How To Get a US Nonimmigrant Visa

A US visa is a document that gives permission to person of Nationalities that require it, to go to the border of the US. Once at the border the immigration officer will decide on how much time to grant the visitor to stay in the country. This means that a visa does not give permission for a person to enter the US it only takes you to the officer. The expiration date on the visa does not state how long the person can stay a person can stay in the country. For example if you are granted a visa that is valid for ten years does not permit and individual to stay in the country for ten years, it means that throughout that ten year period he will be able to travel to and from the border freely, not necessarily to and from the country freely.

Applying for a non-immigrant visa can be both an easy and a difficult. It really depends on the type of visa that you are applying for and the individual's case. Some others may be more complicated but in the future and upon request I will create a blog addressing each class of non-immigrant visa. This blog Addresses B2, and B1/B2 which is business and pleasure.

The first step is to really get advice on who qualifies for US non-immigrant visas and weather or not you would fall into that small amount who qualifies. If you have heard from worthy sources that you do not qualify, then do not bother to apply. US visa applications can be very costly and taking a blind shot like that can be a waste of money.

If you heard from worthy sources that you actually have a chance then follow the steps below.

Step 1

Pay all necessary application fees. This varies by the country in which the application is being made. You usually will have to pay a mandatory application fee, and a different fee to make the appointment. People of some nationalities must pay reciprocasy fees. You can get more information on this on http://www.travel.state.gov Be sure to keep all your US visa application receipts issued as you will need them as proof of payment.

Step 2

The next step will be to ensure that you have a passport that is valid for at least a year. You will need to make the appointment. And you will need to fill out a DS-160 form online.(This can be found at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/). The form will ask for you to upload a photo. This photo will have to be one that was taken within the vicinity of the last 6 months. It will have to pass a test online to see fit is up to standard( I advise that you go to a photo studio, take the portrait and ask them to put it on a USB drive or Blank CD.You will also need one hard copy of the photo). After completing the form you will be given a confirmation page. Ensure that you print it with a competent printer as the bar code on it must be machine readable, and take it with you on the day of interview.

Step 3

If you have completed steps one and two you may now complete this step. You will need to gather supporting documents such as you ties to your country and others that will prove your case. This will be discussed further down in this blog. After gathering supporting documents you have successful completed the process which allows you to meet with the consular officer.

Annotation- Not all person will have to show up on the day of interview but persons who do not have to show up must have someone over the age of 18 years to represent them.( I would choose wisely). Persons who do not have to show up at the embassy are persons under the age of 12, and persons over the age of 75. Everyone else must be present at the time of interview.

Step 4

This is where you actually rest fully the day before interview and prepare to answer the questions of the consular officer. Whatever you do don't be nervous. Try to forget about it if you can, and enjoy yourself just to keep yourself for worrying. The day before your interview take note of the time you are supposed to arrive. Get you clothing ready and sort out your transportation needs. Remember that being prepared removes nervousness.

Step 5

Once you get to the embassy relax and follow the procedures that are given to you by the staff. Smile and greet the officer. Do not smile too much but be pleasant. Stand upright and be confident in your answers.

On arriving to the consular officer you will be asked to place you left hand on the scanner. Then your right hand, then your two thumbs.

The Consular officer will be one that has gone through rigorous training, and will be one that is an expert in their field. They also know a lot that you may think they font know and they also have access to a lot of information. Therefore it is advisable that you refrain from lying.

The Consular Officers are trained to assume that everyone who applies for a US visa has immigration intent. It will be up to you, the person applying to prove that you have too many ties or a very strong tie to your country, so you even if you would like, would not attempt to immigrate to the US using a non-immigrant visa. Some of these ties can be:

• Land
• House
• Car
• Stocks
• Social Clubs or high position in church
• A lot of money in bank
• Long lasting or fruitful Employment

Please bear in mind that ties are not limited to those that are listed above.

The consular officer will also want to verify that you have sufficient funds to pay for your trip, and that the funds you possess can cover your length of stay and purpose of trip. This is a major deciding factor on whether you will be granted a US visa or not.

They also usually want to ask a trick question like "if you get a job offer in the US would you take it? you should answer these questions wisely as they help to determine whether you have immigration intent or not.

After all this only one of two things can happen. You can get granted a us visa, or you can get refused a us visa. If you get refused, well life continues, it is not the end of the world as some people take it, just try your best to forget about it. You are free to reapply, but if you choose you will need to get some advice from an expert for you might have done something wrong.

If you are granted the US visa, check to see that you information is laid out correctly and check the validity of your visa. Validity falls between 7 days and 10 years. Enjoy your Trip!