US Visa Guide

US Visa Guide

In 2018, 1.4 million Indians visited the USA. Whether it is to stay for a long term, or study, or just travel for leisure, it is important to know all the elaborate processes involved in going to the US such as a visa for the USA.

US Visa

A lot of agents might promise to help you with a visa for the USA at a cost. However, if you conduct your own research properly and understand the process, you can easily do it all by yourself. Read on to know more about US visa types and other details related to a visa.

US Visa Types

There are two major US visa types- immigrant and non-immigrant.

Immigrant visas are for foreign citizens who want to stay in the USA permanently.

Non-immigrant visas are for foreign nationals who want to go to the US for a short duration. There are several types of visa in the USA for non-immigrants, depending on the purpose of visit.

US Tourist visa

• For medical treatment or for pleasure

US Business visa

• For business associates attending conventions, negotiating contracts, etc.

US Work visa

These are for foreign nationals who want to temporarily work in the USA. The different US visa types for workers are as follows.

• H1-B for specialty occupation (biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, economics, etc.)

• H-2A for agricultural labour

• H2-B for skilled and unskilled workers

• H-3 for employee training

• H-4 for dependents (spouse and children) of foreign national working in the US

• L-1 for transfer by company to the US

• L-2 for spouse and unmarried children of L-visa holder

• Type O visa for foreign nationals with exceptional abilities in the fields of science, arts, business, education, and athletics or extraordinary achievements in television and motion picture production.

• Type P visa for entertainers, artists, athletes who come to perform in the USA and their spouses and children.

• Type Q visa for participants of international cultural exchange programs involving employment, training, sharing culture, history, and traditions of their home country

US Student visa

If you want to pursue education in the US, you need a student visa.

• F1 visa for students of academic courses

• M1 visa for students of vocational training courses

US Exchange visitor visa

• For teachers, research scholars, etc. participating in exchange programs for interchange of knowledge

US Transit visa

• For foreign nationals passing through the USA on their way to another country

US Ship crew visa

• For crew members serving on an aircraft or a sea vessel

Religious worker visa

• For conducting religious activities recognised by relevant authority

Domestic employee visa

• For cooks, nannies, drivers, maids, etc. of foreign nationals travelling to the US

Media and journalist visa

• For representatives of foreign media visiting the US for conferences, purchasing equipment, events, etc. and their spouses and children

What are the documents required for a USA visa?

• Passport which is valid for six months beyond date of entry in US

• Colored photos

• Proof of property

• Police Clearance Certificate

• Birth Certificate

The following additional documents have to be submitted for a USA visa as well, if applicable.

• Court records

• Military records

• Marriage Certificate

• Divorce/death certificate of spouse

How can one apply for an American visa?

The procedure to apply for a non-immigrant American visa is as follows

• Choose the type of USA visa

• Check your eligibility for the selected type of US visa

• Fill the DS-160 form.

• Make the required online payment for the specific type of US visa

• Schedule an interview at the Visa Application Centre.

• Schedule another interview with the US Embassy.

Conclusion

There is little room for error while handling procedures for all types of visa in the USA. Make sure you follow all instructions to the dot. And do not forget to get yourself a travel insurance once the basic process is over, as it will help you travel stress-free.

Don’t forget to get a travel insurance

Travel is incomplete without travel insurance, especially when it is a foreign trip. A great option that you can check out is travel Insurance, available on Bajaj Markets. This plan will protect you financially, against flight/train cancellation, loss of luggage, medical emergencies, etc. For a secure trip, check out this plan now!