US Visa Application Process | Everything You Must Know

For a long time, the United States of America has been the top choice for Indians, Pakistanis, and other Asians for international travel and immigration. The US visa is the most sought-after among these communities. Hence, it is one of the most difficult to acquire too. Don’t worry though, with our help, you’ll become an expert in US travel documents.

In order to enter the United States, citizens of the following countries must apply for a visa.

The 40 Visa Waver Countries are as under:

If you want to apply for immigration too, check out the information below and then fill out the form provided by USCIS.

USCIS: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The USCIS is the local government agency that oversees the immigration department. It deals with all the laws related to tourism, travel documents, and immigration.

Moreover, the agency is also responsible for giving out visas and accepting immigration applications. Based on the values of integrity, respect, innovation, and vigilance, they strive to achieve the highest level of fairness in their dealings with the public. They are also in control of the rules of the travel permit. Hence, they have set some rules to find out the type of visa you must acquire to travel through the USA.

The US visa comprises almost 185 categories that are classified into two main groups.

An online form called the DS-160, or the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is required by the U.S. Department of State for temporary visa applicants. The form collects information about a temporary visa applicant’s educational background , professional career , and travel plans .

The immigrant travel stamp is necessary for individuals and/or family members who wish to relocate to the USA. It is issued to people who want to become permanent citizens in the States through any of the valid and lawful permanent residency schemes.

To immigrate to the USA, one has to be sponsored by a family member who’s a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. On the basis of sponsorship and the purpose of travel, the immigrant permit is further divided into various categories.

The categories of visas in Family-based Immigration are:
IR1, CR1: This is for the spouse of a US citizen.
K3: For the spouse of a US citizen waiting for approval of the I-130 petition.
K1: For the fiancé of the US citizen
F2A, F2B: For Spouses, minors, and children over 21 years who are unmarried of lawful US Permanent residents.
IR2: Issued to unmarried children who are under 21 years of lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders).
F1: Issued to unmarried children of lawful permanent residents. The minors of unmarried children can also apply through this category.
F3: For married Children and their minors.
F4: For siblings of Green Card holders and their spouses and minors.

Family-based immigration can either be sponsored by an immediate relative or distant family members. Hence, it is of further two sub-types.

People with close family ties with a US citizen such as parents, spouse, or children can apply for the immediate relative visa.

People with more distant family members who are either US citizens or Green Card holders can apply for this type of travel document.

E1: This type of immigration petition is for priority workers and people with extraordinary skills.

It is divided into 3 main sub-categories.

1. People with extraordinary abilities in Science, Education, Athletics, or Arts. The applicants must be able to show extensive proof of their acclaimed specialty. The biggest advantage is that the applicants for this category don’t have to show proof of employment in the USA. They can enter the country and then look for opportunities and continue to work in their specified fields.
2. Professors and Researchers with three years of internationally recognized experience in teaching and/or research. They must show a prospective job offer from a USA employer and file for a petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, with the USCIS.
3. Multinational managers and executives with previous one-year employment in the overseas branch of a USA employer.

E2: Professionals with advanced degrees and exceptional abilities. The applicant must show an approved labor certification by the Department of Labor. The applicant must also have a job offer from a USA employer to be eligible to apply and submit the Alien Worker, Form I-140, with the USCIS.

It is divided into 2 main sub-categories.

1. Professionals with advanced degrees.
2. Professionals with exceptional abilities.

E3: For skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers. To become eligible for immigration, the applicant must have a filled and approved Alien Worker, Form I-140 that’s filed by the prospective employer.

It is divided into 3 main sub-categories.

1. Skilled workers with permanent job offer requiring a minimum of two years of training and/or work experience.
2. Professionals with job offers in professions that require a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from a US university/college or a foreign equivalent degree.
3. Unskilled workers with a permanent job offer in a field that requires less than 2 years of training and/or experience.

E4: Certain special immigrants. The applicant does NOT have to show an approved labor certification by the Department of Labor.

The E4 permit consists of many sub-categories. Some of the sub-categories are mentioned below.

1. Ministers of religion
2. Broadcasters of the US
3. Certain former employees of the US government abroad and Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone.
4. Iraqi and Afghan translators/interpreters (SI)
5. Iraqis and Afghans who worked for/on behalf of the U.S. Government (SQ)

The process of the adoption of a child by legal means from another country and then bringing it to the US is termed intercountry adoption. The visas for this type of adoption are IR3, IH3, IR4, and IH4 types.

The Diversity Immigrant Program was launched to give people from low immigration rate countries a chance to apply for US immigration.

The non-immigrant travel permit is a temporary stay document that enables foreign citizens to tour, stay, study, or work temporarily in the USA. It is mostly issued to people who have secured ties to their homeland and can prove that they will return to their home country once their purpose for travel is accomplished.

This type of travel document (Type C) is required when the applicant has to transit through the USA on their way to another country.

The two types of Student travel permits available are the F1 or the M1 stamp.
F1: Issued to students
F2: Issued to the dependents of the student
M1: Issued to foreign citizens traveling to the USA for vocational purposes.

For individuals who wish to travel to the USA for tourism, entertainment, and/or business purposes, the visitor’s permit is the visa of choice.

The two types of visitor permits are:
B1: Issued to individuals traveling to the USA for business.
B2: Issued to individuals traveling to the USA for tourism.

Permit-free Travel To Multiple Countries

One of the biggest advantages of a US travel stamp on your passport is that it allows permit-free travel to at least 49 countries around the world. This means that with a valid US document, you won’t have to apply for a travel permit from those countries. This way, you can easily travel almost half the world with just one travel permit!

Long-term Validity

Unlike other countries, the permit that the USA provides is valid for a long time period. The validity can last anywhere between four years to 10 years. This is a big plus point for people who wish to enter and leave the USA whenever they please.

Easy Approval For Other Countries’ Travel Permit

We all know that the process and application for a USA visa is one of the toughest out there. The entire world knows how extensive the screening process for the USA is. The USCIS performs strict background checks and analyzes every detail during the interview. Hence, once we are approved for it, we can easily get travel permits from other countries as well.

Rights, Protection, And Privileges

Once your petition for immigration is approved, you become legal residents of the USA. The country ensures the proper safety and protection of all its residents. The USCIS has created strict laws for the protection of the rights of immigrants and temporary workers. You can live and work freely without any fear.

Immigrant Permit Is The Route For Citizenship

US citizenship is the most sought-after among Indians and Pakistanis. We all know relatives who have submitted their petitions but have had no luck even after years. However, if your green card application is approved, you are eligible for citizenship after three to five years. It is the shortest route to complete residency in the USA.

Now that we know about the benefits of the US permit, we would all like to apply. But before we do so, we must understand their eligibility criteria.

• The applicant must have a valid passport.
• The applicant must be a law-abiding citizen and must not be involved in any crimes.
• The applicant must be able to provide all the necessary documents.
• The applicant must be of legal age.

If you fulfill the above criteria, you are eligible to apply for the document. Before you apply, make sure you have all the necessary documentation and requirements.

The basic documents that are required for the process are mentioned below:

1. Filled non-immigrant form DS-160.
2. Valid passport
3. One passport-sized photograph.
4. Proof of fee payment of application.

Other documents that are required:

1. Previous US visas
2. Social media details comprising all social media profiles and handles, emails, phone numbers, and previous 5-year history.
3. Letter of invitation/sponsorship from a US citizen or Green Card holder.
4. Travel itinerary including flight reservations, dates for entry and exit from the USA, and proof of accommodation.
5. Bank account statement and proof that you have funds sufficient enough to support yourself and/or any daily members coming alongside you.
6. Employment letter
7. Property documents that prove that you have strong ties to your country and will come back once your permit is expired.
8. Family documents including birth certificates, marriage certificates, family photographs, etc.
9. In case of traveling for medical purposes, you must have a letter from your physician.
10. You will also go through a medical exam by a physician approved by the embassy.
11. For a study permit, you must also show proof of admission to a US university/college.

When applying for a Temporary Work Permit, the documents that you have to submit in addition to the basic ones are:

1. Proof of qualification (certified degrees and/or diplomas)
2. Proof of prospective job offer
3. Letter of invitation from a US employer
4. Resume
5. Letter from the previous employee
6. Proof of payment of any additional fee

How To Apply?

Step 1: Online Application

Complete the online application. Make sure to fill out the form for the particular type you are applying for. Ensure complete transparency in the details you have filled out.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment

Schedule an interview through the consular offices or the US embassy. The interview requirement is based on the age of the applicant. It is usually not required for applicants aged 13 and below. For applicants between the ages of 14 to 79, an interview is required. Although, there are some exceptions. Applicants over the age of 80 don’t need to schedule an interview for their application.

Step 3: Prepare

Prepare for your interview. This means that you have to be ready for all the questions they throw at you. You must answer honestly about everything. Also, you must pay the application fee and keep proof of payment with you at the time of the interview.

Step 4: Required Documents

Gather all the required documents mentioned above. Make sure to check for specific documents required according to your application.

Step 5: Interview

Attend the interview and make sure you ace it.

Once you are done with the interview, you must wait for the processing of your application. Usually, the processing time depends on the kind of application form you have filled out. You can check your case processing time on the official USCIS website.

The application fee for common types of travel permits are mentioned below.

• Business/Tourist Permit (B) – $160
• Transit/Crewmember Permit (C1, D) – $160
• Student Permit (F) – $160
• Temporary Work Permit (H)- $190
• Spouse Family Member (K) – $265

If you have submitted the immigrant petition, you can check out the status of your application on the official USCIS website.

Th process for the US travel permit is quite long and tiresome. However, you must keep your eyes on the prize. If you make sure that you have completed the application properly, you will be able to grab a chance for an interview. During the interview, don’t treat it as an interrogation.

Rather, treat it like any general interview. But don’t be too casual. Make sure to show honesty and integrity. These core values just might be your ticket to the USA!

Enormous Land And Diverse Landscapes

The USA is among the top largest country in the world. Its land is almost equal to the entire continent of Europe. Being the third largest, the country proudly owns diverse landscapes, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls that are the center of tourist attraction.

Some of the world’s favorite sites in the States are The Grand Canyon in Arizona, The Pacific Northwest Coast, The Smoky Mountains, and The Eastern Sierra Mountains. Other than these commonly visited places, there are many hidden gems and wild spaces around the country that people love to explore. Living or traveling in the USA guarantees fun, adventure, and countless places to tour.

Five Climate Zones

Not everyone loves the cold. Similarly, not every individual is made for the hot climate. That’s why the USA is a perfect choice. It has all 5 climates within its borders. Some states are near the equator, making them the hottest climate zones. On the other hand, as we move away from the equator, the states become colder.

It is the only country comprising dry, tropical, polar, temperate, and continental climate zones. Choose your pick and travel to that area!

National And Amusement Parks

The main sights for tourists in the country are the National Parks, theme parks, and amusement parks. Yellowstone National Park was the first ever. It is most famous for its wildlife and geothermal features such as the Old Faithful Geyser.

Yosemite National Park is surrounded by The Sierra Forest on the southeast side. Furthermore, it is also classified as a World Heritage site due to the granite cliffs, waterfalls, streams, and rivers. Other than that, the USA has an extensive range of National Parks.

The Amusement parks in the country are filled with nerve-wracking yet extremely fun rides, entertainment spaces, and so much more. It truly is a dream place for people who are always looking for entertainment and amusement.

Art, Culture, And History

The Art and Culture around the States represent individuality and diversity. Since the USA is home to people from all over the world and it also constitutes a big part of the globe, almost all kinds of cultures are found within the country. It is also one of the most important countries when it comes to art and history.

The USA is a hub for entertainment, art, and history. From the production of world-class artists to Hollywood, the country has it all. It also has many historical sites and towns with a rich history.

Rich, Savoury Foods

It’s the country for individuals belonging to various cultures and backgrounds. Hence, you can find food from every part of the world in the USA. From rich Mexican food to pizzas and burgers, from delicious Asian cuisines to Italian, the people love it all.

Small Towns And Enormous Cities

Being the third largest country, it has both, small towns and big cities. If you are a fan of nature and minimalistic, quiet life, you can travel around and live in the numerous small towns spread across the map.

However, if you love the energetic and upbeat vibes, the cities are your place. You can find many exciting places in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. From education to entertainment, the USA comprises incredible cities that have everything necessary to live the best life.

The country promises a better lifestyle than most South Asian countries. That’s why more and more people immigrate to the USA every year.