So you are ready to come to the United States. But first you need a visa to travel. You may have some questions such as, what is a visa? Why do I need a visa to travel to the US? And what type of visa do I need? The US immigration system can be hard to understand and a long, frustrating process for many. But once you have a general idea of how things work it can be as simple as apply, submit, interview!
What is a Visa?
A visa is an official document that allows the holder to legally enter a foreign country. The visa is placed in the traveler’s passport. Countries have visa policies and restrictions in place to control the flow of visitors and to prevent illegal immigration and other criminal activity. Many countries have agreements that allow their citizens to travel freely between each country without needing a visa. Make sure to check if the intended country you are visiting has any visa requirements before traveling abroad.
Visa Categories
The type of visa you may need depends on the purpose of your visit to the US. There are two main categories of US visas. There are the nonimmigrant visas for those traveling to the United States on a temporary basis. These are for example tourism visas, temporary worker visas, and student visas. The immigrant visas are for travel to live permanently in the United States. These visas include family-based visas, permanent employment visas, and adoption visas.
How to Apply for a Visa
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of the steps may vary by the U.S Embassy or Consulate. Generally, you will start by completing the online visa application. Submit any necessary documents supporting your application and pay the fees associated with your application. Once you have properly filed your visa application, you will be requested to attend an in-person interview. A consular officer will interview you to determine if you are eligible to receive a visa. Consequently, a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. Rather, it allows you to travel to the US, but you may still be denied entry by US Customs and Border Protection immigration.
Obtaining a visa to travel to the US does not have to be a complicated process. Here are just some of the basics you need to know when it comes to applying for a US visa. To get legal advice or legal help pertaining to immigration do not hesitate to contact Lewis Law P.A. Don’t Go it Alone, call us at 954-530-1717.
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