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Visa Waivers, Visas for Business Travel, and Visas for Tourists

It is mandatory to obtain a visa if you are planning to travel to the UNITED STATES. Your intended purpose for journeying to the UNITED STATES. will determine the type of visa necessary. There are two types of visas, an immigrant visa for permanent residence and a nonimmigrant visa for those traveling to the UNITED STATES. for business, pleasure or medical treatment.

For those coming to the UNITED STATES. for other purposes such as temporary workers and students, a different visa is warranted. The UNITED STATES. consulate in your country of origin/citizenship would be able to assist you if you are unsure of the type of visa you would need.

Business Travel

If traveling to the UNITED STATES. on business, you would need a nonimmigrant visa or B-1 “visitor” visa. B-1 is a temporary visa granted for 90 days or less.

Travel for Pleasure or Medical Treatment Purposes

If traveling to the UNITED STATES. for pleasure or medical treatment purposes, you would need a B-2 “visitor” visa. As with the B-1 visa, it is a temporary visa and is granted for 90 days or less.

How To Obtain a Visitor Visa

Find a UNITED STATES. consulate office nearest you.

Obtain an application and read and follow the consulate’s instructions. Most applications must filled out in person, but some can be sent by mail, drop box or through a travel agent.

Once the application has been filed, contact the consulate office to make an appointment. Do not delay contacting the consulate as it may take several days to several weeks for an interview. After the visa has been granted, it will take an additional 1 to 2 days for processing.

Once you have your appointment date, you will need certain documentation. You will need your original passport and two recent passport sized photos for all applicants, including children.

Those 18 years and under will need parental authorization to travel alone. It is also imperative that you show that you have sufficient funds to stay in the UNITED STATES. This usually requires three months of bank statements. If you will be traveling to the UNITED STATES. as a tourist, you will need a statement from your employer or school that includes the length of employment or years of study. The letter must also state that you are traveling to the UNITED STATES. for vacation purposes and when you are expected to return.

If you will be traveling to the UNITED STATES. on business, you will need a letter from your employer with information such as the purpose and length of your stay, who will be paying your salary and expenses, and your itinerary with supporting documentation of what will take place while in the UNITED STATES.

If you are not a citizen in the country in which you reside, a residency permit is required to obtain a visitor visa to the UNITED STATES. You will also need to complete a DS-156.

 What is the Visa Waiver Program?

Citizens from certain countries traveling to the UNITED STATES. do not need to obtain a visitor visa as part of the nonimmigrant admission class that was instituted by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Those countries participating in the VWP are, Brunei, Iceland, NorwayPortugal, San Marino, Italy, Austria Belgium, Japan, Sweden, Singapore, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Denmark, Spain, , Andorra ,Luxembourg, Finland, Monaco, , Ireland, Germany, New Zealand, Australia ,United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden. As of June 26, 2005, all those who travel under the visa waiver program must have a machine-readable passport. If you were unable to obtain a machine-readable passport, it would be necessary to apply for a visitor visa.  more ..

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