B2 Visa Qualifications
The U.S. consular officer decides if the applicant is eligible to enter the United States or not. The following is the qualification criteria by which the consular will grant the visitor visa.
It is a presumption that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant (has an intention to stay back in the U.S. permanently). Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:
The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment.
That they plan to remain for a specific and limited period.
Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States;
Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad; and
That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit.
You May not Need a Visitor Visa if... Foreign travelers who are citizens from certain eligible countries, may not need Visitor/Business visa to visit the U.S. They can enter USA without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. They can enter into the United States up to 90 days with the Visa Waiver Program.
The following countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program:
Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (For citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Find out more about the Visa Waiver Program
Methods of Sponsorship
1. Sponsored Trip:
If applicant's has child or relatives lies in USA, they can sponsor the visa for the applicant.
Sponsor: Any US based person can sponsor visa for his/her parents, relatives, friends.
Liabilities of sponsor: Sponsor needs to provide affidavit of support form stating and assuring to take the liabilities of expenses required for applicant’s trip.
Other then this they also need to provide some other documents required to support their claim as sponsor.
Sponsoring does not guarantee the visa grant. Individual applying for visa must meet the criteria, set for US visitor visa.
2. Self Sponsored:
You can be a self sponsor for your trip. You must have sufficient funds and proof of financial capability that can justify your trip expenses.
Visitor Visa Application Procedure
Step 1: Make an interview appointment.
Interview at the embassy consular section is required for applicants age 14 through 79. For children 13 and younger and people 80 and older most of the time do not require an interview, unless requested otherwise.
Wait times for interview appointments and visa processing time information for each U.S. Embassy or Consulate worldwide can be found on the United States Department of State website.
Step 2: Interview
See visa required documents that need to be brought to the visitor visa interview.
Step 2: Fingerprinting
A quick, two-digit, ink-free fingerprint scan will be taken, most likely during the interview.
Learn more about Visa Fingerprinting
Step 3: Additional Screening
Some applicants will require additional screening and will be notified so when applying for the Visa. These clearances may take several weeks or longer. Please plan for the possibility of a delay in the issuance of a visa. Make your visa application well in advance of your intended travel.
Required Documents for the Interview
Each applicant must have the following documents for the interview:
Application Form DS-156 completed and signed.
Option 1: Download, print and fill out the form and bring to the interview
Option 2. Fill out the form online and submit is on-line.
Note: You still need to bring a printed copy of the application form to the interview. Current and valid passport or travel document Your Photograph
Requirements are strict for photograph size, type and quality.
See details for photograph requirements Application fees
All applicants must pay the application fee. Some applicants, according to nationality and type of visa, must also pay an issuance fee.
See Details on Appliction and Issuance Fees Evidence of funds to cover your expenses in the United States Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad
Where to Apply for the Visitor Visa?
Applicants for visitor visas should generally apply at the American Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.
Find the nearest United States consulate to you
Visa Denial or Refusal
If the consular officer should find it necessary to deny the issuance of a visitor visa, the applicant may apply again if there is new evidence to overcome the basis for the refusal. In the absence of new evidence, consular officers are not obliged to re-examine such cases.
Learn more about Visa Denials or Refusals
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