Apply, Renew, or Transition Your Visa
Whether your are coming to the U.S for the first time, need to renew an existing visa, or want to transition to another visa type, VISANOW will get you through the U.S. immigration process quickly and effectively. We are committed to providing superior customer service, helping you understand visa procedures, and facilitating your immigration process from beginning to end.
Visa-Exempt Travelers
The United States government reserves the right to determine which citizens of foreign countries can and cannot enter the U.S., and for what purposes. Citizens of Canada and the 36 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can enter the U.S. without a visa if they present a valid, machine-readable passport that meets digital photograph and e-passport requirements.
Getting a Visa If You Are from a Non-Waiver Program Country
All citizens from non-Waiver Program countries will be required to obtain a visa to enter the U.S. Also, for certain travelers from countries within the Visa Waiver Program, a visa may still be required. It is important to note that receipt of a visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S. A visa simply grants permission to travel to a U.S. port of entry, where the immigration inspector for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will determine admissibility. Official information about visa classifications and procedures is available at http://travel.state.gov/.
Steps of the Visa Application Process
Depending on the type of visa and the agencies or departments involved, a visa can take anywhere from days, weeks, or even months to receive. An application for permanent residence can take over a year (and in some cases, several years) to be processed. VISANOW is committed to helping you every step of the way.
Step 1: Complete the Application Paperwork
Complete the correct application forms for the type of visa for which you are applying, including any supplemental forms. If not completed by your lawyer, these forms should be reviewed by an attorney to make sure that all of the necessary forms have been completed and filled out properly.
In almost all cases, you will need passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of your stay. You will also need to submit supporting documentation, which may include educational and work history, health and financial documentation, photos, and fees.
Step 2: Complete Additional Visa or Country-Specific Requirements
Depending on the type of visa, additional requirements may apply. For example, exchange visitors must register on the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an electronic database recording the whereabouts of nonimmigrant students (F and M visas) and other exchange visitors (J and Q visas) as well as their dependents.
Immigrants from certain countries may have additional requirements. Some individuals, including all male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, and those coming from North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, and Iran are required to complete additional forms.
Step 3: Pay Visa Application Fees
On January 1, 2008, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) raised the fees for visa services. Fees vary depending on factors such as classification and benefits requested. If your application is approved and your visa is issued, you may also be charged a visa issuance fee.
Note: Additional fees for supplemental requirements may apply. For instance, exchange and student visitors must pay for registration with SEVIS.
Step 4: Participate in Your Visa Interview
After your application has been approved, most applicants residing outside the U.S. must participate in an interview, which is scheduled by the U.S. consulate or embassy where you applied for your visa. At the interview, a digital fingerprint will be taken.
The wait time for an interview varies, so it makes sense to schedule as early as possible before your planned departure date. The DOS website provides a list of wait times for consulates around the world.
Step 5: Entering the United States
You may enter the U.S. only within certain dates, based on the type of visa you have been issued. For instance, if you are coming on a student or exchange visa, you may only enter 30 days before your program begins. Thus, you may need to also apply for a B-1 or B-2 Visitor Visa if you want to arrive earlier.
At the port of entry, the DHS Customs and Border Protection officials will meet with you to permit or deny entry into the United States. Remember, while a visa gives you the right to come to the U.S., it does not guarantee entry.
The length of your visit will be determined on the Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94. You will also be enrolled in the US-VISIT entry/exit program at the port of entry.
Upon Arrival in the United States
Expect additional processing at your point of entry. If arriving by plane, you'll be asked to complete an arrival/departure form on the airplane. When you leave the airplane, a U.S. official will interview you and verify your paperwork before you proceed to baggage claim and U.S. Customs. Some travelers will require additional clearance procedures at the point of entry, including photographs and fingerprinting.
VISANOW Can Help You Get Through the Visa Process Fast
Let one of VISANOW’s multilingual immigration team members assist with your immigration issues. Our team can speak with you in English, Spanish, Mandarin, French, German, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Korean, Gujarati, or Kannada.
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