There are different types of visas granted to visitors of the United States. Learn about their differences, and how to apply for one.
The United States is a beautiful country and is among the favorite tourist destinations of many tourists around the world. In addition, the United States is one of the most successful countries in terms of economical growth which have attracted people from other nations to reside or work in this country for better living conditions, and to receive a higher salary.
Millions of people from other countries visit the United States every year for different reasons. They travel to the country as tourists to visit their friends and relatives. Some travel for other reasons such as attending a seminar, conferences, training, medical needs, exchange programs, temporary worker, business meetings or decided to reside in the US.
As a matter of government policy, any foreigner entering into other countries must first secure a visa.. So it is important that you have knowledge on what kind of visa you need to apply for, which depends on the purpose of your trip.
Every year many people from different countries apply for US visas such as visitor visa, work visa and immigration visa. Application for visa includes securing an application form and attending a series of interviews. The US Embassy in the respective countries of the visitor will do necessary counter checking of all data provided through an interagency database. All submitted documents will be verified by the concerned agencies.
Just recently, the United States government has updated the policies in visa applications in order to provide better security for visitors and the American citizens. The evaluation and screening process are stricter in this time of economic recession. Visa application procedures have improved a lot with the implementation of an automated system for faster processing.
US visas are categorized into two; the immigrant visa and the non immigrant visa.
The immigrant visa is sought by foreigners who have long term plans of permanently residing or working in the United States. However, the applicant should be sponsored by an employer or a relative who is a US citizen before being eligible for an immigrant visa.
This also requires that the petitioner should fill up the Affidavit of Support form which will indicate his financial capability to support the immigrant during his stay in the country. Normally, the process of applying for an immigrant visa can take up as long as two to three years to complete.
With respect to this application, the US government implements an immigration visa lottery in which lucky winners can have the opportunity to be given special privileges in shortening the application process to about two or three months only.
The non immigrant visas can be applied for a foreigner who intends to stay in the United States for a short period of time. This is a visa that allows a person to stay in the country on a temporary basis.
Non immigrant visas are commonly applied by tourists, performers, government officials, journalists, trainees, students and temporary workers. It can also be used for other purposes such as for medical treatment and business meetings. For temporary worker visa it is necessary that the petition be first approved by the US immigration including the Naturalization Service before proceeding with the application.
When you have plans in visiting the United States for whatever purpose, it is important to process ahead of time and to comply with all the necessary requirements. This will significantly avoid any delays on your travel. It is important to gather more details to the nearest US Embassy in your country to know the policies concerning your travel.
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