Last updated on August 23rd, 2024 at 01:42 pm
Preparing for your visa application can be a stressful and difficult process. Give yourself enough time to do research and prepare the documents needed for the particular visa you’re applying for. This way, you’ll have a higher chance of having your visa approved on the first try.
An important thing to keep in mind is that a recent policy memorandum has changed the process a bit. Visa applications may now be denied at the discretion of authorities without submitting a Request For Evidence (RFE) or sending the applicant a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). This means that if your visa application is missing any documentation when submitted or is not fully completed in English, it could be denied without officials requesting the information necessary to complete the process.
It’s never too early to start preparing your visa application and compiling your documents from your home country. So, even if you aren’t planning to apply for a while, it’s still a great idea to get a head start.
Different types of visas
Before you apply for your visa, you should do your own research to identify which type you need.
There are several types of visas, though there are two major categories: immigrant visas and nonimmigrant visas.
Immigrant visas in the U.S. include family-based visas for close relatives and dependents of U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Intending immigrants can also look at employment-based visas for workers with job offers and diversity visas for individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
Nonimmigrant visas include visitor visas for temporary business or tourism. They also include visas for international students in academic studies, exchange programs, specialty occupations, intracompany transfers, and individuals with extraordinary abilities, all of which require that you complete Form DS-160 as part of the application process.
Some visas have special guidelines. Student visas, such as the F-1 visa for academic students and the J-1 visa for exchange visitors, are essential for international students and J-1 scholars studying in the U.S. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) system tracks these students, ensuring compliance with visa regulations. While F-1 visas cover academic studies, the J-1 visa applies to exchange programs, including J-1 scholars and J-1 students.
Visit the Directory of Visa Categories page on the U.S. Department of State—Bureau of Consular Affairs website to learn about the different categories and specific visas.
Depending on the visa that you are applying for, you may need to submit more information or specific required documents, such as petitions and affidavits showing the support of US sponsors, sponsoring employers, or fiancés.
When preparing your immigrant or nonimmigrant visa application, consult with an immigration attorney for additional information. Many immigration attorneys will offer you free legal advice.
Documents needed for U.S. visa application process
Here is the most important supporting documentation you need to have available when preparing your visa application:
- Passport
- Travel itinerary, if you have already made travel arrangements.
- Dates of your last five visits or trips to the United States, if you have previously traveled to the United States. You may also be asked for your international travel history and purpose of travel over the past five years.
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae – You may be required to provide information about your current and previous education and work history.
- Visa application forms – A list of types of visas, their respective forms, and FAQs are available here.
- Divorce or death certificate(s) of any previous spouse(s) for both you and a U.S. citizen sponsor
- Police certificates from your present country of residence and all countries where you have lived for six months or more since age 16. (Police certificates are also required for accompanying children age 16 or older.)
- Medical examination. Vaccinations are optional.
- Evidence of financial support. (Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, may be requested.)
- Two (2) 2×2 photographs. Read the Photo Requirements before submitting.
- Evidence of relationship with your U.S. citizen sponsor.
- Visa application fee payment receipt. You can find a list of applicable visa fees here. You may encounter a reciprocity fee, also known as a visa issuance fee. This fee is charged to citizens of foreign countries that impose a similar fee on U.S. citizens. This fee ensures a fair and balanced approach to visa issuance.
Schedule a visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate. You need a visa interview appointment because it is an essential step in the visa application process, allowing a consular officer to assess your eligibility for the visa. (If you are under the age of 13 or over the age of 80, a scheduled visa interview may not be required.)
Start preparing your visa application today
Visa issuance can be a difficult process, often involving varying wait times for appointments and approval. It’s important to plan and stay informed about potential delays regarding your visa process or at a port of entry. If you’re preparing to apply or re-submit your visa application, now is the time to be extra diligent about all paperwork and documentation.
Applying for and receiving a U.S. visa is often a lengthy process, and it may require years of perseverance. However, it is worth it when you’re successfully able to obtain your visa. The key thing to remember is to be prepared and do your research!
Whether you’re working on your own visa process, or you have family members or friends who are working toward theirs, you can use Remitly to send monetary assistance.