FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) ABOUT US VISAS

The US visa application process could be complicated and you probably have many questions. Our readers have asked the same questions several times during our US Visa application processing. Continue reading and discover our answers to these questions.

 

 

I HAVE A US VISA: HOW DO I BECOME A US CITIZEN?

If you have a non-immigrant visa, then there is no real path for you to become a US citizen. However, you can marry a US citizen while traveling to the United States, which changes your immigration status and allows you to begin seeking permanent residence. However, you cannot travel to the United States with plans to marry a US citizen. If you have an immigrant visa, then you have a clearer path to citizenship. As an immigrant visa holder, you are considered a permanent resident of the United States (ie, a Green Card holder). fter living in the United States for 5 years as a lawful permanent resident, you can apply for US citizenship. The road to citizenship is long, but it may be worth it for some people.

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IS EVERYONE ELIGIBLE FOR AN ESTA?

Only citizens of countries on the Visa Waiver Program list are eligible for visa-free entry to the United States through ESTA.  If you are a resident (non-citizen) of one of the countries in the Visa Waiver Program and your citizenship is from a country that does not have a Visa Waiver, then you will likely need a visa to enter the United States. Additionally, the United States recently implemented rules regarding ESTA eligibility. You are not eligible for ESTA if you answer yes to the following two questions:

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Have you been in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen since March 1, 2011?

Do you have dual citizenship with Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you probably need a visa to enter the United States, even if you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country.

 

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WHEN DOES A VISA EXPIRE?

There are dozens of different visas that allow you to enter the United States. Some visas are nonimmigrant visas, which allow you to enter the United States temporarily for business or tourism purposes. Others are immigrant visas, which allow you to begin seeking permanent residence in the United States. Visa expiration times vary widely. For example, an ESTA has a duration of 2 years. Some work visas last up to 3 years. A temporary nonimmigrant visa can only be valid for the specific period of your trip.

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whatWHAT IS AN AMERICAN VISA?

A US visa is a legal document that gives someone permission to travel to the United States. Visas are issued by the US embassy of a foreign country. In order to receive a visa, you must complete the visa application process before attending an interview with a consular officer at your local embassy. The application and interview will determine whether or not you are suitable to enter the United States. The United States encourages people to travel to the country for business, pleasure, education, and other opportunities. However, the United States also has an obligation to protect itself from security threats and prevent people from overstaying their visas. The visa application and interview process is designed to determine whether or not you are suitable to enter the country. Some visas consist of a stamp in your passport. Other visas consist of a piece of paper attached to your passport. Your visa contains valuable information about the visa holder, including their biographical details (name and date of birth), nationality, date of issue, and expiration date.

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WHAT IS THE DIVERSITY VISA?

The Diversity Visa, also known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa or DV Program, is a United States immigration program and is administered by the Department of State. It is a lottery-based program that accepts applications throughout the year. At a certain time of the year, immigrant visas are drawn from the list of random applicants. The Diversity Visa is only eligible for citizens of certain countries, including citizens of countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. If you are selected for admission to the United States under the Diversity Visa program, then you may enter the country with a Green Card and establish permanent residence.

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WHAT IS A MERIT-BASED VISA?

Some countries use a merit-based visa system where individuals must prove their worth before entering the country. The United States is currently debating whether or not to implement a merit-based visa program. Such a program would consider the applicant's age, education, English language proficiency, abilities, achievements, and other qualifications, and then use that information to determine whether or not the applicant should enter the United States. Merit-based visas are also called point-based systems For example, Canada uses a point-based system. Skilled workers in in-demand trades receive higher priority under Canada's Federal Skilled Worker Program. The United States may implement a similar point-based or merit-based system in the future.

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whatWHAT IS A RETURNING RESIDENT VISA?

The first time you get an immigrant visa, you must stay in the United States for an extended period of time. If you leave the United States during this time period and do not return, you will lose your immigration status. However, there is one exception to this rule: if you can prove that you left the United States and were unable to return for reasons beyond your control, then you may qualify for a Returning Resident Visa. The Returning Resident Visa allows the person to return to the United States and begin establishing permanent residence once again.

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WHAT IS TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS (TPS)?

Temporary Protected Status or TPS is a special type of status granted by the United States to citizens whose countries are in crisis. If a major disaster or crisis occurs in a country, the United States can declare the country to be in Temporary Protected Status. With TPS, any citizen of that country who is in the United States at the time of the crisis can claim TPS status and remain in the United States until the crisis is over. TPS status can last anywhere from a few months to a few years.

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WHAT IS AUTOMATIC VISA REVALIDATION?

Automatic visa revalidation is a process that allows a person with an expired visa to travel to Canada, Mexico and "adjacent islands of the United States" for less than 30 days and receive automatic visa revalidation upon re-entry. the United States. The United States implements this system because the country recognizes that it takes a lot of time and effort to extend or renew a visa. The visa holder may have to return to their country of origin. Automatic visa revalidation grants the visa holder the same rights they would have before their visa expired. The automatic visa revalidation process is relatively complicated. Be sure to read the rules and restrictions before attempting to revalidate your visa.

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whatWHAT IS AN EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT?

Nonimmigrant workers in the United States cannot begin work until they have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This document can be obtained immediately after your visa is approved. With your EAD, you can legally work for any US company as long as your visa is valid. Spouses are also eligible to receive an EAD if they qualify. You must renew your EAD each time you renew or extend your visa.

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WHAT IS AN AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT?

An Affidavit of Support is a document signed by an applicant for a US immigrant visa. For example, a US citizen can file an Affidavit of Support requesting that their spouse join them in the United States. One of the most important parts of the Affidavit of Support is the financial support part: the individual must prove that they have enough funds to support their spouse in the United States until they find a job. The goal of this is to avoid bringing immigrants into the United States who may become dependent on the American nation's welfare programs. Signing an Affidavit of Support is an important matter and should not be taken lightly. The person signing the document is financially responsible for the other person for the duration of the other person's visa (or until they obtain US citizenship). In fact, if the other person ever draws funds from US welfare programs, the person who signed the Affidavit of Support must repay the US government for this support.

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WHAT IS THE ESTA?

The ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is a document that allows you to travel to the United States without a visa. ESTA applications can be completed online within minutes of your arrival at a US port of entry. The ESTA program is fully digital. You can complete and submit the application online. The ESTA will then appear when you scan your ePassport at a port of entry. Most developed nations today have electronic passports, and the ESTA program covers most of the developed world.

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CAN I ENTER THE UNITED STATES IF MY VISA HAS EXPIRED??

If you have previously entered the United States but your visa has expired, then you must reapply before re-entering the country. If you stay in the United States beyond the expiration date of your visa, it will be considered a visa overstay. You may face severe penalties, including removal from the United States for several years (depending on the length of your override). If you attempt to enter the United States on an expired visa, then the CBP officer will deny entry and you will need to return to your home country. In your home country, you can apply for a new visa or apply for a visa extension.

 

 

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MY VISA WILL EXPIRE WHILE I AM IN THE UNITED STATES. IS THIS SOMETHING BAD?

If your visa expires while you are in the United States, you may not have anything to worry about. If the CBP officer at the port of entry admitted you to the United States for a specific period of time, then the officer will have noted your visa expiration date. As long as you leave the United States on the date that the CBP officer set for you, then you won't have a problem. Remember to keep your admission stamp or printed Form I-94 documents because they act as the official record of your permission to be in the United States. Keep these documents inside your passport.

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DOES HAVING A VISA GUARANTEE YOU ENTER THE UNITED STATES?

A United States visa is a document that allows you to attempt to reach a port of entry to the United States. Having a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The final decision comes down to the CBP officer reviewing your case. The CBP officer will interview you upon arrival at a US port of entry. Your documents and baggage may be searched. If the CBP officer suspects that you have lied in any part of your visa application, then you may be denied entry to the United States even with a visa.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF MY VISA IS DENIED?

The United States denies visas for different reasons. For example, your visa may be denied because you lied about certain biographical details. Or, visas may be denied due to criminal records or other similar activities in your past. If your visa application is denied, you have two options: you can appeal to USCIS or the US embassy in your country of residence; or, you can apply for a new visa. Generally, your best option is to apply for a new visa. Consider choosing a different visa this time. Most visa denials come with a reason for the denial. Keep that reason in mind. Your immigrant visa to establish permanent residence in the United States may have been denied, but you may still be able to visit the United States on a temporary nonimmigrant visa.

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Will I get my money back if my visa is denied?

If your visa is denied, you will not receive any refund. Unfortunately, all visa application fees are non-refundable. The reason the fee is non-refundable is that the same costs go into processing a valid visa as an invalid visa. Regardless of whether or not you received a visa, your application costs a certain amount of money to process.

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What are indefinite validity visas or Burroughs visas?

The United States once had something called Indefinite Validity Visas, also known as Burroughs visas. These visas were tourist or business visas hand-stamped in a traveler's passport and valid for ten years. The United States canceled all indefinite visas on April 1. If you have an indefinite visa, then you must apply for an ordinary visa before you visit the United States.

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The passport with my visa was stolen: what should I do?

If your passport was stolen and your visa is inside it, then it is crucial that you replace both immediately. The United States government has a page dedicated to lost and stolen passports, which includes how to file a police report and how to replace your Form I-94. You can view that form here.

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What if my visa was damaged?

If your visa is damaged, you must reapply for a new visa at your local US embassy or consulate.

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How do I check the status of my friend's visa application?

All visa application information is confidential. Only the visa applicant has permission to access information about your visa application.

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Do I need a visa to study in the United States?

Most foreign citizens require a visa to study in the United States. The most popular student visa is the F-1 visa. If a foreign student wants to visit the United States to take a vocational course, they must apply for an M-1 visa. Other students may qualify for the J-1 Visa, which allows them to visit the US on an exchange program. Canadian students do not require a visa to study in the United States. They simply require a SEVIS identification number, which they can obtain from any qualified educational institution in the United States.

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How do I apply for a nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States?

A US nonimmigrant visa allows you to visit the United States temporarily for business, pleasure, and other purposes. There are more than 20 different types of nonimmigrant visas for a variety of temporary travel purposes. Generally, a US nonimmigrant visa application begins with completing the DS-160 form. This form is available on the website of the US embassy in your country of residence. The DS-160 form can be completed online regardless of the type of visa you want. You submit the visa, pay the application fee, and then schedule an interview with your local US embassy. The embassy or consulate will process your application and conduct the interview in person before approving or denying your application.

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How do I apply for an immigrant visa to the United States?

Applying for an immigrant visa to enter the United States tends to be more complicated than applying for a non-immigrant visa. The process begins with a family member or employer in the United States who files a petition to bring you to this country. The petition is filed with USCIS, who will either approve or deny the application. After the petition is approved, you can start filling out Form DS-260 online. Visit the website of the US embassy in your country to get started.

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What kind of documents are required to apply for a US visa?

Document requirements vary widely among US visas. For example, an employee-based visa will have different requirements than a B-2 visa for temporary travel to the United States. Generally, you will need the following documents for all visas: 

• A valid passport, whose expiration date is at least six months after the intended date of departure from the United States.

• Physical or digital photographs that meet the requirements of the US visa.

• Documents showing a connection to your country of origin and your intention to return to it after visiting the United States (For non-immigrant visas)

• Documents that prove you have the financial means to support yourself while you are in the United States.

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How much does a US visa cost?

Fees vary widely between visas. A typical non-immigrant visa costs between $160 and $205. However, other visas may come with additional fees, which can substantially increase the cost of your visa.

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How long does it take to get a US visa?

It usually takes 2-5 weeks to process a regular US visa application. That is assuming that the application is direct and there are no reasons to deny it. Generally, a nonimmigrant visa will be completed more quickly than an immigrant visa. US immigrant visas may take 6-12 months to process. Certain employer-based visas are eligible for the Premium Processing Service. The employer may pay an additional fee of US$1410.00 for the visa to be processed more quickly. In this case, an employer-sponsored visa could be approved in as little as a few weeks.

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How long can I stay in the United States with my visa?

All US nonimmigrant visas have an expiration date. Your visa will clearly indicate the date it was issued and the expiration date. The time between those two dates is known as the validity of the visa. Visa validity is the period of time during which you are allowed to travel to a US port of entry. However, a US visa only allows you to present yourself at the port of entry and apply to enter to the US It also states how many times you can enter the United States on that visa. What a visa does not specify is how long you can stay in the US What determines how long you can stay in the US on your visa is Form I-94. Form I-94 is also the permission to enter the United States granted by a CBP officer at the port of entry.

 

 

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What type of visa allows me to work in the United States?

There are different types of visas that allow you to work in the United States. For example, citizens of Canada and Mexico can apply for a TN/TD visa that allows them to work in the country for a period of three years. Other citizens can have an employer apply for a visa to be allowed to work in the United States. Meanwhile, those with immigrant visas can achieve lawful permanent resident status (ie, a green card). A green card allows you to work in the United States.

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What is a Labor Conditions Request?

The US Department of Labor issues a Labor Conditions Application (LCA) or Labor Conditions Certification (LCC) to companies that plan to hire foreign workers. This certificate gives the company the right to hire employees who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents. Once the company has the certificate, it can sponsor workers to visit the United States with a visa. Before issuing a Certification of Labor Conditions, the Department of Labor will determine if a company needs to hire a foreign worker. The Department of Labor will verify that a US worker was unable or unwilling to access the job. The Certification also shows that the foreign worker's wages will be on par with the wages of a US worker. This protects the foreign worker from unsafe or unfair work environments.

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whatWhat is a job application?

US companies file employment petitions when they want to sponsor a foreign worker to obtain an employment visa. The employer files the petition with USCIS on behalf of the prospective employee. The foreigner can apply for a visa if that petition is successful. A job application explains the basic details about the proposed job, including: the position, salary, and qualifications. Employers must pay a fee when submitting the job petition. They are also required to attach supporting documents showing that they have the financial means to pay the foreign worker. Also, employers must show that they pay their taxes. The Certification of Labor Conditions attached to the petition confirms that the employer is paying the foreign worker a living wage and that a US worker is unable or unwilling to perform such work.

 

 

Do I need a visa if only if I am going to transit through the United States?

If you are going to transit through the United States en route to another country, you will need a visa. For that specific purpose, the United States has a special visa called the C-1 Visa. With the C-1 visa, you are allowed to stay in the United States for up to 29 days before arriving at your final destination. The C-1 visa is generally required when transiting the US by air or sea.

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whatWhat types of American visas are available?

There are dozens of different types of visas to enter the United States. All those visas are grouped into the following two categories:

• Non-immigrant visas.

• Immigrant visas.

• Non-immigrant United States visas allow foreign nationals to visit the United States for a short period of time before they return home. For example, some nonimmigrant visas are granted to work, study, or for tourism purposes in the United States.

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United States immigrant visas are intended for foreigners seeking to establish permanent residence in the country. These visas are normally granted to those who already have family in the country.

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What is optional practical training?

Optional Practical Training, or OPT, is a program that allows F-1 visa holders to remain in the United States for 12 months beyond graduation while working for a US employer. If you recently graduated from an American university, you can apply for OPT to gain work experience. Once you have completed your OPT, you must either return to your home country or find a sponsoring employer so that you can obtain a work visa. Certain students - especially in STEM degrees - also have the option to apply for an OPT extension, which will allow them to remain in the United States for up to 24 months after the conclusion of their course.

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I'm marrying a United States citizen: how do I get a visa?

If you are marrying a United States citizen, then your spouse must apply to bring you to the United States on an IR-1 visa. The spouse (who must be a US citizen) can file a petition with USCIS. The IR-1 visa is for immediate family members seeking to establish permanent residence in the United States. Under the IR-1 visa, you can remain in the United States with your spouse while you acquire permanent residence. Some couples choose to obtain an engaged or married visa while their visa is being processed, and before the marriage takes place.

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Can my children visit the United States with me?

Most immigrant visas allow parents to bring their unmarried children to the United States. Normally, children must be under 18 years of age, depending on the visa. With non-immigrant visas (for temporary visits to the United States), children must apply for their visas individually. However, children under the age of 14 are not required to attend the interview in person at the US embassy or consulate.

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Can my parents come to the United States with me?

If you are a lawful permanent resident, then you are not eligible to petition for your parents to live and work permanently in the United States. However, if you are a US citizen 21 or over XNUMX years of age, however, you can petition for your parents to live and work permanently in the United States. Generally, immigrant visa holders are not allowed to bring their parents to the United States because they are not considered immediate dependents. Generally, immigrant visas allow you to bring your spouse and dependent children to the United States. However, there are other visas that may allow you to sponsor your parents in the future. To obtain a nonimmigrant visa, your parents will need to apply for their own separate visas to join you on your trip to North America. There may be an exception granted for special circumstances, such as if your parents are dependent on you. However, in most cases you cannot bring your parents to the United States with you as a permanent resident.

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Can my siblings come to the United States with me?

If you live in the United States on an immigrant visa, then you cannot bring your siblings into the country with you. They need to apply for their own ​​immigrant visas. In order to bring your siblings to live in the United States as Green Card holders, you must be a resident of the United States and at least 21 years of age. Permanent residents (ie, green card holders) cannot apply to bring siblings permanently to the United States.

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Who is in charge of visa processing? What US government department handles visas?

Most United States visas are handled by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This agency is the primary authority for processing, approving, and denying applications for US visas. The agency also processes petitions from US employers seeking to bring a foreign worker to the United States. In addition to processing visas, USCIS maintains detailed records of all immigrants to the United States. USCIS is a department of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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What happens when my visa expires?

When your visa expires, you must return to your home country and reapply. You can also apply for an extension within the United States, if your visa type allows it. If you stay in the United States after your visa has expired, then you have overstepped your visa limits and may be subject to severe penalties. An exceeded visa can be punished with a ban on not entering the country for one year. You also run the risk of being deported or arrested by US immigration agencies.

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whatHow long does it take to process a nonimmigrant visa?

Nonimmigrant visa processing times vary widely depending on the country of origin. Some nonimmigrant visa applications can be processed within 5 days. Others take 4 weeks to 6 months. In general, a nonimmigrant visa application should take 3-5 weeks to process.

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Does everyone need a US visa?

Not everyone needs a visa to visit the United States. The United States has something called the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) that allows citizens of 38 countries to enter the United States without a visa. Many Western countries and countries with developed economies around the world are on the list of the Visa Waiver Program. If you are a citizen of a VWP country then you do not need a visa; however, you must still apply through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before visiting the United States. If you are not a citizen of one of the 38 Visa Waiver Program countries, you will most likely need a visa to enter.