OVERSEAS CONSULTANCY
US Visit Visa: Know all the details to travel to the United States
​This page provides the most essential information that is necessary for obtaining a US Tourist Visa.
Key Highlights
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What is a US Tourist Visa?
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What are the eligibility criteria for the US Tourist Visa?
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The documents required
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How to apply for a US Tourist Visa?
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The cost of applying for a US Visitor Visa
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Other FAQs: Processing time, visa interview, and more
When it comes to international tourism, the United States is at the top of the list. The country receives about 79.6 million international visitors annually. These people travel to the country for business or sightseeing. It also impacts the economy of the country massively. Read along.
What is a US Tourist Visa?
A US Tourist Visa is a type of non-immigrant visa. It allows people to enter the United States. The purpose can either be business or tourism. It can also be a combination of both.
What are the eligibility criteria of the US tourist visa?
The eligibility criteria of the US tourist visa are:
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Show proof of your travel:
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If it is tourism, then you must display a travel itinerary, tickets, etc.
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If it is a visit to family or friends, then you must show an invitation letter.
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If it is for medical purposes, then you must show the necessary medical documents.
If it is for business, then:
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You must display business invitations, etc.
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You must show proof that you are a foreigner.
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You must display the intent to leave the country to the immigration officer.
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You must not work, study, or do paid performances.
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You must display sufficient proof of funds.
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You must have a residence in your home country.
What are the documents required for a US tourist visa?
The documents required for the US tourist visa are:
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Valid passport
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Old passports (if any)
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Recent photograph (as per the requirements)
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Completed and signed DS-160 form
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Confirmation page of the DS-160 form
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It must be stamped at the Visa Application Center (VAC)
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Receipts of the visa fee
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Proof of funds
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Proof of character
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Or
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Any other documents showing that you have no criminal record
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A letter describing the reason for your travel
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Display of intent to return back
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Printout of the appointment letter of the visa interview
Related FAQs
1. What are the supporting documents for tourism/leisure/exploring the US?
The supporting documents for tourism/leisure/exploring the US are:
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PAN Card, Tax ID, income tax returns
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Travel itinerary
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Travel documents
2. What are the supporting documents for medical treatments in the US?
The supporting documents for medical treatments in the US are:
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A letter from a physician stating the diagnosis of the condition
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A letter from the U.S. medical institution accepting you for medical treatment
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Proof of funds covering the medical costs and stay in the US
3. What are the supporting documents for visiting family/friends/family events in the US?
The supporting documents for visiting family/friends/family events in the US are:
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Letter of invitation
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Proof of event
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Brochure of the event
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Invitation card
4. Do you need an invitation letter for the US tourist visa?
No, you do not need an invitation letter for the US tourist visa. But, you must provide one if it is possible.
5. Do you need a bank statement for the US visa?
Yes, you need a bank statement for the US visa. It is required as a proof of sufficient funds.
6. Can you sponsor a friend for a tourist visa?
Yes, you can sponsor a friend for a tourist visa.
7. What are the supporting documents for a sponsor of the USA visitor visa?
The supporting documents for a sponsor of the USA visitor visa are:
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US visa sponsor form (I-134 form)
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Letter of invitation
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Letter to the US consulate
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Proof of funds:
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Bank account verification letter
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Bank statements
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Personal tax returns (if businessman or self-employed)
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Letter of employment
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Photocopy of the passport
If you are a green card holder, then:
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Copy of the green card
If you are a US citizen, then:
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Copy of the certificate of citizenship
If you are a visa holder, then:
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Copy of the visa
8. What are the digital photo requirements for the US tourist visa?
The digital photo requirements for the US tourist visa are:
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It must be a colored photograph.
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The size of the image must be less or equal to 240 kB.
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The dimensions of the image must be in the square aspect ratio.
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The minimum dimension is 600 x 600 pixels.
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The maximum dimension is 1200 x 1200 pixels.
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The format of the image must be JPEG.
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The compression ratio of the image must be less than or equal to 20:1.
How can you get a tourist visa to the USA?
You can get a tourist visa to the USA by following the steps given below:
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Step 1: Submit a digital photograph
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Step 2: It must be according to the specific requirements mentioned.
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Step 3: Fill the DS-160 application form
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Step 4: Get the ten-digit barcode
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Step 5: Pay the required application fees
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Step 6: Arrange a visa interview appointment
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Step 7: You need to schedule two appointments:
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One interview is at the embassy or consulate.
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The other one is at the Offsite Facilitation Centre (OFC)
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Step 8: You must give your biometrics at the Visa Application Centre (VAC)
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Step 9: Go for the personal visa interview.
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Step 10: If you meet the required criteria, you will get a US tourist visa.
Related FAQs
1. What is the adjustment of status?
The adjustment of status is a process related to the change in visa status:
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It allows immigrants to apply for permanent resident status.
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You must be in the United States while applying.
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You must apply to the USCIS.
2. Can you apply for adjustment of status on a US tourist visa?
Yes, you can apply for adjustment of status on a US tourist visa. But, you have to meet specific requirements.
3. Do Canadian citizens need a tourist visa for the USA?
No, Canadian citizens do not need a tourist visa for the USA.
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If you are a permanent resident in Canada, then you need a visa.
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Permanent residency can be obtained by applying to the CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada).
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You might not need the visa even if you are a permanent resident.
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For that, you must be the national of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
4. How long can you stay in the US with a tourist visa?
You can stay in the US with a tourist visa for a maximum of 6 months. The Customs and Border Protection officer decides the duration.
What is the cost for a tourist visa to the USA?
A tourist visa to the USA costs $ 160. You may also have to pay other fees.
These are:
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Visa issuance fees (depending on your nationality)
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Doctor’s fees (for proof of good health)
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Fees for proof of character
What is the processing time for a US tourist visa?
The processing time for a US tourist visa is between three days to 2 weeks. It can delay if there is traffic at the embassy or consulate.
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Other Important FAQs
1. What are the different types of US tourist visas?
The different types of US tourist visas are:
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B-1 visa
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B-2 visa
2. What are the activities permitted on a B-1 visitor visa?
The activities permitted on a B-1 visitor visa are:
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Settling an estate
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Consulting with associates related to business
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Negotiating a contract
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Attending conferences or conventions
It can be:
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Educational
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Business
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Scientific
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Professional
3. What are the activities permitted on a B-2 visitor visa?
The activities permitted on a B-2 visitor visa are:
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Vacation
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Medical treatment
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Tourism
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Visiting family or friends
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Attending and participating in social events
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Joining a short-term recreational study course
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Participating in events like sports or musicals
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4. What is not allowed on the visitor visa?
The things that are not allowed on the visitor visa are:
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Work
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Study
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Paid performances
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Work related to press, radio, or any other information media
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Arriving as a crew member of an aircraft or ship
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Permanent residence
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5. How do you know if a US tourist visa is approved or not?
To know if the US tourist visa is approved or not, you must:
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Check the status of your visa application.
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You must wait at least 3 business days after your visa interview.
If your visa is approved, then:
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You will see the timings of collecting the visa.
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You will also get an email informing you of the same.
If your visa needs administrative processing, then:
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You will be asked to check the status after some days again.
If your visa is rejected, then:
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Your passport will be returned to you.
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6. How long is a US tourist visa valid for?
The US tourist visa is valid for a maximum period of 10 years.
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7. Can I look for a job in the US with a tourist visa?
No, you cannot look for a job in the US with a tourist visa.
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8. What is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program is a program that is operated by the DHS (Department of Homeland Security).
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It allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States.
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There are 39 countries enlisted.
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You can stay for up to 90 days.
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You can travel for business or tourism.
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You must have a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
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ESTA is operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
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9. Name the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
The countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program are:
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Andorra
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Australia
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Austria
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Belgium
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Brunei
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Chile
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Czech Republic
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Denmark
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Estonia
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Finland
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France
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Germany
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Greece
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Hungary
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Iceland
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Ireland
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Italy
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Japan
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Latvia
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Liechtenstein
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Lithuania
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Luxembourg
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Malta
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Monaco
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Netherlands
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New Zealand
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Norway
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Poland
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Portugal
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San Marino
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Singapore
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Slovakia
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Slovenia
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South Korea
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Spain
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Sweden
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Switzerland
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Taiwan
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United Kingdom
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10. How do you know if you need a USA tourist visa or not?
To know if you need a USA tourist visa or not, you must check:
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If your country falls under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
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If you are a citizen of Bermuda or Canada
If you are applicable for any of the above options, then:
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You do not need a US tourist visa.
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11. What are the major reasons for visa denials?
The major reasons for visa denials are:
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Having a criminal record
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Violation of the immigration rules
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Incorrect information
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Underprepared for the visa interview
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Applying for the wrong type of visa
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Being too confident during the visa interview
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Communication issues
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Suspicion of fraud
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Providing extra information
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12. Is the US tourist visa a multiple entry visa?
Yes, the US tourist visa is a multiple-entry visa. Both B-1 and B-2 visas allow multiple entries into the country.
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13. How do you know which type of visa you need to travel to the USA?
The type of visa you need to travel to the USA depends on your purpose.
Broadly there are 3 types:
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14. What is the fiancé visa?
The fiancé (e) visa is a non-immigrant visa.
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It is also known as the K-1 visa.
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It is for the foreign fiancé (e) of a US citizen.
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It allows foreign nationals to come to the U.S. to marry.
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The applicant has to marry within 90 days of coming to the US.
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After marriage, the applicant can apply for an adjustment of status.
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The adjustment of status is for becoming a permanent resident (LPR).
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It has to be applied to the DHS (Department of Homeland Security).
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The eligible children of the applicant can get the K-2 visas.
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15. How can you extend the duration of the US tourist visas?
You can extend the duration of the US tourist visas for another 6 months. It is applicable to both the visa types – B-1 and B-2. You have to file the I-539 application form.
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16. Is my US visa valid if my passport has expired?
Yes, your US visa is valid if your passport has expired. But, you also have to carry a new valid passport.
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17. How can you renew your US tourist visa?
You cannot renew your US tourist visa. There is no such law. You have to apply for a fresh visa again.
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18. How much bank balance should you have for applying for a US tourist visa?
The amount of bank balance you should have for applying for a US tourist visa depends on the duration.
If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank.
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19. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa?
No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.
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20. Why must you opt for travel insurance?
You must opt for travel insurance as medical treatments in the US is expensive.
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21. Is a visa interview compulsory for the United States Visitor Visa?
Yes, a visa interview is compulsory for the United States Visitor Visa.
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22. Who does not need a visa interview?
People who do not need a visa interview are:
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Visa applicants 13 or less age
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Visa applicants 80 or more in age
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23. What must you know about the visa interview?
The things to know about the visa interview are:
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A consular officer will ask you questions.
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You will have to establish that you meet the criteria required.
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You will have to provide digital, ink-free fingerprint scans.
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The consular officer will decide if the application needs administrative processing
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24. Is a US visitor visa required if you have the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC)?
Yes, a US visitor visa is required if you have the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC). Unless your country qualifies for the Visa Waiver Program, you must get the visa.
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25. What must the citizens of Mexico have to gain entry to the US?
To gain entry to the US, the citizens of Mexico must have:
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Border Crossing Card (Laser Visa)
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Both these documents are now combined into the DSP-150.
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26. Can I convert the US tourist visa into a working visa?
Yes, you can convert the US tourist visa into a working visa. You have to apply to the USCIS.
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27. How can get a working visa from a tourist visa in the US?
You can get a working visa from a tourist visa in the US if:
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You are able to find employment.
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The employer must be ready to sponsor you.
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28. Can you get a working visa if you are on the visa waiver?
No, you cannot get a working visa if you are on the visa waiver.
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29. Can you invite your parents if you are a student or worker in the US?
Yes, you can invite your parents if you are a student or a worker in the US. They are eligible for the B-2 visa.
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30. How can you renew your US tourist visa?
You cannot renew your US tourist visa. There is no such law. You have to apply for a fresh visa again.
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