Visitor Visa for the United States B2 Visa

Travelling to the US for Tourism

Foreign national who do not hold citizenship of the United States are generally required to obtain an appropriate visa before they are eligible to enter and stay in the United States. Non-Immigrant Visa are granted to individuals wishing to enter the United States for temporary stay; these individuals will leave the United States once their permitted stay is over. Immigrant Visa are granted to individuals who wish to enter and stay in the United States and intent to stay as permanent residents. Different visa are granted to different categories of individuals, depending on the purpose of the visit.

The following table provides the Visa types that can be issued to different categories:

Activities that cannot be performed and/or done with a Visitor Visa

Certain activities cannot be done with a visitor visa, including;

• Studying in any educational institution which grants credits towards a degree

• Working for a U.S employer

• Performing before an audience that pay for the act, or for any professional performance for which the actors and performers will be paid

• Arriving in the United States as a crew member of a ship or an aircraft

• Working in foreign press, radio, films, journalism, and other types of information media

• Intending to stay as a permanent resident in the United Sates

How to Apply for a Visitor Visa to the United States

There are various ways you can use to apply for a Visitor Visa. However, the steps to be carried out and the order in which they should be carried out can vary depending on the consulate or embassy you will apply at. Instead, you should first consult the website of the United States consulate or Embassy, in which you will submit your application, at for the steps and procedures outlined in their respective order before you apply

You must complete an online non-immigration visa application forms, namely Form DS-160; after completing the online application you should print the application form confirmation which you should bring along with you during the interview.

Photo Requirements for Visitor Visa

Along with completing the appropriate form, you will also be required to upload and submit a valid and recent photo of yourself. The requirements which the photo must meet are included below:

• The photo must be in colour

• The photo must be sized such that your head in the photo is between 22mm to 35mm

• It must be no older than 6 months; this is to have a record of your current appearance

• The background of the photo must be plain and white

• Both eye should be opening the photo along with a neutral expressions with no emotions

• Do not wear uniforms in your photo, except for the purpose of religious clothing which you wear daily

• Do not wear a hat or head scarf, unless where you wear it for religious purposes. Make sure the hat or head scarf does not hide your hairline nor does it cast any shadows on your face.

• Do not wear headphones, whether wired or wireless. Your ears must be completely visible.

• Dark glasses or glasses with tint are not acceptable. Everyday prescription glasses can be worn but make sure it does not cause a glare.

Scheduling an interview

The following table enlists applicants, in regards with their age, whether or not they are required to present themselves before an immigration officer for an interview evaluation

You must schedule an appointment for an interview at the US embassy or consulate in the country where you reside. You are permitted to attend an interview in any US embassy or consulate; however, it is highly recommended you do so only in the country of your permanent residence. Wait time for an interview varies depending on the location of office, the season, the type of visa, and the number of applicants. Typical wait times for Canadian cities are:

The fee for your interview and application is $160 in American dollars

Visitor Visa Required documentation for the Interview

You must have a valid passport to use for travel to the United States; the passport must be valid for six months beyond your authorized period of stay. Each person in your travel group that needs a visa for entry must submit a separate application

• You should bring the Non-immigration Visa Application confirmation page

• The receipt of the payment of application

• A valid photo that meets the digital photo requirement

Visitor Visa Additional to bring During Interview

The officer conducting your interview may request for additional documents if he/she feels the provided document are insufficient for your application and needs further proof. Such evidence and documentation that could be requested of you include:

• Providing adequate information of the purpose of your visit

• Providing beyond any reasonable doubt that you will leave the United States once your authorized period of stay is over

• You must be able prove that you have more than sufficient funds to finance your entire trip and your stay in the US

Obtaining the visa does not guarantee you access into the United Sates. The US Department of Homeland Security and Border Control can deny you entry into the United States.

Contact Akrami & Associates

Obtaining and providing the correct information for a successful visitor visa application can be challenging task. Contact us at Akrami and Associate Immigration Law to determine the best method of conducting your application.

With Akrami and Associates there is always a way!!