How To Get a Visitor Visa

Here's How:

1. Locate the US consulate nearest you. This can be done by going to the Department of State's Web site where you can find a list of all embassies and consulates worldwide.
2. If you are from a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you don't need a visa. However, as of June 26, 2005, all VWP travelers need a machine readable passport. Go to the Department of State's VWP section for a list of countries that are part of the VWP. If you don't have a machine readable passport, you need to apply for a visitor visa.
3. Read and follow the consulate's instructions. Most applications must be made in person, but some consulates allow the application to be sent by mail, a travel agent or a drop box.
   To qualify for a visa, you must prove
   - The purpose of your trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment
   - You plan to remain for a specific, limited period
   - You have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will insure your return abroad at the end of the visit
4. If your application has to be made in person, call your consulate and set up an appointment. Due to recently implemented security measures, getting a visa interview date is taking longer, so make sure you call your consulate early enough. Once the visa is granted, it will take 1 or 2 days for it to be processed. In order to find out how long it will take to get an appointment with your US consulate, go to the State Department's Visa Wait Times Web site.
5. When you get your appointment date, gather the necessary documents and information. You need:
   - Your original passport, valid for at least six months from the date of departure from the United States, and any expired passports with previous U.S. visas
   - Two recent passport-size photos for each applicant, including children and infants
6. 
   If you are not a citizen of the country you live in, you need your residency permit
   - One completed application form DS-156 for each person traveling, including one form per infant and/or child. Answer all questions accurately and sign the form(s).
   - All males between ages 16 and 45 must also complete form DS-157.
   - Original receipt for the MRV application fee
   - Self-addressed stamped envelope (postage for express or registered mail). The embassy is not liable for lost passports
7. 
   Minors under 18 years traveling alone need written parental authorization
   - Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (usually bank statements for the most recent 3 months).
   - If traveling as a tourist (B-2), a letter from your employer/school stating length of time you have worked/studied there, showing you are on vacation and that you will return. A detailed statement of your plans during the trip and after your return from the U.S., incl. a future work contract, if possible.
8. 
   If traveling for business, a letter from your employer explaining the purpose and length of your stay in the US and who will pay your salary/expenses, a travel plan (itinerary) and supporting documentation that will show what activities will take place during the trip.
9. Once you have received your visitor visa, you will be able to travel to the US. On your trip, fill out form I-94 and show it at the port of entry (airport, border control, harbor) together with your visa and passport. Remember: The visa does not guarantee entry into the US, it merely allows you to seek admission. The visa (-stamp) is valid for ten years and allows you multiple entries into the US; however, it is determined by the USCIS officer how long you will be able to stay in the US.
10. When you return to your home country, you will have to turn in your I-94 stub at the port of exit.

What You Need:

• Valid passport and, if applicable, any expired passports with previous U.S. visa
• Two current passport-size photos
• If applicable, residency permit of the country you live in
• Original receipt for the MRV application fee
• Self-addressed stamped envelope (postage for express or registered mail)
• Completed application form DS-156 and DS-157, if applicable
• Written parental authorization if under 18
• Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
• B-2 visitors: Written statements from schools, employer
• B-1 visitors: Letter from employer with travel details