How to apply for US Visa under the new policy?

 

However, even with all the changes, if you’re careful through the application process, and have a legit reason to visit the US, you will likely have a smooth ride. If you’re new to this, let’s clear the basics first...

 

(Courtesy: WikiHow)

 

To enter a foreign country, in this case, the USA, you need a valid visa. (Note: a valid visa doesn’t guarantee an entry in that country.) There comes many types of US visas, and there are 2 different ways to apply for them: Online and Offline.

 

 

Here are 7 types of US Visas:

 

(i) Tourist visa (also called business visa)

 

(ii) Student visa

 

(iii) Work visa

 

(iv) Exchange visitor visa

 

(v) Transit visa

 

(vi) Domestic employee visa

 

(vii) Religious worker visa

 

(viii) Journalist and media visa

 

Each of these heads has many different types of visas. For example, Work Visa has many different variances. After all, one could be visiting the country for many work purposes. Agricultural professional has to apply for a different visa (H-2A), trainees have to fill different application (H-3), and so forth.

 

Also, if the spouse and children are to accompany the person, they will have to apply for a B-2 visa.

 

So, the first step when applying for US Visa is to know your exact purpose and which one should you be applying for.

 

Depending on your need and the visa type you’re going for, there is a range of eligibility criterions you’re going to have to fill. Here are the most common ones:

 

· You must be financially adequate to cover the expense of your travel to the US.

 

· You must NOT have any criminal record.

 

· You must have return tickets to confirm the duration of your stay.

 

· Your passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months.

 

When applying for US Visa, it’s important that you go through all these requirements very closely. Even minor misunderstanding and confusion can have your application get rejected.

 

Now, coming to the main part: How to do it?

 

You can apply for the US visa both online and offline. Unsurprisingly though, the online mode is much convenient. Visit the official website, download the right form for the type of visa you want, fill it up, attest it with all the asked documents, pay the fee and submit. Once the application and documents are processed, you will be conveyed an interview date and address. Visit this address on the exact time and date with all the copies and original documents that you’re asked to (including visa fee receipt and passport).

 

In the offline mode, you download the right visa application, fill it up, complete it, and mail it to the visa application center along with the copies of required documents.

 

In both the methods, you will have to sit for the face-to-face interview. By the end of the interview, you will have to hand them over your original passport. All your documents, interview answers, and passport will be processed and cross-checked thoroughly. Meanwhile, you can track the status of your application online. If the process is successful, you will receive email or call confirmation. If not, you will be conveyed that too with reason. In either case, you will know where and from where to pick your passport from.

 

(Courtesy: Siam Legal)

 

That’s it! That’s how to apply for a US visa.

 

Now, very recently, US Citizenship and Immigration Services has come out with a new policy for all who are applying for US visa. It isn’t much, as is hyped by the media. It states that a visa application will be rejected if there are evident errors in it and if it misses the required documents. For those on the eb2 to eb1 upgrade success path, this change serves as a reminder to ensure all details are accurate and complete for a smoother process.

 

So, if you’re applying for US Visa, be extremely careful of all the information you’re providing. Make sure the form isn’t incomplete and that you are attesting all the asked documents and receipts. Be careful and that’s about it. This new policy wouldn’t be much of a problem if you’re careful.

 

Good luck!