USA Visa Guide

Procuring a USA Visa

Overview

United States of America, abbreviated as the USA or the US, is one of the most visited countries of the world. With a diverse cultural background, the country attracts tourists, students, athletes, artists as well as business personnel alike. Also, with world-class facilities in terms of travel, studies, and hospitality, it is a great place for expat students and businessmen to make a mark in their careers.

Why is USA Visa Needed?

Indians traveling to the USA, either for leisure, studies or work mandatorily require a visa. The type of visa required will be determined on the basis of the purpose of the visit.

Basic Types of USA Visa

The two basic types of USA visas include:

Non-Immigrant Visa: This type of visa can be issued for a series of purposes including tourist visa, student visa, transit visa, business visa, medical visa, etc. Non-immigrant visa is for people who are not visiting with the purpose of becoming residents of the country. The application process for this is generally easier and faster than that of the migrant visa.

Immigrant Visa: This type of visa can be issued to people who wish to become residents of the country. It is generally time consuming to avail a migrant visa. People applying for this visa will require a petition signed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) which will need to be filled by either a relative or a potential employer. Indians are also required to file the Form I-130 by mail. Upon filing this, you will be provided with instructions on the medical test. Once these instructions are received, you will need to visit the U.S. embassy approved physician for the examination.

USA Visa Eligibility

Based on the purpose of your visit, here is a table that provides all the information on eligibility for USA visa:

Non-Immigrant Visa Category Eligibility:

Note the abbreviations:

SEVIS: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

DOL: Department of Labor

USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Immigrant Visa Category Eligibility:

USA Visa Application Process

You can apply for an American visa either online or offline. The application form based on the visa category can be downloaded online. For offline application, the applicant will have to fill the form and travel to the embassy. For online application, all forms will need to be submitted virtually. Once the forms are submitted, you will receive an appointment date. In all cases, applicants will need to undergo a face-to-face interview.

Documents Required for USA Visa application

For the face-to-face interview, you would need to carry the following documents:

• Visa form, fees and valid passport
• Photographs as per regulations
• Statement highlighting the purpose and nature of visit
• Financial records showing enough funds to manage the visit
• Personal resume highlighting academics and work experience
• Detailed itinerary with name of the places to be visited and numbers of the organizations involved
• Invitation letter from sponsor organization or family member

USA Visa Fees

The visa fees for USA depend on the category of visa and the purpose of visit primarily. It typically ranges from about $160 to $265 based on the nature of your visit. Click here for detailed break-up of USA visa fees.

How to Check Status of USA Visa

Upon application for visa, USA embassy will assign you a 13-digit receipt number. For immigrant visa, you will need to visit the official website of USCIS and enter this receipt number to verify the status. For non-immigrant visa, you will need to visit the official website of Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and enter the interview location as well as the case number.

FAQs on USA Visa

Is travel insurance mandatory for obtaining a USA Visa?

No, travel insurance is not mandatory for obtaining a US visa. However, it is surely advisable in order to protect you from unfortunate events including health troubles, flight cancellation, baggage loss, robbery, hospitalization, etc. Remember that the medical and hospitalization costs in the US are very steep and this can spoil your budget in case you do not have a travel insurance. With Bharti AXA travel insurance, you can be ensured of a safe and hassle-free journey.

Are there any other benefits of purchasing a Bharti AXA travel insurance plan?

Apart from the benefits listed above, a Bharti AXA travel insurance plan would protect you with passport loss cover, accident cover, trip cancellation or delay cover, accommodation cover, legal expenses cover, etc. It will also cover in case you need to be repatriated on an emergency basis.

US Visa Application Process

Basic Types of US Visas

There are about 185 types of US visas that can be availed based on the nature, purpose, and duration of your travel. The type applicable for you will also depend on your profession and overall profile.

However, all the 185 types of visas can be broadly categorized into two basic types: Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas. If you are going there for residence purposes, you will require immigrant visa; otherwise non-immigrant visa.

What is Immigrant Visa:

Immigrant visa is issued only to people who have invitation letters from either a relative or a potential employer. This invitation letter is to be duly signed and submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Additionally, for Indians, a mandatory medical test is required by a physician approved by the US embassy. Post this, I-130 form will need to be filed and you’ll subsequently be invited for a face-to-face interview.

What is Non-Immigrant Visa:

Non-immigrant visa is issued to people visiting the country for a short time for purposes including but not limited to studies, business, traveling, meetings, transit, conferences, events, medical, religious, sports, arts, performance, etc.

How to Apply for US Visa:

In order to understand the application process, you will first need to understand the categories under immigrant and non-immigrant visas.

Categories Under Immigrant Visa:

Family or Relative Sponsored:

• Spouse of a citizen
• Spouse of a citizen awaiting approval of I-130
• Fiancee of a citizen
• Family members of either a citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)

Categories Under Non-immigrant Visa:

• Athletes and sports persons
• Au pair
• Business traveller
• Crew member
• Diplomats and foreign government officials
• Foreign military professional stationed in the US
• Employee of a designated international organization including NATO
• Religious traveller
• Trader or Investor
• Experts in special applications
• Spouse and kids of an LPR
• Temporary laborers
• Temporary agricultural workers
• Leisure traveller
• Transiting the country
• Victim of a crime
• Victim of trafficking
• Physician
• Journalist or media personnel
• Performing artist
• Traveling for training, event or conference

Read the main page of US Visa in order to know the application eligibility of all these categories of visas.

Process for Different Types of Visas

You will need to select the relevant category from the above mentioned list and then download the US visa application form for that particular category from the US Department of State website. Certain forms with I series such as I-130, I-159, etc. are available on the USCIS website. Once you have downloaded the applicable application form, you can fill it and either submit it online or submit it offline to the embassy you wish to visit. Once all the relevant forms required for US visa process are filled, you will be called for a face-to-face interview. Based on your category, you might be required to follow some extra steps that you can check on the relevant websites.

Where to Apply for US Visa?

You will first need to visit the Visa Application Centre for your photographs and fingerprints to be taken. Post that, you will need to appear for an interview at the U.S Embassy or Consulate as per the date and time confirmed with you earlier. In India, you can choose to visit any of the following embassies:

1. Chennai: Gemini Circle, No. 220, Anna Salai
2. Secunderabad: Paigah Palace 1-8-323 Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet
3. Kolkata: 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani
4. Mumbai: C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East
5. New Delhi: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri

You will need to carry the following things when you visit the embassy:

• Supporting documents based on your visa category
• Printed copy of application form
• Printed copy of appointment letter
• Current as well as old passports

How to Book Appointment?

First, you will need to create an account for scheduling an appointment with the US embassy. You will then require to pay the visa processing fees as applicable based on your category. Once the fee is paid, you will see an option for "Schedule Appointment" on the main menu on the left-hand side of your dashboard.

You will need to schedule two different appointments; one with the Visa Application Centre (VAC) and the other with the Embassy for the interview. In order to schedule an appointment, you will need to enter the following details:

• 10-digit barcode number from the DS-160 form confirmation page
• The date you paid the application fee
• Your passport number

Documents required for US Visa Application Process

Supporting documents are required to be brought along for the US visa interview. The list of documents primarily depends on the category of visa you are applying for. However, is a short list of common documents that one might need:

• Proof of income, property ownership, etc.
• History of criminal cases, sentences, pardons and if any case is currently pending in courts
• Travel itinerary along with other major details and locations of your trip
• Authorized letter from your employer mentioning your salary, position, employment duration, leave approval for vacation or business purpose, if any

US Visa Eligibility

US Visa Eligibility The eligibility for US visa needs to be checked based on the category of visa that you fall under. For non-immigrant categories, you will need to take approvals from either USCIS or SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) or DOL (Department of Labor). Whether you are an athlete or a performing artist, a traveller or a businessman, before applying you will need to check thoroughly whether you fulfil all the requirements and eligibility criteria of the respective visa category.

How to Check Status of USA Visa

Non-Immigrant Visa: You can check the status on the official website of CEAC – Consular Electronic Application Centre

Immigrant Visa: You can check the application status on the official website of USCIS.

How to get US Visa

Once the application is done and the appointment is completed, you will receive your passport by courier at home with a US visa stamp. Usually, it is received in under 7 days after the interview.

Is there a Separate Process to Apply for Bharti AXA Travel Insurance?

Yes, you will need to apply for travel insurance separately. In order to ensure that you are safe and covered in case of any emergency or ill-fated incidents, traveling along with comprehensive travel insurance is highly advisable. It will surely provide you financial back-up and mental peace while you freely enjoy the trip to make the most of it. Just log onto the Bharti AXA website and choose a travel insurance plan that fits both your requirements as well as your budget. With the various plan options that we offer, finding the perfect Bharti AXA travel insurance plan will be easier than ever.

US Visa Document Requirements

Basic Types of Visas

The two main types of visas for US are immigrant visa and non-immigrant visa. Immigrant visas are for those willing to shift to US for residence purpose, sponsored either by a potential employer or a well-earning relative who is a residence of the country. Non-immigrant visas are for those who are traveling or shifting to the US on a temporary basis for leisure, studies, performance, training, off-site, temporary work, religious work, etc.

Documents Required for US Visa application

Mandatory Documents:

• Current as well as all old passports
• Photographs not more than 6 months old and as recommended by the embassy
• Confirmation page of the DS-160 form submitted online
• Visa fee receipt
• Original appointment letter for the face-to-face interview

These are the mandatory documents you will need to produce during the interview. Apart from these, there would be a series of other supporting documents that you would need to produce based on the category of the visa that you are applying for. Common supporting documents for non-immigrant visa would include:

Sponsorship Documents:

In case you are sponsored by a US resident for visiting the country, you will need to produce the following documents:

• An affidavit letter that confirms that the sponsor is capable of taking care of your financial needs.
• A bank letter from the sponsor's bank that shows the current balance, date of account opening, and the total deposits over the last year.
• Employment letter of the sponsor proving that he is salaried and capable of supporting you financially.
• Payslips of the sponsor for the last three to four months.

Previous US Visits Related Documents:

• In case you have visited US before and came back on time, as per US visa requirements, you will need to present the proofs for that including stamped visa and flight tickets.
• In case you visited US before and had to extend the stay, present the Form I-797 for extension of status approval.
• In case any of your close relatives have visited US and came back on time, present the proof of the same.

Travel Documents:

• US tourist visa requirements for leisure travellers include presenting their onwards as well as return flight tickets.
• You will also need to submit a proof of accommodation confirming the place where you will be staying. It could be a hotel, rented house, friend's place or relative's place.
• In case you do not have the accommodation booked, you need to show the financial capability to book it once you reach there.

Property Documents

In case you own a property in your home country or any other place, you will need to present the proofs for the same. For non-immigrant visa, this will ensure the consular about your strong ties with your home country. Following documents related to the property should be submitted:

• Ownership papers
• Personal affidavit related to the property
• Photos of the property

Employment Documents:

• If employed, furnish details on salary, position, employment duration with the company, holiday authorization, and purpose of visiting US.
• If self-employed, furnish details on company incorporation certificate and overall income.
• If retired, present the pension book.

Family Documents:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Adoption certificate (if applicable)
• Divorce certificate (if applicable)
• Spouse's death certificate (if applicable)
• Photographs of close family

Personal Documents

• Before the interview, you are required to visit a physician approved by the US embassy panel. After undergoing a thorough medical check-up, he will issue a medical certificate to you which will need to be presented during the interview.
• Documents of any criminal/civil case records or convictions in the past (if applicable).

Other Visa Category Specific Documents Required

For Medical Travel:

USA visa requirements for medical travellers include the following apart from the documents listed above:

• Medical diagnosis from a local doctor explaining the unavailability of the required treatment and expertise in the home country.
• Letter from a medical facility in the US confirming that they can provide the required treatment. You will also need to present the cost breakdown for the same.
• Proof of financial means with which you will support your travel and treatment.

For Studies:

• Admission confirmation in a US institute.
• Apart from the normal visa fee, you will also be required to pay the fee for SEVIS I-901 and submit the payment receipt during the interview.

For Work:

• Degree and diploma certificates that make you eligible for the work profile.
• Job offer letter from a US employer
• CV
• Letter from previous employer
• Additional fee

US Visa Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for US visa depend on the category of visa you are applying for. You should gather all your US visa documents based on the list provided in this article and then work on the eligibility requirements. Apart from the documents as enlisted above, you will need to seek special permissions from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS), or Department of Labor (DOL).

US Tourist Visa

What is US Tourist Visa?

US tourist visa is for non-immigrant travellers who are not visiting the country for the purpose of residence. Tourist visa can be availed by a range of people including, but not limited to:

• Leisure travellers
• Business travellers
• Artists
• Athletes and sports people
• Short term worker and laborers
• Travellers for off-site, meetings, conferences, events, etc.
• Medical travellers
• Religious travellers
• People transiting the country
• Crew members
• Exchange visitors
• Expat military professionals
• Expats with extra-ordinary abilities
• Cultural exchange travellers
• Travellers for journalism and media related work
• Physicians and Doctors
• Academic or vocational students
• Temporary agricultural worker
• Investors
• Victim of human trafficking
• Victim of criminal activity
• Spouse of children visiting a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the country

Tourists visit US with a wide range of purposes making it one of the most travelled countries in the world and they are neatly categorized into different sub-categories within the main category of tourist visa.

Duration of US Tourist Visa

B-1 (for business travellers) and B-2 (for leisure travellers) are the most generic types of visitor visas. The maximum duration generally allowed on these types of visas is 6 months. However, that is granted and confirmed only when you enter the country by the United States Customs and Border Protection Officer. There is no pre-defined validity of the visa. The validity date mentioned in the visa defines the last date by which you can enter the country. It does not define the duration that you can stay. The duration once confirmed by the officer as you enter the country will define how long you will be allowed to stay. Your purpose will be the main defining factor for the duration of your stay.

Cost of US Tourist Visa (Use of tabular format)

The cost of US visitor visa depends primarily on the purpose of your visit. Based on that, you can apply for different sub-categories of visa within the tourist visa section. The cost, sorted on the basis of the type of visa, is as shown in the below table:

Eligibility Criteria for US Tourist Visa

For US tourist visa, the eligibility is defined on the basis of purpose of travel and the type of visa required. The primary eligibility criteria include a good financial background, having a well-earning family, friend or relative in the US, an affidavit from your contact in the US, and defining your purpose as well as duration of stay perfectly during the face-to-face interview process. Additionally, based on the type of visa, you might have to take permissions from either USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) or SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) or DOL (Department of Labor).

Application process for US Tourist Visa

Here are the definite steps for applying for US tourist visa:

1. From the US Department of State website, you can first download the US visa application form for the category that is relevant to your profile and purpose of travel.
2. If you require forms in the I-series, you would need to download them from the USCIS website.
3. After filling the relevant form, you can either submit it online or visit the embassy for the same.
4. You can now schedule your face-to-face interview which will be the final step to either accept or reject your application.

Based on the visa type, additional procedure might be required.

Documents required for US Tourist Visa

Basic documents including your photographs and filled form are to be submitted initially. Post then, during the visa interview, you would need to carry supporting documents, including but not limited to:

• Income proof, address proof, ID proof
• Current as well as all old passports
• Travel itinerary along with return date and major places within the country that you wish to visit
• Authorized leave from work letter from your employer mentioning the purpose along with your employment duration, position, salary, etc.
• Printed copy of application form
• Printed copy of appointment letter

These are not definite US tourist visa requirements in terms of documents to be produced. In case you are travelling for a special purpose or in case you have received a sponsorship or scholarship, you will have to furnish added documents proving the same. In case you are a person with special abilities, you will need to present the proof of that as well. And in case you are a performer or a professional sports person, you will need to present the documents that confirm the days of performance and the days of the games.

Where to apply US Tourist Visa?

Once you have filled the form and submitted it, you will need to visit the Visa Application Centre to get your photographs and fingerprints registered. Post that, you will need to book an appointment for a face-to-face interview with a consular from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. In India, the embassy is in New Delhi and there are four consulates in Chennai, Secunderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Here are the addresses of the same:

6. Chennai: Gemini Circle, No. 220, Anna Salai
7. Secunderabad: Paigah Palace 1-8-323 Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet
8. Kolkata: 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani
9. Mumbai: C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East
10. New Delhi: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri

How to track US Tourist Visa?

US travel visa application can be tracked on the official website of CEAC – Consular Electronic Application Centre. Usually, the visa is approved or rejected within a week from applying. But in certain cases, you might even receive the visa-stamped passport at your home within even a day or two.

US Visa Types

Types of US Visa

For US, you can avail either an immigrant visa or a non-immigrant visa. Immigrant visas are for people applying with a purpose of residence in the US. Non-immigrant visas are for people applying for a short-term visit with purposes including leisure, business, temporary work, studies, religious travel, medical travel, etc. The process for immigrant visa is much more stringent and time consuming than that of non-immigrant visa.

Duration of Types of Visa

Non-immigrant visa is issued for short-term visits ranging from a few days to about 6 months. However, the time duration is not defined in the visa that is issued. The duration will be confirmed upon your arrival in the country. It will be granted by the United States Customs and Border Protection Officer based on the purpose of your visit and the estimated time in which you can achieve the same. The validity date mentioned in your visa does not define the duration for which the visa has been issued. It is basically the date before which you need to enter the country in order for the visa to be valid.
Immigrant visa is valid for 6 months from the date of interview. That means you need to enter the US within 6 months from the issuance date or else the entry will not be valid. It is also a single-entry visa. However, visa in itself does not define any status for you in the US. Immigrant visa is just like a ticket of entry to the US through any port (usually airport). Once you enter the country, only then you can earn the status of a permanent residence of the country.

Difference Between Work Visas

1. Family-Based Immigration

   As per the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of the US and other immigration laws, two categories are provided for people under the family-based immigration visa. These include immediate relatives and family preferences.

2. Fiance(e) Visa

   The K-1 visa permits the fiance(e) from a foreign country to enter the US and marry his or her sponsor from the U.S. within 90 days.

3. Employment-Based Immigration

   A high number of employment-based immigration visas are processed by the US government every year. These visas are divided into five categories, viz.

   1. E1 or employment first preference visa category includes people with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational managers or executives.
   2. E2 or employment second preference visa category includes professionals with advanced degrees and other people with certain exceptional abilities.
   3. E3 visa category includes other types of professionals not listed under E1 & E2, skilled workers, and other unskilled workers that are capable of filling job positions that are not temporary in nature.
   4. E4 visa category is for certain special immigrants. The subgroups of people included in this category are broadcasters, ministers of religion, certain former employees, certain medical graduates, certain retired international organization employees & their family (in special cases), etc.

    

4. Returning Resident Visa

   Previous residents of the US who have now moved outside or stayed outside of the US for more than a year or beyond the validity period need to reapply for an immigrant visa. Only upon reapplication can they enter the country again and become permanent residents of the country once again. This is applicable to a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) as well as a Conditional Resident (CR).

5. Diversity Visas

   Diversity visas are provided to people from certain countries who have historically low rates of immigration to the US. Every year, under the Diversity Visas (DV) program, people from different countries are invited to apply. This changes every year and in any given year no country can receive more than 7% of the total visas to be issued under the DV program. For the DV 2019, applicants have been invited from countries like Hungary, Turkey, Bulgaria, Nepal, Spain, Italy, Romania, Poland, Cambodia, Ukraine, Portugal, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, etc.

Difference between tourist visas

1. Business Visa (B-1)

   Business personnel who do not qualify under the Visa Waiver Program and wanting to travel to the US to conduct business on a temporary basis need a B-1 tourist visa.

2. Tourism Visa (B-2)

   B-2 visa is processed for foreign nationals wanting to travel to the US for leisure, holidays, visiting their friends & family, or for medical treatment purposes.

3. Students and Exchange Visa (F, M, J, B)

   These visas are promoted by the US in order to attract and welcome international students and talent to pursue further education from the US. Students and exchange visitors who have been accepted by schools or scholars can apply for this.

4. Work (H1B, L-1 and other categories include H, L, O, P, Q, J, I, E, TN/TD)

   isa is also issued to tourists for short term duration. They receive the status of lawful non-immigrants or temporary workers. However, one must qualify for the available categories of visa under this. You need to review the employment groupings as enlisted by the US Department of State.

5. Other Visas (C, B, VWP, A, G, NATO, R, D)

   Apart from the four tourist visa categories as mentioned above, there are some special type of visas issued as tourist visas. These include:

   1. Transit visa for people who are on an onwards journey elsewhere.
   2. VWP is issued under the Visa Waiver Program that invites some special citizens from certain countries to travel to the US without a visa for a duration of 90 days.
   3. Visa for medical treatment purposes
   4. Visa for official government travel purposes
   5. Visa for religious workers
   6. Visa for airline or ship crew members
   7. Visas granted on humanitarian and special situations
   8. Visas for spouse and/or children from foreign wanting to join a refugee or asylee in the US

    

Now that you are aware about all the US visa types, you must thoroughly check your eligibility for a particular category and apply accordingly. It is advisable to go through the detailed requirements for visa application for each category as it would be different for all.

US Visa Fees

Basic Types of US Visas

The two main types of US visas include immigrant visa and non-immigrant visa. Immigrant visa is issued to people wanting to shift to the US for permanent residency purposes. Whereas non-immigrant visa is issued to people travelling to the US for a short-term duration for purposes including leisure, business, short term work, studies and other special types.

Fees for Immigrant US Visas

Apart from this fee structure, applicants will also need to pay extra fee as a cost to be paid to the medical offices. Following table explains this cost:

Fees for Non-Immigrant US Visas

These are the costs as described on the official website of US embassy and consulates in India.

What are the Fees for Travel Insurance?

The travel insurance policy for US starts from about INR 10,000 and goes up to as high as INR 1 Lakh. The fee is primarily based on the duration of your visit and the covers that you wish to add to your travel insurance policy. In order to calculate the cost of the plan, the insurance provider will use further information based on:

• Age of all the travellers
• Total number of travellers
• Total duration of travel
• Type of coverage required for individual members

Typically, age is considered as the primary factor in deciding the cost of the travel insurance. If your age is more than 65, you will be levied extra charge on the insurance policy. If you have minors travelling with you, depending on the policy provider, you might be able to add them to the policy with no additional costs.
The number of travellers and the total duration of the travel will also add to the cost as it would mean a greater number of variables and hence, increased risk for the insurance provider.
You can also add various types of covers to your insurance policy including student travel cover, rented car collision cover, family travel cover, etc. Based on the add-ons and extra covers you choose; the rate will increase. However, you can choose the basic comprehensive plan which would cost a normal amount and would surely cover you for the basics. Similarly, if you are going for medical travels and add emergency covers, the cost would be much higher.
One must remember to ensure that they have a proper insurance policy before traveling to the US as emergency situations can arise any time. Instead of being stranded in a new country, it is always desirable to avail all required help from your insurance provider. Medical emergencies or any other travel urgencies arising there can even cost you hundred to thousand times the cost of the insurance policy.

It is always recommended to obtain a travel insurance policy while planning a trip. The comprehensive travel insurance policy of ICICI Lombard General Insurance (Bharti AXA General Insurance*) provides you with protection in unfortunate events. Such events could include cancellation of flight, health troubles, loss of baggage, hospitalization, robbery, etc. Furthermore, you would not have to deal with the stress of dealing with an unforeseen incident or accident.

The fees for travel insurance depend on the type of trip and any additional covers being applied to the insurance. With ICICI Lombard General Insurance (Bharti AXA General Insurance*), you have the chance to select from a wide variety of travel insurance plans as per your needs and preferences.