Frankfurt Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit in the Heart...
Read More
Types of US Visas and Their Usage
Discover everything you need to know about the us visas for travel to the U.S., including application requirements and benefits.
Introduction
Every foreign national has a visa to enter the United States. Visas are issued abroad by American consulates. Those who do not need a visa can enter anyway, although they may be denied entry. Numerous categories of visas exist, general and special for a variety of purposes. International travelers can apply for a visa or visa waiver application which is available for tourists, professionals, and international citizens traveling under the Visa Waiver Program.
People seeking to take up work and stay in the US for an indefinite period can obtain an immigration visa and those who are arranging a brief business-related trips or signing up for a research study at an academic institution can obtain a non-immigrant visa. Or simply as a tourist or a work seeker, or a participant at a cultural exchange program who wish to travel to the USA for different reasons can submit an application for a non-immigrant visa.
Nonimmigrant Visas
Nonimmigrant visas are designed for the purpose of developing the economy of the United States by welcoming individuals engaging in temporary business and employment opportunities, educational and cultural exchange programs, travel, and temporary medical treatments. B-1 or B-2 tourist visas are valid for 1-10 years, J-1 exchange visitor visas are valid for 1-5 years, and F-1 academic visas are valid for the duration of the academic program. Each visa covers a variety of activities, which allow foreigners to enter the United States with varying conditions.
The consular officer must evaluate travel plans, proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of travel and time spent in the United States, properties at homeland and the intent to return. Applicants must provide the necessary documents, such as a passport and photo, a visa interview, a completed visa application, a receipt for the visa application processing fee, and any additional documents that support the applicant's eligibility for a nonimmigrant stay. U.S. visas typically require 2 days, but the processing time may take several days.
Immigrant Visas
These visas are intended for individuals seeking to live permanently in the United States. There are several categories of immigrant visas, including family-sponsored, employment-based, special immigrant, and diversity visas. The eligibility criteria and the process of applying for each category vary. Most immigrant visas are only issued to foreign nationals who are sponsored by a U.S. relative or a U.S. employer, a step that often requires the U.S. sponsor to submit a petition.
U.S. citizens can sponsor their immediate relatives, including their spouses, children, parents, and siblings, for special immigrant family-sponsored visas. Additionally, U.S. citizens can also sponsor their fiancés for special immigrant visas. Certain employment-based immigrant visa applicants do not require a U.S. sponsor.
Special Categories of Visas
A limited number of visas are reserved for special categories with unique circumstances. People who fall into these categories must meet the standard criteria of the relevant visa type.
Refugee and Asylum Visas
The law provides unique immigration protections for individuals who don’t feel safe, discriminated or threatened in their home country in accordance with U.S. legal standards. Immigration classifications and immigration benefits have been specifically created for people who meet the standards to be considered a refugee or an asylee.
Visas for Diplomatic and Government Personnel
Government officials and diplomatic service staff from foreign countries who wish to come to the United States to fulfill their official duties are provided in the immigration law with a few special visa classifications.
The U visa
a nonimmigrant visa for crime victims who have suffered and abused physically or mentally and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity
The T visa
established to provide immigration protection to victims of human trafficking who are currently in the United States. These visas have strict eligibility criteria and require thorough documentation from the applicant.
In Conclusion
It's important to remember that restrictions and qualifications for visa types are only half the story. The issuance of visas is conducted on a broader framework of immigration and travel regulations, which is subject to investigation and change.
Failure to maintain status can lead to the loss of a certain visa.
Consult with your institution or the visa service office or lawyer to avoid the hidden traps that can deal a blow to your immigration plans. Finally, remember that the visa landscape is changing all over the world. Take the time to confirm information about visa regulation and procedure before embarking on your next trip.
