozens of different types of visas; the one you will need depends on the purpose of your travel. Travel visas generally fall into one of the following categories:
- Work
- Tourism
- Business transactions
- Immigration
- Study
Temporary work visas
Visas such as H visas, L visas, and others enable the holder to come to the U.S. with their company, non-profit, or group for a fixed time to complete a job or attend an event. In some cases — such as O and P visas — the visas extend to others traveling with the visa holder.
Short-term business and tourism visas
These visas are intended for those who will only be in the U.S. for a short time (often under six months) for business purposes. A B-1 visa, for example, is available for those attending business meetings, conferences, conventions, or negotiating contracts in the U.S. These visas may be waived under the Visa Waiver Program.
Likewise, tourism visas are seldom long-term. The B-2 visitor visas allow individuals to visit the U.S. for vacation, to visit family, or even to receive medical treatments. In certain cases, individuals may qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, which will negate the need for a B-2 visa.
Permanent/immigrant visas
The U.S. offers approximately 140,000 green cards for employment each year, which job seekers and their families can apply for. Most of the time, these visas require a pre-existing job opportunity and an offer from a U.S-based employer.
Student visas
These visas are used by academic, vocational, and exchange students, allowing these individuals to stay for a fixed time in the U.S. while studying. Students must be accepted to a school or program before applying for these visas. F visas, M visas, and J visas all fall within this category, while additional visas can be used for families and dependents of the students.
If you are unsure what type of visa you will need to travel to the U.S., you can consult with an experienced immigration lawyer. Attorneys in Philadelphia, PA can help you determine your specific needs and answer any questions you may have.
Complete your application
Filling out your application (also known as the DS-160) will take approximately 90 minutes and must be completed before scheduling an interview. To complete your application, follow these steps:
1. Determine your visa type.
2. Gather any necessary documents (passport, photo, travel itinerary, travel history, social media account information, etc.). Certain visa types may require additional documentation.
3. Fill out the DS-160 online. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
4. Review your answers and sign the application.
5. Save and print a copy of your confirmation page.
6. Pay the applicable visa fees.
Please note that other people are allowed to help you complete your visa application. If you need assistance with your visa application, please contact Aegis Law, LLC in Philadelphia, PA today.
Interview at the consulate
After completing your visa application, you will need to schedule an interview at the embassy or consulate nearest to you. Visit their website to review the procedures for requesting an interview. In some cases, you can pay your fee and schedule an interview in the same transaction; in other cases, you may need to reach out to your embassy directly to schedule an appointment.
When you’re ready to interview with a consular officer, remember to bring your:
- DS-160 confirmation page with ID number
- Valid passport
- Fee payment receipt
- Other necessary documents
Talk to an immigration attorney to learn more about applying for a U.S. visa
Applying for and receiving a visa is a time-consuming, multi-step process, but one that is within your reach. This is especially true if you have the help of a knowledgeable immigration attorney to help facilitate the process and address any concerns you may have.
Do you have questions about obtaining a U.S. visa? Are you preparing to apply or currently applying for a U.S. visa? Aegis Law, LLC in Philadelphia, PA, can assist individuals, families, and employers who are seeking to obtain a U.S. visa. We are happy to meet with you to discuss your case and determine how to meet your specific needs. Reach out today to receive professional legal advice and representation that can help simplify your visa application process.
