Visitor Visa Documents

Obtaining American visitor visa documents can be a difficult process at best and even after obtaining a Visa it does not guarantee entrance into The United States.

OK, so what do these visitor visa documents do for you when you get them? They very plainly serve as a an eligibility requirement for entrance to The U.S. where the final decision rests in the hands of 2 U.S. Government Agencies; U.S. Customs &Border Protection as well as The Department of Home Land Security. These 2 government agencies will have the final say as to the granting of entrance into The U.S.

Types of Visitor Visa Documents

There are 2 main types of visitor visa documents:

The Immigrant Visa- This visa type is for someone who wishes to travel to The U.S. to stay permanently. It allows you to travel to The U.S. as a visitor and then to eventually apply as an LPR (Legal Permanent Resident)

The Non-immigrant Visa- This visa type is best situated for the foreign traveler that is coming to The U.S. on a temporary basis for either work or pleasure.

What Are The Visitor Visa Documents Required?

Online Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160- Click Here to get Form DS-160 and more information regarding the application.

Valid Passport from your country of origin- The passport must be valid for 6 months longer than the applicants stay in The U.S. and if sharing a passport, both people must apply as individuals. There are countries that have an exception to this rule (Rule Exception) allowing you for an additional 6 months after you passport expires.

“Passport Photo”- A 2inX2in (5.1cmX5.1cm) photo is required. There are various other requirements for the photo, but 2 of the most important are that in must be in color and the photo must have been taken within the last 6 months (Photo Requirements).

I Have My Basic Documentation-What Do I Need Now?

You must have actual proof that you are traveling to The U.S. for pleasure, business matters or for needed medical treatment.

These visitor visa documents proving and/or confirming ties with your country of origin can be proved through economic ties with your country (ownership of a business or home), social ties (Children), Proof of medical condition from attending physicians in both country of origin and in The U.S. and proof of funds covering your expenses for the duration of your stay in The U.S.

The Application Process

When applying for a visitor visa give yourself ample time before your intended travel date to acquire the travel visa. Give yourself 2 months (60 days) to complete the process as delays can and do happen during the process. Contact your closest US Embassy or Consulate for more information on processing times as it could vary.

The Interview- It’s the 1st step in the visa process where visa visitor documents will be obtained from you and fingerprints will also be taken. There are age exceptions to the application, generally persons between the ages of 14-79 are interviewed with exceptions on both sides of the equation.

Fees- The fees involved in obtaining a visa vary form visa type to visa type(Visa Fee Schedule), but it is most important to note that ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. Even if you are denied for your Visa, you will not receive a refund for any expenses incurred to date, including the application fee.