US Visitor Visas

Who needs a visa to visit the USA?

The first step in considering whether you need a Visitor Visa is to check whether your country is eligible under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

If your country is not on this list, you will need to apply for the B1 or B2 Visitor Visa, depending on your circumstances.

Visa Waiver Program

The eligible 39 countries include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.

As well as holding the appropriate nationality, passengers are also required to hold an ePassport with a machine-readable zone on the bio page.

The passport must also contain a digital chip with the owner’s biometric information.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

The ESTA is an electronic system that screens and monitors visitors traveling to the U.S. if they are from a visa waiver country.

Travelers coming to the United States under this VWP should apply through ESTA before traveling to the U.S. The Department of Homeland’s ESTA application form allows individuals to submit their application through an online form.

To apply for electronic travel authorization to visit the US, the steps include:

• Read and accept the disclaimers
• Provide applicant information (upload your passport information or input the information directly)
• Provide personal information (e.g., address, phone number, parents’ information, employment information, your social media platforms, emergency contacts, and other details)
• Outline intended travel arrangements
• Answer eligibility questions (there are nine yes/no questions you must answer)
• Review the answers in the application (review and confirm each section)
• Pay the processing fee ($14)
• Submit the application

You must complete your application within seven days or your progress will be deleted and you will be required to start the application again. You can download or print a PDF version of the application for your records.

What is the B1 Business Visitor Visa?

B1 Visitor Visas are nonimmigrant visas that allow eligible individuals to come to the United States on a short-term or temporary basis to undertake some permitted business activities.

Some of the permitted business activities include:

• Negotiating contracts
• Consulting with business associates
• Attending litigation matters
• Attending or participating in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences or seminars
• Taking part in an exhibition (under some circumstances)
• Undertaking some activities as a service engineer
• Taking up some speaking or lecturing engagements
• Surveying potential premises for a business venture
• Engaging in some forms of unpaid research
• Undertaking some forms of medical elective clerkships
• Engaging in some forms of unpaid voluntary work
• Performing some services on the Outer Continental Shelf

To understand whether your intended purpose is covered under the B1 Visa, it is recommended to discuss your situation with an immigration lawyer to ensure you do not breach the terms of your visa.

How much does the B1 Visa cost?

The B1 Visa application cost is $160 and this is a non-refundable fee. For the majority of applicants, a decision will be issued on the visa within seven to ten working days after receipt of your passport.

What is the B2 Tourist Visa?

This is a non immigrant visa issued to individuals who intend to travel to the U.S. for the purposes of tourism, pleasure, or visiting.

In addition to these purposes, the following activities are permitted for visa holders:

• Medical treatment (where the applicant has a confirmed medical diagnosis, letter from a medical treatment center in the U.S., and proof that all expenses relating to the treatment can be met)
• Amateur entertainer (for individuals who are performing in a social or charitable unpaid production)
• Amateur athlete (individuals competing in an unpaid athletic event)
• Short course of study (where an applicant’s primary purpose is tourism but they intend to complete a short course of study (fewer than 18 hours per week) that does not contribute towards a degree)

How much does the B2 Visa cost?

The B2 Visitor Visa costs $160 and it is a required part of the process in order for an application to be accepted.

Depending on the circumstances of the applicant, there may be additional fees involved in the process (e.g., a visa issuance fee).

Documents required for US Visitor Visa

As with all US visa applications, there are a number of supporting documents required to be submitted as part of the application process.

These include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Passport/ valid travel document
• Photo that aligns with US visa specifications
• Confirmation letter issued by the consular officer from your visa interview
• A copy of the confirmation page from your complete Form DS-160
• Application fee payment receipt showing that your visa fee was paid
• Letter outlining the purpose, nature, and intended arrangements for your visit
• Bank statements showing that you have enough money to support yourself for the duration of your trip (at least $266 per each day of your trip)
• If relevant to your situation, an invitation letter from a family member or friend based in the U.S.
• Confirmation that you have a clear criminal record
• Information about your employment in your home country and wage slips from the preceding three months
• Information relating to your social media accounts

Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to submit further information.

Can you extend the visa?

You may be eligible to extend your Visitor Visa. To extend your visa, you should file an extension request with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using Form I-539 (Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status) before your visa expires.

It is crucial that you do not overstay your visa, or you risk being prohibited from entering the United States in the future.

You may be eligible to extend your Visitor Visa under the following circumstances:

• Your admission into the United States was legal
• Your visa is still valid
• You have not engaged in any criminal activities that would prevent you from applying for a visa
• You abided by the terms of your visa during your stay
• Your passport remains valid and will continue to be throughout your stay

For further information on your individual circumstances relating to visa extensions or changing status, you should consult a specialist immigration lawyer.

How to apply for a US Visitor Visa

Applying for a Visitor Visa to the U.S. can be a complex and lengthy process, and you must complete each step accurately to be granted your visa.

1. First, you should complete online Form DS-160 and be sure to print the confirmation page for each applicant.
2. Next, you must pay the application fee and schedule your visa appointment. You can find more information about the visa appointment on your country’s U.S. embassy or consulate page.

If you are aged between 14-79 years, you will be required to attend a visa interview with a consular officer at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as part of the application process.

It is strongly recommended to start the application at least one month before your intended date of travel.

Following your visa interview, you may expect your visa to be processed within five business days of the date of interview, but may be longer in some instances.

When a decision has been made on your visa, your passport will be transferred to the courier service for delivery to you.