All You Need To Know About The US Visit Visa In 2024 | Travel To The United States (2024)

What are the eligibility criteria of the US tourist visa?

The eligibility criteria of the US tourist visa are:

Show proof of your travel:
- If it is tourism, then you must display a travel itinerary, tickets, etc.
- If it is a visit to family or friends, then you must show an invitation letter.
- If it is for medical purposes, then you must show the necessary medical documents.
- If it is for business, then:
  - You must display business invitations, etc.
  - You must show proof that you are a foreigner.
  - You must display the intent to leave the country to the immigration officer.
  - You must not work, study, or do paid performances.

You must display sufficient proof of funds.
You must have a residence in your home country.

What are the documents required for the US tourist visa?

The documents required for the US tourist visa are:

Valid passport
Old passports (if any)
Recent photograph (as per the requirements)
Completed and signed DS-160 form
Confirmation page of the DS-160 form
It must be stamped at the Visa Application Center (VAC)
Receipts of the visa fee
Proof of funds
Proof of character

Any other documents showing that you have no criminal record
A letter describing the reason for your travel
Display of intent to return back
Printout of the appointment letter of the visa interview

Related FAQs

What are the supporting documents for tourism/leisure/exploring the US?

The supporting documents for tourism/leisure/exploring the US are:

PAN Card, Tax ID, income tax returns
Travel itinerary
Travel documents

What are the supporting documents for medical treatments in the US?

The supporting documents for medical treatments in the US are:

A letter from a physician stating the diagnosis of the condition
A letter from the U.S. medical institution accepting you for medical treatment
Proof of funds covering the medical costs and stay in the US

What are the supporting documents for visiting family/friends/family events in the US?

The supporting documents for visiting family/friends/family events in the US are:

Letter of invitation
Proof of event
Brochure of the event
Invitation card

Do you need an invitation letter for the US tourist visa?

No, you do not need an invitation letter for the US tourist visa. But, you must provide one if it is possible.

Do you need a bank statement for the US visa?

Yes, you need a bank statement for the US visa. It is required as a proof of sufficient funds.

Can you sponsor a friend for a tourist visa?

Yes, you can sponsor a friend for a tourist visa.

What are the supporting documents for a sponsor of the USA visitor visa?

The supporting documents for a sponsor of the USA visitor visa are:

US visa sponsor form (I-134 form)
Letter of invitation
Letter to the US consulate
Proof of funds:
Bank account verification letter
Bank statements
Personal tax returns (if businessman or self-employed)
Letter of employment
Photocopy of the passport

If you are a green card holder, then:

Copy of the green card

If you are a US citizen, then:

Copy of the certificate of citizenship

If you are a visa holder, then:

Copy of the visa

What are the digital photo requirements for the US tourist visa?

The digital photo requirements for the US tourist visa are:

It must be a colored photograph.
The size of the image must be less or equal to 240 kB.
The dimensions of the image must be in the square aspect ratio.
The minimum dimension is 600 x 600 pixels.
The maximum dimension is 1200 x 1200 pixels.
The format of the image must be JPEG.
The compression ratio of the image must be less than or equal to 20:1.

How can you get a tourist visa to the USA?

You can get a tourist visa to the USA by following the steps given below:

Step 1: Submit a digital photograph
Step 2: It must be according to the specific requirements mentioned.
Step 3: Fill the DS-160 application form
Step 4: Get the ten-digit barcode
Step 5: Pay the required application fees
Step 6: Arrange a visa interview appointment
Step 7: You need to schedule two appointments:
- One interview is at the embassy or consulate.
- The other one is at the Offsite Facilitation Centre (OFC)
Step 8: You must give your biometrics at the Visa Application Centre (VAC)
Step 9: Go for the personal visa interview.
Step 10: If you meet the required criteria, you will get the US tourist visa.

Related FAQS

What is the adjustment of status?

What is the cost for a tourist visa to the USA?

A tourist visa to the USA costs $ 160. You may also have to pay other fees.

These are:

Visa issuance fees (depending on your nationality)
Doctor’s fees (for proof of good health)
Fees for proof of character

What is the processing time of the US tourist visa?

The processing time of the US tourist visa is between three days to 2 weeks. It can delay if there is traffic at the embassy or consulate.

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Other Important FAQs

What are the different types of US tourist visa?

The different types of US tourist visa are:

B-1 visa
B-2 visa

What are the activities permitted on a B-1 visitor visa?

The activities permitted on a B-1 visitor visa are:

Settling an estate
Consulting with associates related to business
Negotiating a contract
Attending conference or convention

It can be:

Educational
Business
Scientific
Professional

What are the activities permitted on a B-2 visitor visa?

The activities permitted on a B-2 visitor visa are:

Vacation
Medical treatment
Tourism
Visiting family or friends
Attending and participating in social events
Joining a short-term recreational study course
Participating in events like sports or musicals

What is not allowed on the visitor visa?

The things that are not allowed on the visitor visa are:

Work
Study
Paid performances
Work-related to press, radio, or any other information media
Arriving as a crew member of an aircraft or ship
Permanent residence

How do you know if a US tourist visa is approved or not?

To know if the US tourist visa is approved or not, you must:

Check the status of your visa application.
You must wait at least 3 business days after your visa interview.

If your visa is approved, then:

You will see the timings of collecting the visa.
You will also get an email informing you of the same.

If your visa needs administrative processing, then:

You will be asked to check the status after some days again.

If your visa is rejected, then:

Your passport will be returned to you.

How long is a US tourist visa valid for?

The US tourist visa is valid for a maximum period of 10 years.

Can I look for a job in the US with a tourist visa?

No, you cannot look for a job in the US with a tourist visa.

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program is a program that is operated by the DHS (Department of Homeland Security).

It allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States.
There are 39 countries enlisted.
You can stay for up to 90 days.
You can travel for business or tourism.
You must have a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
ESTA is operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Name the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.

The countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program are:

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

How do you know if you need the USA tourist visa or not?

To know if you need the USA tourist visa or not, you must check:

If your country falls under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
If you are a citizen of Bermuda or Canada

If you are applicable for any of the above options, then:

You do not need a US tourist visa.

What are the major reasons for visa denials?

The major reasons for visa denials are:

Having a criminal record
Violation of the immigration rules
Incorrect information
Underprepared for the visa interview
Applying for the wrong type of visa
Being too confident during the visa interview
Communication issues
Suspicion of fraud
Providing extra information

Is the US tourist visa a multiple entry visa?

Yes, the US tourist visa is a multiple entry visa. Both B-1 and B-2 visas allow multiple entries into the country.

How do you know which type of visa you need to travel to the USA?

The type of visa you need to travel to the USA depends on your purpose.

Broadly there are 3 types:

Type of Visa	Purpose
1. Travel Visa	Traveling for professional/Tourism/Personal reason
2. Immigration Visa	For settling
3. Work Visa	For work purposes of short and long duration

What is the fiancé visa?

The fiancé (e) visa is a non-immigrant visa.

It is also known as the K-1 visa.
It is for the foreign fiancé (e) of a US citizen.
It allows foreign nationals to come to the U.S. to marry.
The applicant has to marry within 90 days of coming to the US.
After marriage, the applicant can apply for adjustment of status.
The adjustment of status is for becoming a permanent resident (LPR).
It has to be applied to the DHS (Department of Homeland Security).
The eligible children of the applicant can get the K-2 visas.

How can you extend the duration of the US tourist visas?

You can extend the duration of the US tourist visas for another 6 months. It is applicable to both the visa types – B-1 and B-2. You have to file the I-539 application form.

Is my US visa valid if my passport has expired?

Yes, your US visa is valid if your passport has expired. But, you also have to carry a new valid passport.

How can you renew your US tourist visa?

You cannot renew your US tourist visa. There is no such law. You have to apply for a fresh visa again.

How much bank balance should you have for applying to the US tourist visa?

The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration.

If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank.

Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa?

No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.

Why must you opt for travel insurance?

You must opt for travel insurance as medical treatments in the US is expensive.

Is a visa interview compulsory for the United States Visitor Visa?

Yes, a visa interview is compulsory for the United States Visitor Visa.

Who does not need a visa interview?

People who do not need a visa interview are:

Visa applicants 13 or less in age
Visa applicants 80 or more in age

What must you know about the visa interview?

The things to know about the visa interview are:

A consular officer will ask you questions.
You will have to establish that you meet the criteria required.
You will have to provide digital, ink-free fingerprint scans.
The consular officer will decide if the application needs administrative processing.

Is a US visitor visa required if you have the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC)?

Yes, a US visitor visa is required if you have the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC). Unless your country qualifies for the Visa Waiver Program, you must get the visa.

What must the citizens of Mexico have to gain entry to the US?

To gain entry to the US, the citizens of Mexico must have:

B-1/B-2 visa
Border Crossing Card (Laser Visa)
Both these documents are now combined into the DSP-150.

Can I convert the US tourist visa into a working visa?

Yes, you can convert the US tourist visa into a working visa. You have to apply to the USCIS.

How can get a working visa from a tourist visa in the US?

You can get a working visa from a tourist visa in the US if:

You are able to find employment.
The employer must be ready to sponsor you.

Can you get a working visa if you are on the visa waiver?

No, you cannot get a working visa if you are on the visa waiver.

Can you invite your parents if you are a student or worker in the US?

Yes, you can invite your parents if you are a student or a worker in the US. They are eligible for the B-2 visa.