Visitors
VISITOR VISAS
A visitor visa is a wonderful way to enter into the United States for a short tourist vacation or short business trip. There are four different ways you may be able to enter the United States as a visitor. Please note, that if you are coming to the United States for reasons in addition to tourist or business activities that another type of visa may be more appropriate for you.
Keep in mind that visitor visas are only for those who have no intent to remain in the United States after entering in order to work or marry. If the consulate officer you interview with believes that you have any intent to remain in the United States to work or marry someone, your application will be denied quickly.
Here are the four basic ways to visit the United States as a visitor:
1. B1 Visa - Visitor for Business
2. B2 Visa - Visitor for Pleasure
3. Visa Waiver Program (applies only to specified countries)
4. Border-Crossing Card (applies only to those entering from Mexico)
Visa Application Process
You must first complete a visa application. It is very important that you
provide a complete, accurate, and solid case in your application, because appeals are not allowed for visitor visa applications.
You may be able to file a Motion to Reconsider, requesting the government to re-examine your case because you have new evidence or left something out of your previous application. However, it should be received by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no later than 30 days after your denial, and note that it is not guaranteed that your case will be reopened.
To qualify for a visitor visa, you must show that:
1. You are entering for business, pleasure or medical treatment purposes;
2. You plan to stay in the United State for a temporary specified time period;
3. You have the money necessary to cover your expenses while in the United States;
4. You possess compelling financial and social ties to your home country; and
5. You maintain a home outside the country that you do not plan to abandon.
After the application, you must set-up an interview at your local consular office with a consular officer. You may do this either through the internet or by calling a U.S. Consulate. When you have your appointment, you will complete a Form DS-156 and, if you are a male between 16 and 45 years old, you must complete a Form DS-157. You will also be required to pay a $100 application fee. If you are issued a visa, you will then have to pay a visa issuance fee as well.
