US Travel Visa

US visitor visa or US travel visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to people entering the US temporarily for business (B1), or for pleasure/ tourism/medical treatment (B2). These are generally issued up to a period of 3 months to 10 years. An additional extension of 6 months can be obtained based on the approval by the INS, while the visitor is in the US .

You May not Need a US Visitor Visa or a US business visa if you are a foreign traveler, who is a citizen from certain eligible countries. You can enter US without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program.

The following countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program:
Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (For citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.)

Qualifying For US visitor visa or US B1/B2 Visa?
This is how the consulate defines the qualification for the visitor visa grant:

Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The presumption in the law is that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant.

Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:

• The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment.
• That they plan to remain for a specific, limited period.
• That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit.

All visitor visa applicants require to be interviewed at a US Consulate, before being granted a visa. Applicants need to appear in person for the Interview at a US consulate. A prior appointment is must for this purpose.

How to go about Applying for a US Visitor Visa:-

Sponsored Trip:
If applicant has a child or relatives who lives in USA, they can sponsor the visa for the applicant.

Sponsor:
Any US based person can sponsor visa for his/her parents, relatives, and friends.

Liabilities of sponsor:
Sponsor needs to provide affidavit of support form stating and assuring to take the liabilities of expenses required for applicant’s trip.

Other then this they also need to provide some other documents required to support their claim as sponsor. Sponsoring does not guarantee the visa grant. Individual applying for visa must meet the criteria, set for US visitor visa.

window.google_render_ad(); Self Sponsored:
You can be a self-sponsor for your trip. You must have sufficient funds and proof of financial capability that can justify your trip expenses.

• Business visa (B-1) is meant for business purpose only. Legally, you are not allowed to work in the USA as a B-1 visa holder.
• You are allowed to rent an apartment on B-1 visa. You might be required to show a recommendation letter from your company, and proof of your identity (i.e. your passport).
• You may open a bank account by showing proof of your identity (passport).
• You can get the ATM or debit card, from the bank in which you have opened your account, but not a credit card. Though most places ATM card can be used.
• You can rent a car, only if you have a valid driving license from your country (IDP or State Driving License). However, some US states insist on having a IDP (International Driving Permit).
• Initially you can drive in any US state on your IDP or State driving license, for a limited period of time. Rules vary from state to state. Confirm this from your local DMV office.
• You can't join any educational institute on B-1 visa.
• You can get a telephone/ cable connection installed in your apartment.
• You cannot convert B-1 to H-1 status, while you are in USA.
• B-1 visa can be extended for the maximum of total 1 year stay in USA.
• You are not liable to pay any taxes on your allowances, since it is not a salary.