What is the US Visa Application

The US Visa application process has 8 steps. You need to check if you need a visa first because you could be a citizen of a country that is eligible to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program and might not have to go through the application process. 

US Visa Application

The US Visa application process has 8 steps. You need to check if you need a visa first because you could be a citizen of a country that is eligible to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program and might not have to go through the application process. 

Once you choose which visa you will apply for, you need to fill out the DS-160 form, which is the online nonimmigrant US visa application form and it can be found online on the website of the US consulate from which you are applying.  

How to Apply Online for a Visa to the US

The US Visa application process has 8 steps: check if you need a visa, choose the type of US visa you will apply for, fill in the non-immigrant visa application form DS-160, pay your application fee(s), schedule a visa interview, compile the document file, attend the visa interview, and wait for processing.

Once you choose which visa you will apply for, you need to fill out the DS-160 form, which is the online nonimmigrant US visa application form and it can be found online on the website of the US consulate from which you are applying.  

Types of US Visas

There are two types of US visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant. Within those two categories are many sub sectors based on your specific needs, situation, and intention of travel/moving.

Eligibility

An important part of the US visa application process is gathering the required documents.  After you have selected the visa type you need to apply for, you should check the requirements and start gathering the documents that are required for that visa.

There are some documents that the embassy or consulate of the US requires from every applicant no matter what kind of visa they wish to obtain. Be careful to have all these documents when you hand in your visa application.

The required documents for a US Visa include an online nonimmigrant DS-160 application form, your valid passport, one photograph that meets the US visa photo requirements, a receipt proving payment of $160 for a nonimmigrant US visa application, and your social media details. 

Canadian Citizens

In most circumstances, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States, either from Canada or from other countries. There are, however, some exceptions to this situation.

These exceptions include treaty traders and investors, foreign citizen fiances (as well as the fiance children), a US citizen's foreign citizen spouse traveling to reside in the US while awaiting final completion of the process of immigration (as well as the spouse's children), spouses of lawful permanent residents (as well as the spouse's children), and nonimmigrants traveling to the US for work. 

Mexican Citizens

If you are a Mexican citizen, then you are required to obtain a visa to enter the United States as a TN nonimmigrant. You should apply for a TN visa directly at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico.

Visa requirements for Mexican citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of Mexico. As of May 2018, Mexican citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 158 countries and territories, ranking the Mexican passport 21st in terms of travel freedom according to the Henley Passport Index.

How to Apply

The US Visa application process has 8 steps: check if you need a visa, choose the type of US visa you will apply for, fill in the non-immigrant visa application form DS-160, pay your application fee(s), schedule a visa interview, compile the document file, attend the visa interview, and wait for processing.

Once you choose which visa you will apply for, you need to fill out the DS-160 form, which is the online nonimmigrant US visa application form and it can be found online on the website of the US consulate from which you are applying.  

Prepare for Your Interview

After the National Visa Center (NVC) schedules your visa interview appointment, they will send you, your petitioner, and your agent/attorney (if applicable) an email noting the appointment date and time.  After you receive an interview Appointment Letter from NVC, you must take the following steps BEFORE the interview date.

You must schedule and complete a medical examination, register for courier service, and gather documents required for the interview.

Getting a Job in the U.S. as a Foreign Worker

As a foreign worker, you will need a visa to get a job in the U.S. Each type of visa has unique requirements, conditions, and time limits. Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS) Working in the U.S. web page for an overview of each worker category and type of visa.

Your Rights and Protections as a Temporary Foreign Worker

As a temporary foreign worker in the U.S., you will not be denied a visa or be punished by the U.S. government because you have exercised your rights under U.S. laws. 

If you violate the terms of your work visa, it could be revoked. You could be deported, arrested, or denied re-entry into the U.S.

Period of Stay/Extension of Stay

United States employers may request to extend a foreign worker’s H-1B status by filing Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker. The maximum period of stay in the United States in H-1B status is six years, with limited exceptions.

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in you being out of status. Under U.S. law, visas of travelers who are out of status are automatically voided. If you had a multiple-entry visa and it was voided due to you being out of status, it will not be valid for future entries into the United States.

Dependents of Nonimmigrants

Spouses and unmarried children (below the age of 21 years) of the principal H visa holders can obtain an H-4 visa to accompany him/her to the United States. However, dependents are not permitted to work in the US but can attend school in the US.

Spouses and children who qualify for dependent nonimmigrant classification of a temporary worker and who are outside of the United States should apply directly at a U.S. consulate for a visa.

Spouses and children requesting a change of status or extension of stay in a dependent nonimmigrant classification must file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

Extending Your Nonimmigrant Stay

You must depart the United States on or before the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, unless your request to extend your stay is approved by USCIS.

United States employers may request to extend a foreign worker’s H-1B status by filing Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker.

Visa Appointment Wait Times

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

You will need to provide the receipt number that is printed on your approved Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797, to schedule an interview.