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A US visitor visa allows individuals to visit the US for purposes such as tourism, business, transit, medical treatment, etc. There are different types of visas for different purposes. To get a visitor visa in the US the candidates must have filled the application form correctly and submitted the required documents. They should have sufficient financial funds in their bank account and also evidence that they will return to their home country. Check below the guide to learn more about the US visitor visa, the application process, the documents required, processing time, and fees.
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Candidates must check US Visa Application Process 2023: Types of Visas in the USA
What is a US Visitor Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who wants to visit the US is required to get a US visitor visa. The visitor visa can be immigrant or nonimmigrant. Visitor visas are generally non-immigrant visas for individuals who want to enter the US temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).
Check US B1/B2 Visa Renewal Process
Types of US Visitor Visa
Check below the types of visitor visas in the US:
- Business (B-1) – Candidates who want to visit the US to attend a conference, consult with business associates, or negotiate a contract
- Tourism (B-2) – This visa is for tourists, coming to the US to attend concerts, or to get medical treatment
- Transit C – Travelling through the US or stopping for a very short period to travel to another country
- Transit C-1, D, and C-1/D – This visa is for crew members of international airlines, or crew members of sea vessels.
Difference Between B-1 and B-2 Visa
Check below the points of difference between B-1 and B-2 visas:
| B-1 Visa | B-2 Visa |
| This visa is required for contract signing and negotiation | This visa is required to travel to family or school reunions or for other tourism purposes |
| With this visa, candidates can take part in business meetings, exhibits, or conventions | This visa allows the individuals to visit a family, friend, wedding, graduation or engagement ceremony, etc |
| They can buy business-related materials and supplies | They can visit the US for any medical treatment |
| Visit the US for business consultations or any exam | Need to visit for any cultural events, or for tourism purposes in different cities of the US |
Eligibility Criteria for US Visitor Visa
Check below the eligibility criteria for a US visitor visa:
- Individuals must have a valid reason and a purpose to enter the US.
- They will stay in the US for a limited period and will leave the US after their purpose is over.
- They should have sufficient funds in their bank account
- All the required documents should be submitted while filling out the application form
- The candidates will be allowed to perform only those activities that are listed in the type of visa they have applied for
- Individuals must have strong ties with their country and they should also have the intention to return to their home country
Application Process for US Visitor Visa
There are several steps to apply for a visitor visa in the US. Check them below:
- Firstly the candidates are required to complete the application process by filling Form DS-160. They will be required to upload the photograph.
- Secondly, they are required to schedule an interview with the consumer officers as per the requirements below:
| Age | Requirement of Interview |
| 13 and younger | Generally not required |
| 14-79 | Required |
| 80 and older | Generally not required |
Documents Required for US Visitor Visa
Check below the documents required for a smooth application process for the US visitor visa:
- A valid passport or a travel document and the passport should be valid for 6 months beyond the period of stay in the USA
- Print out the non-immigrant visa application form DS -160 confirmation page
- Receipt of payment of the application fees
- A photograph will be needed on the application form
- Bank statement showing proof of funds
- Supporting letter showing reason to visit the US
- Confirmed air tickets
- Evidence showing that the individual will return to their home country
- Documents showing adequate insurance coverage
- Details showing whom the candidates are staying with and where
Processing Time and Fees of US Visitor Visa
The average processing time of a US visitor visa is approximately 2 months. However, the processing times may change depending on whether the individual is applying from the home country or not. The B1/B2 visitor visa allows multiple entries into the US. The filing fee as per the government for a visitor visa in the US is $185.
Know more about USA Visa Processing Time
FAQs
Candidates’ bank accounts must show a minimum bank balance of $6000 – $10000.
Yes. tourist visas such as B-1/B-2 visas are valid for 10 years. However, it allows a maximum stay of 180 days per entry.
The candidates applying for a US visa will be required to pay a fee of $185. This fee is mandatory to be paid to complete the application process.
Yes, Indian citizens do require a USA tourist visa to enter the USA for most purposes, including tourism, business, and study.
We hope you now understand what a US visitor visa is, the application process, processing time, application fees, etc. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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