Travelling to the United States can be a stressful experience for many people. To make things easier, follow these steps, and you will land in no-nonsense America. First, it is essential that you have a valid passport that is valid at least until the end of your intended stay in the United States. The passport must also have at least six months left on its validity. Should you intend to spend any extended time outside the US, even if that time is less than six months, it’s best if your passport has a multiple-entry visa included. Once you are positive that your passport meets these requirements, then you need to check with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as they might require additional documentation. Their website should be able to provide you with further information on this topic, so it’s worth checking there first before booking travel arrangements and finalizing your visas, for your trip to the USA.
How to apply for a US visa
The first step when applying for a US visa is to check the requirements with the US Department of Homeland Security thoroughly. You’ll need to know the exact requirements of your visit and how long you can stay in the US.
How long does it take to process a US tourist visa ?
Processing a US visa usually takes about four weeks, but can take six to eight weeks during busy periods at the US embassy in your home country. In general, the longer you are travelling for and the longer you are staying in the US, the longer it will take to process your visa. Note that the time it takes to process your visa does not include the time it takes to travel to and from the US. You must be able to show proof of travel for your visa application to be processed.
Business visa
To set up a business trip to the United States, you will need a Business Visa. This can be applied for before your trip. The business visit may be for one-time event, or continuously. However, the business meeting must be related with your profession. The business visitor may carry personal cash of the equivalent amount to $10,000 US Dollars or equivalent in foreign currency.
Student visa
To study in the US, you will need a student visa. You can apply for this before you travel to the US. However, it must be done at least 21 days before your travel date. The student visa allows you to study full-time for a maximum of 12 months, and you may study in any field of study.
Work Visa
If you are a skilled or highly qualified professional or an executive, you can apply for a work visa before you travel to the US. A work visa allows you to work for an employer in the US for a specific project or job. You can also work for an American company in a foreign country if you have a work visa. You must have a job offer from an authorized employer in the US before you apply for a work visa.
Dual-purpose (DV) visa
The final type of US visa is the dual-purpose (DV) visa. A dual-purpose visa may be issued to individuals who wish to travel to the US on a temporary basis for both business and pleasure.
Ready to explore America? Before you book your flights and make your travel plans, remember to check out the formalities for US entry. They might seem a bit daunting at first, but with a little preparation, you’ll be ready to enter the United States without any problems.
