United States Visas

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 15, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

The United States is a country that needs no introduction.

Home to businesses offering some of the highest salaries in the world and cultural and tech capitals, including New York, LA, San Fransico, Silicon Valley, and so much more, it’s easy to see why there are millions of visitors and migrants coming to the country each year.

However, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, you may need a visa to legally experience the American dream.

This guide outlines the visa application process, necessary documents, and other pertinent details to ensure your journey to the land of opportunity is smooth sailing.

When do you need a visa for United States?

The US offers a wide array of visas for tourism, business, work, study, and immigration. Let's explore some of the most common types.

• Visa Waiver Program (VWP): If you're a citizen of a VWP country (includes the UK, Australia, and EU citizens), you can travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. However, you'll need to submit an ESTA application and get approval before you arrive in the United States.
• Non-VWP countries: If your country is not part of the VWP, you will need a visa to enter the US, even for short visits.
• Canadian & Bermudian citizens: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda can travel visa-free to the USA and stay up to 180 days.
• Long stays and other purposes: If you plan to stay in the US for longer than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism or business (e.g., work, study), you will need a specific visa regardless of your nationality.

You can also use this official free tool to see whether you require a visa on your upcoming trip.

Remember:

• Even if you're eligible for the VWP, you may still need a visa if you have certain criminal convictions, prior immigration violations, or other factors that make you ineligible.

United States visa requirements

The specific documents and eligibility criteria for a US visa vary depending on the type of visa you're applying for. However, there are some general rules and requirements to keep in mind.

General requirements

• Visa Waiver Program (VWP):
  • If you are a citizen of a VWP country, you may be able to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.
  • To qualify, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay and meet specific security requirements, including a machine-readable zone and a digital chip with biometric information.
  • You'll also need an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before your trip.
• Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2):
  • If you're not eligible for the VWP, you'll likely need a visitor visa, such as a B-2 (tourism) or a combined B1/B2 (business/tourism) visa.
  • For your visa interview, you'll typically need to provide:
    • A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US
    • A completed Form DS-160 and confirmation page
    • A receipt for the application fee (if applicable)
    • A photo that meets the Department of State's requirements

Other visa types:

• The requirements for other visa types, such as work visas, student visas, or immigrant visas, can be more extensive and complex.

Remember:

• Providing false or misleading information or failing to meet the requirements can result in visa refusal and may affect your ability to travel to the US in the future.

United States visa application process

Applying for a US visa requires several steps, and the specific process can vary depending on the type of visa you're applying for and your circumstances. However, here's a general overview of the typical application process:

1. Check if you need a visa: Determine if you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or if you need to apply for a specific visa based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
2. Choose the visa type: Select the appropriate US visa category that aligns with your travel purpose.
3. Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160: Fill out the online DS-160 form accurately and completely. This form collects personal information, travel details, and background information.
4. Pay the application fee: Pay the required non-refundable visa application fee. The fee amount depends on the visa type.
5. Schedule a visa interview: Most applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 are required to attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate. Schedule your interview appointment online through the official visa application website.
6. Compile the document file: Gather all the necessary supporting documents for your visa application, including your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, application fee receipt, and any additional documents specific to your visa type.
7. Attend the visa interview: Arrive at your interview on time with all your supporting documents. Be prepared to answer questions about your background, travel plans, and purpose of visit.
8. Wait for processing: After your interview, your application will be processed. Processing times vary depending on the visa type and workload at the embassy or consulate.

Remember:

• Processing times can range from a few days to several months, so apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
• You can track your application status online through the official visa application website.
• If your visa application is denied, you will receive a notification explaining the reasons for the refusal.
• Make travel arrangements only after your visa is approved to avoid unnecessary expenses in case of a denial.

How to get a Green Card (permanent residence) in the United States?

There are several ways to get a US Green card, whether that’s through having family already in the US, getting a job, winning a government lottery, and many more. However, whichever way is relevant to your individual situation, this is a gateway to living and working in the US indefinitely.

Let’s break down some of the residency options available to you.

Types of Green Cards

There are several ways to get a Green Card:

• Family-based: If you have close family members who are US citizens or Green Card holders, they can sponsor you.
• Employment-based: If you have a job offer from a US employer or have exceptional skills in your field, you might qualify.
• Humanitarian: This category is for refugees, asylees, and victims of trafficking or abuse.
• Diversity lottery: Every year, the US holds a lottery for people from countries with low immigration rates.
• Other: There are a few other less common categories, so it's worth checking if any of those apply to you.

The application process

The process generally involves these steps:

1. Petition filing: Someone files an immigrant petition on your behalf, or you file for yourself in some cases.
2. Application submission: Once your petition is approved, you file a Green Card application with USCIS or a visa application with the US Department of State.
3. Biometrics appointment: You'll need to provide your fingerprints, photos, and signature.
4. Interview: You'll have an interview with immigration officials.
5. Decision: You'll receive a decision on your application.

How long and how much?

• Processing time: This can take a few months to several years, depending on the category and your circumstances.
• Cost: The government filing fees alone can be over $1,000, plus additional costs for medical exams and other requirements.

Learn More

How to get US citizenship?

Becoming a US citizen is a major milestone, granting you the full rights and privileges of an American. But it's not a walk in the park - there are some hoops to jump through first.

Eligibility requirements

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Green Card holder: You need to have been a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least 5 years. If you got your Green Card through marriage to a US citizen, the waiting period is only 3 years.
• Continuous residence: You must have lived in the US continuously for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a US citizen) and been physically present in the US for at least half of that time.
• English language skills: You need to be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
• US Civics knowledge: You'll need to demonstrate a basic understanding of US history and government.
• Good moral character: You can't have any serious criminal convictions or other issues that raise red flags.

The application process

• Complete the application: Fill out the naturalisation application (Form N-400) and gather all the required supporting documents.
• Biometrics: Provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.
• Interview: Attend an interview with a USCIS officer where you'll be tested on your English and civics knowledge.
• Oath of allegiance: If your application is approved, you'll take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalisation ceremony and officially become a US citizen!

Learn More