tourist visa documents

US Visitor Visa Documents Checklist (B1-B2 Tourist, Business & Family)

Most people think documents are the key to unlocking a US visa.

But truth be told……it’s not.

The crucial part is the DS160 form and the interview itself.

So, the document doesn’t matter? Of course, documents do matter. That’s because the DS160 form of the B1-B2 visa needs to be filled in with your personal details, that match your documents.

Also – when bringing documents with you at the interview, you feel more confident because in case the visa officers ask for proof, you can produce the right documentation for them.

US Visitor Visa Documents Checklist for your visa interview?

Well, these include your professional and financial documents, along with the documentation related to your purpose of the trip, your civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of your kids)

The consular officers are not interested in reviewing these documents during the interview. However, having these papers ready may be beneficial.

Let me show you the complete US Visitor Visa Documents Checklist.

When completing the DS160 application, you have to provide information based on your purpose of the visit and available documents with you.

The below-listed documents vary based on individual circumstances. These papers are the most common ones needed when fulfilling the DS160 application.

Mandatory Documents for b1/b2 visa documents checklist

1. Valid Passport

Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months at the end of your intended stay in the US. Also, if you have an old passport, keep it ready for the visa officers to see. Since US visa officers doesn’t check any additional documents, they mostly rely on your past travel history.

2. Proof that You will Return to Your Home Country

The below papers will prove that you have ties in your home country. This evidence shows you will less likely to overstay in the US after the visit.

• Documents that you own land in your home country. Proof of ownership of any real estate.
• Relationships with family members who are living in your home country.
• Professional documents, document from employers, or business registration
• A letter from your company will be waiting for you on your return
• Birth certificate of children
• Birth certificate of your family member who requires your presence in the home country

3. Your Sponsorship Details During the Stay in the US (if you show sponsorship)

• Affidavit of support/invitation letter from your sponsor. The letter must mention the details of the sponsorship and why they are sponsoring you. The citizen can be your family member or friend.
• A letter from your family or friend mentioning you will stay with them in the US
• Your bank statements. Make sure the cash is accessible in the US
• Proof of your current income source

4. Letters Supporting Your Travel/ Visit Purpose

Include the below documents:

• Proof of hotel arrangements
• Written itinerary of car rentals
• Event ticket
• Invitation letter for a training program/ conferences

If your visit is for business purposes, your US entity must send you a letter describing your activities in the US. Also, the letter should include your responsibilities during the trip and other financial details.

5. Photograph

The included photograph can’t be more than 6 months old. Your face should be clear, and you can’t hide any part of your face. However, wearing religious clothing or attire is allowed. Make sure your photograph is captured following the specifications.

If you wear glasses, you need to wear off before you take the photo.

Now, let’s learn what supporting documents are necessary for the B1/B2 visa.

Supporting Documents for Tourism Purposes

• Travel itinerary

Supporting Documents for Attending Family Event

• Invitation letter from your relatives or family members
• Invitation card
• Accommodation details

Supporting Documents for Business Purpose Trip

• US-based business associate’s information
• Business care of the applicant
• Invitation letter from the business organization

Supporting Documents for Medical Treatment In The US

Three types of documents are required if you are visiting the US for medical treatment

1. A statement from your local physician supporting

• You need higher treatment based on the diagnostic report
• Explaining the nature of your medical emergency

2. A statement from a US medical facility saying

• You are willing to take treatment from a medical facility in the US with the appointment
• Treatment cost

3. Financial evidence that you can bear the treatment cost, including hospitalization, doctor’s fee, transportation, living expenses, and other medical costs.

Supporting Documents if a B1 Visa Holder (Children/Spouse) Requesting Accompany from B2 Visa Holder

• Passport and visa copy of the B1 holder
• Invitation from the B1 holder
• Accommodation and expenses from the sponsor, whether from the organization/company or the B1 visa holder paying the expenses
• Letter from B1 visa holder to consulate requesting the visa for spouse or children. The B1 visa holder can be your family member or organization/company.

Other Papers for US Visitor Visa

For private service holders

• A letter of employment verification

For Government employees

• NOC/ Government order

For self-employed or freelancers

• Evidence of business ownership
• Financial history

Generally, visa officers don’t care about the documents or papers during the interview. What they care about is how you answer the questions. Also, whether or not you are answering the questions appropriately. Your answers will help them decide to approve your visa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the eligibility requirement for b1/b2 visa.

As mentioned, the US visitor B1/B2 visa is for nonimmigrant applicants. Visa holders can engage in the below particular activities in the USA.

• Visiting the country to enjoy the holiday
• Traveling to different cities and countryside in the US
• Visiting family and friends
• Participating in an event organized by companies
• Visiting the US for medical purposes
• Joining sports or music events
• Participating in a short-term course

Can I study with a US visitor visa?

No, you can’t. The United States has an ‘F’ or ‘M’ student visa. US visitor visa holders can join recreational study under the validity period. Or they can also change the visa status from B to F and study there.

How much bank balance is required for US tourist visa?

There is no definite amount but we recommend keeping at least $10000 in your account to be on the safe side, if you plan to visit on your own fund.

If My US Visa Is Rejected, When Can I Apply Again?

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Visit the U.S.

Generally, if you want to visit ( and not live in ) the United States you must first obtain a visitor visa . Travelers from certain countries may be exempt from this requirement. For more information, please see the U.S. Department of State website .

If you want to travel to the United States for reasons other than business or pleasure, you must apply for a visa in the appropriate category. This includes if you want to study, work as a crew member or journalist, etc. You can get help determining which visa you need by using the Explore My Options page.

Extending Your Visit

If Customs and Border Protection (CBP)  authorizes your admission to the United States at the designated port of entry, you will receive a stamped Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure . If you wish to stay beyond the time indicated on the Form I-94, you may apply for an extension by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status , with USCIS.

If You Lose Form I-94

You may apply for a replacement Form I-94 by filing a Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record .

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Home » Visas » USA Tourist Visa » Visitor Documents

USA Tourist Visa – Visitor Documents

The following documents are needed for a tourist visa for the USA.

There is no guarantee that the tourist visa will be issued even if you bring all the documents and evidence. Present only valid documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in a permanent ineligibility for a US visa.

You will need the following documents to obtain a USA tourist visa:

Mandatory US Tourist Visa Documents

• Current  passport as well as old passports
• One photograph
• Confirmation page of online submitted  Form DS-160 with CEAC barcode.
• Visa Fee Receipt Fees to be paid in advance before taking an appointment.
• Original interview appointment letter. Sample

Non-Immigrant Intent

Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The presumption in the Act is that every applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:

• the purpose of their trip is to enter the United States temporarily for business or pleasure or medical treatment; 
• they plan to remain for a specific, limited period; 
• they have a residence outside of the United States and they intend to return abroad at the conclusion of the visit.

The prime criterion of the issuance of a visitor visa is if the applicant is able to convince the consular officer that the applicant truly intends to return to his/her home country after a temporary stay in the United States. It is impossible to specify the exact form of such documentation as each applicant’s circumstances vary greatly. Each applicant must keep in mind that the interview will focus on his or her credibility and not only the documents presented. 

It is generally difficult for young people to present strong ties. In such cases, the consular office may consider the applicant’s education status/grades, long-range plans, parents’ status, prospects in the home country, previous travel to other countries, etc.

Supporting US tourist visa documents

Most of your documents are for showing that you will return to the home country after your temporary stay in the United States. e.g., proof of work, proof of property, bank deposits, family ties, etc.

Please note that it is not mandatory that you gather each and every document listed here. There is no specific list prescribed by the government. However, the more documents you take, the better it is for you.

• Photocopies of the first page, last page and remarks pages of your current  passport . 
• Applicants who do not have sufficient funds of their own to support themselves during their proposed stay in the United States must present credible evidence to show that they will be supported thereby some interested person; such evidence should reflect the ties between applicant and sponsor which form the basis for the latter’s assurances of extending support. You should present all original documents  sent to you by your sponsor in the USA.  If someone is sponsoring you, you don’t have to show enough financial means by yourself to take care of your expenses for your trip to the US However, you should still take the property, employment/profession, and financial documents, as described below, to help you prove the strong ties to the home country.  As much as possible, avoid getting the affidavit of support from people who own small businesses such as gas stations, grocery stores or motels. Consular officers believe that these people employ people illegally and may employ you also. You are supposed to be going as a tourist, and not for work.  If you have photographs with you and the sponsor is in them, please carry them. 
• Self-Sponsored Applicants Self-sponsored applicants may show evidence of financial resources through property, employment/profession, and financial documents, as described below.  For parents visiting a child resident in the US, you need to provide the documents listed in the ‘Identification, Relationship and Legal Status Documents’ section in  sponsor documents . 
• You have a residence outside of the US that you do not intend on abandoning. This can be shown via deeds to real estate. These help to persuade the consular officer that you have strong ties to your home country and are likely to return there.
• Proof of property such as a house, shop, godown (warehouse), etc. Take the original ownership papers. If you have a loan on any of these properties, the original papers may not be with you. In that case, take whatever documents you have.  Also take the property estimate given by the Chartered Accountant that may include items such as land, flat, jewelry, etc. in addition to the real estate property.
• Photographs of your house, office, factory, shop or other properties. 
• Personal affidavit(s) regarding the property. Business owners should show how much they earned last year. Indicate ties such as having elderly parents you need to take care of or a child whom you need to help after your return with wedding arrangements. Also, describing the nature of the trip and details of the itinerary  is helpful. Sample affidavit for father Sample affidavit for mother   It is better to make a separate affidavit for each person, rather than a combined one for both of them. These affidavits cannot be on stamp paper, but instead on the CA’s letterhead.
• If you are employed, get a letter from an employer that shows the details of your position, salary, length of employment, the period of authorized vacation; and the purpose of your US trip. Also, carry pay slips from the three most recent months.
• If you are retired and get a pension, your pension book. 
• If you own a business, bring the company registration certificate and its income details.
• If you are running a business in partnership, bring your partnership agreement. 
• If you are employed or have a business, bring your visiting card (business card). 
• If you hold any social or professional designations in the home country, bring proof related to that. 
• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) letter and Leave Sanction letter if the applicant is in Government service or with any of the Armed Forces.  If you are employed in a private place, your leave sanction letter.  Sample No Objection and Leave Sanction Letter  
• If you hold any post or designation in professional, religious, or fraternal organizations, proof of the same. e.g., lions club president or secretary, trustee of the temple etc. 
• Latest income tax returns for last 3 years (i.e., Form 16 or Form 2D). You should take the originals.  Some people pay income tax only in the year in which they are applying for the visitor visa, even if they never paid income tax in their entire life. They think that if they show that they are paying income tax, they will get the visa. It is not that simple. 
• Some bank balance for at least a few months before going for a visa. Please note that simple bank letters showing simply the bank balance is not acceptable. You have to also take the past few months (say 6 months) of statements with you, or the pass book. 
• Other financial papers e.g., bank fixed deposits, shares (demat account statements), life insurance policies, bonds, etc. 
• Family photographs of close family.
• Documents about the family (e.g.,  marriage certificate ,  birth certificates  of any children, etc.) 
• Your family tree chart that shows your close relatives’ names, ages, professions and the addresses. 
• If you are applying alone and if your spouse has been to the US before, bring the original passport of your spouse, but only if your spouse is currently not visiting the US
• If you have traveled outside of the home country in the past, your photographs taken during your visit(s) are recommended. 
• If you have traveled to the US earlier on any visa and came back to your home country on time, show the proof as per stamps in your passport or copies of plane tickets or boarding passes. 
• If you have been to the US earlier and applied for an  extension of stay , you must present a Form I-797 Extension of Status Approval Notice during your subsequent visa interview. 
• If any of your close relatives have been to the US and have returned on time, proof of the same.
• Cover letter highlighting the nature of the visit, reason for travel, an outline of your plans in the US and explaining why you will return to the home country (family ties, employment, or similar binding obligations). Preferably, it should be written in bullet points and be less than 1 page. Sample   Major tourist places in the US
• Optionally, include letters of invitation from relatives or friends in the United States whom the applicant plans to visit, a confirmation of participation in group tours, an invitation to an event such as a printed wedding invitation, or an invitation to attend a graduation, etc. 
• For children below 14 years of age, the  original birth certificate , and, if applicable, parents’ valid visas.  Birth certificates or marriage certificates of adult applicants are not required. 
• List of names, addresses, and phone numbers of all the persons whom you are going to visit or stay with. 
• Air Tickets If they ask for a return air ticket, tell them it will be purchased after the visa is issued. Don’t show a one way air ticket in any case.
• Visitor Medical Insurance If they ask for  visitors medical insurance , you can purchase it from  Insubuy . It is not mandatory to get visitors insurance before getting the visitors visa. 
• Dependents joining their spouse abroad need to carry their original  marriage certificate  and entire wedding photo album along with the spouse’s visa copy. 
• Criminal/court records pertaining to any arrest or conviction anywhere, even if you completed your sentence or were later pardoned.
• Purpose Specific Documents   Gather these additional documents, if applicable, for the specific purpose of your visit. 
• Additional documents for young persons
• If there are variations in the names in different documents, prepare a One and the Same Person affidavit.  Sample one and the same person affidavit  
• It is not possible to list all documents that anyone may need in any situation. Therefore, even if some document is not listed here, and you think that it would be helpful to show your genuine purpose to visit the US or it can show your close ties to the home country that will force you to return, please carry those documents. 

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• Visitor Medical Insurance Directory Fillable Forms Read/Post Experiences Sample Documents

Before Interview

• Affidavit Support - Form I-134 Allowed Activities / Pregnancy Overview Sponsor (Inviter) Documents Visa Application Sponsorship FAQ Appointment Waiting Timings Visa Fees Visitor Documents Photo Requirements Visitors Visa Process Visitors Visa Sponsorship Young and/or Unmarried More Topics
• Consulate Security Measures Attending Interview Fingerprint Collection Case Studies Interview - General Guide Interview Preparation Tips Sample Questions/Answers More Topics

After Interview

• Checking Visa Stamp Medical Tips Travel Preparation Visitors Medical Port of Entry Refusal & Reapplication Senator/Congressman Help Visa Refusal More Topics

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Nonimmigrant and tourist visas

Find out how to work in the U.S. or visit as a student or tourist. Learn how to renew your visa and what to do if your visa is lost.

How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

How to check the status of your visa application

Find out how to check the status of your visa application online. And to avoid delays, learn how to update your address if you move while waiting for your visa to be approved.

What happens if your visa application is rejected

Find out what to do if your visa is denied, and learn if you are eligible for a waiver of grounds of inadmissibility.

Foreign visitors: what to do if your visa or passport is lost or stolen

If you are in the U.S. and your visa or passport was lost or stolen, learn how to report it and apply for a new one.

Get a student visa to study in the U.S.

To study in the U.S. as an international student, you must get a student visa. Learn about the types of student visas, how to apply, and if you can work while you study.

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Learn about the different nonimmigrant temporary work visa categories and how to apply.

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Visit visa: guide to supporting documents

This guidance explains the documents you should provide to support your application to visit the UK.

Visiting the UK: guide to supporting documents

Use this guidance to find out which documents you need to support your application for a standard visitor visa.

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F-1/J-1 Visa Application

  UC San Diego international students must apply or re-apply for a new visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad in order to seek entry to the U.S. on F or J status. Most visa applications require a face-to-face interview with a US consular officer. The visa application process can take up to 6-8 weeks, so plan accordingly. 

Schedule a Visa Appointment

Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. You will need your SEVIS ID (number starting with “N” located at the top of your I-20/DS-2019) to complete this. In addition, J-1 students will need to provide UCSD’s J-1 Program Number. This number is: P-1-02849.

When asked for UC San Diego’s contact information for the DS-160, you may put down the following:

• Contact name: Name of the advisor listed on your I-20/DS-2019 document
• Contact phone: 858-534-3730
• Contact address: 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
• Contact email: [email protected]

New Students:  The earliest that an F-1 or J-1 visa can be granted is 365 days before the program start date listed on your SEVIS Form. You may apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa earlier than 365 days before the start date to allow for visa processing and security clearance delays, however, the consulate cannot actually issue the visa until 365 days before the program start date.

Gather Required Documents

Consult the website for the  U.S. embassy or consulate that you will visit before your visa appointment. Go to the Nonimmigrant Visa section and follow the instructions. Many people are denied visas when they are unprepared.

Document Requirements for all F and J Visa Interviews:

• Passport which is valid up to six months after date of entry into the U.S.
• Form I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students) with a valid travel signature or copy of your I-797 approval notice
• Evidence of financial support :  Bank statement or financial support letter from sponsor or UC San Diego academic department
• Home country address and documentation of home ties (if available)
• Any additional documents required by the specific  U.S. embassy or consulate where you are applying for your visa

Additional Requirements:

• Official UC San Diego Transcript that you can order on TritonLink
• Graduate students: letter from your academic department verifying program start date, good standing, expected program completion, and brief description of the nature of your research
• F-1 OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card
• Job offer letter or proof of employment (if employed)
• J-1 Academic Training Authorization Letter

Prepare for Your Visa Interview

Based on information received from various consular officers, the following are recommendations to prepare for your visa interview:

• Listen carefully to what the consular officer asks you and then answer the question directly.
• Be prepared to show strong ties to your home country with official documentation. Ties to your country are ties that compel you to leave the U.S. after you finish your program of study.
• If your family owns a property, take the deeds of papers showing your ownership.
• If you and your family have had numerous past visits to the U.S., take along passports, even old ones - to show that you have many visas and many visits, but after every visit to U.S. you still returned to your home country.
• If you have membership in a professional organization in your home country, bring proof of this membership.
• If you have the prospect of a job offer, get a letter from the company saying that you will be considered for the job upon your return, or that people with the kind of education you are seeking are needed.
• Answer every question truthfully.

Some factors that might work against you in the mind of the consular officer are:

• Someone in the U.S. is promising to support you
• Lack of family ties
• Poor job prospect upon return
• Poor English language ability
• Poor academic record (suggesting that you are not a serious student)

Read more interview tips:

• 10 Points to Remember When Applying for Your Non-Immigrant Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to enter the U.S., although they must present a valid Form I-20  (F-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 students) to enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 student status. ISEO recommends students also have their I-901 fee receipt and proof of funding at the time of admission to the U.S.

See the  Information for Citizens of Canada and Bermuda page  on the U.S. Department of State website.

Additional resources for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the  U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada .

Applying for a U.S. Visa in a Country Other than Your Own

International students are strongly encouraged to apply for a visa in their home country because they may have difficulty getting a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate in a country other than their own.

In general, the following individuals are eligible to apply for a visa renewal as Third Country Nationals (TCN):

• Applicants seeking to renew their C, D, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P and R visas, provided the initial visa was issued in the applicant's home country or at one of the border posts in the past few years.
• Applicants for visas that reflect a change of status (e.g., F-1 to H-1B or F-1 to J-1), provided the applicant originally entered the U.S. in other than B status and possesses an original change of status notice (I-797) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Applicants possessing B visas issued in their home country with annotations showing intent to change visa status, such as "Prospective Student."

The following individuals are strongly discouraged from applying for a visa renewal as Third Country Nationals because there may be a high risk of denial:

• Applicants who entered the U.S. with a B visa issued in their home country that changed status to another visa category, e.g., F, J, H-1B, but the visa did not have an annotation indicating intent to change status.
• Applicants who have been out of status in the U.S. having violated the terms of their visas or having overstayed the validity indicated on their I-94s. A, B, E, G and Q visa applications, including renewals are not accepted from Third Country Nationals that are not residents in the appropriate consular district.
• Citizens of Iran, Sudan, Libya, Iraq, North Korea, Cuba and Syria.

Visa Renewal in Canada:

International students who are not citizens of Canada, but who wish to apply for visas in Canada, should meet with an ISEO Advisor to discuss their plans. Students subject to special security clearances are not eligible for reentry into the U.S. until this process is complete. Please consider the delays that security checks may cause and plan accordingly.

The U.S. consular posts in Canada announced new appointment procedures, which took effect as of September 1, 2010, for applicants applying for nonimmigrant visas.

An applicant will need the following prior to scheduling a visa appointment:

• The passport number of each applicant
• Proof that the visa application fee (MRV) has been paid for each applicant
• A completed Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Electronic Application, DS-160 including confirmation (barcode) number for each applicant
• Additional information may be required based on the type of visa for which the applicant is applying. For example, if you are applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa, you may be asked for your SEVIS ID number from your I-20 or DS-2019

Another significant change at most of the U.S. consular posts in Canada is that passports with visas will be returned to the applicant via courier. The courier service is provided through DHL, at no additional cost to the applicant.

For more information, visit  U.S. Visa Service: Canada.

Visa renewals in Mexico:

International students who are not citizens of Mexico, but who wish to apply for visas in Mexico, should meet with an ISEO Advisor to discuss their plans. Students subject to special security clearances are not eligible for reentry into the U.S. until this process is complete. Please consider the delays that security checks may cause and plan accordingly.

All U.S. consulates in Mexico do not accept TCN applications for changes of status, only for renewals for expired visas in the same status you entered the U.S. in.

For example, if your F-1 visa stamp has expired and you would like to apply for a new F-1 visa stamp, you may be eligible to apply in Mexico. However, if you entered the U.S. in J-1 status then changed to F-1 status, you may not apply for an F-1 visa in Mexico.

For more information, visit  Mexican Embassy: Non-Immigrant Visas .

Applying for a Visa to Countries Other than the U.S.

To travel outside the U.S. to a country other than your home country, remember that a new set of laws will be in effect, and you may need a visa to enter that country. To learn more about visa requirements, contact that country's closest embassy or consulate in the U.S. or visit their website.

You can search for information about foreign countries' embassies and consulates in the U.S. on the U.S. Department of State website.

ISEO cannot advise on other countries' entry-visa requirements.

Visa Delays and Denials

Visa delays and administrative processing.

Nationals of certain countries, and all internationals whose area of study has been deemed sensitive by the US Department of Homeland Security, will have their names submitted for a special security clearance procedure that may take 4-6 weeks or longer before a visa is issued . Disciplines such as nuclear technology, chemical and biotechnology engineering, and advanced computer or microelectronic technology, as well as a broad range of engineering and physical sciences are on the "Technology Alert List." Students in these fields should expect delays in obtaining visas at consulates abroad.

Steps You Can Take:

• Inform your department (graduate students) or college (undergraduate students) of potential delays in coming to campus.
• If the consular official asks for additional course of study information, contact your academic department for a support letter. We have provided guidance for departments here on what information to include.
• Request an additional support letter from ISEO from iPortal.
• Keep ISEO informed on the status of your visa issuance so that we can make any adjustments necessary to your Form I-20 or DS-2019.

Travel Tip:

ISEO recommends that students understand the "fare rules" when purchasing airline tickets. Departure and arrival plans may change depending on travel document and visa issuance timelines.  It is recommended that you purchase a plane ticket that can be changed or refunded if your travel plans change.

Visa Denials

If you are denied a visa, you will be informed of the reason for the denial and be given the opportunity to reappear if you can provide additional evidence to support your case.

Before reapplying, be sure you understand the grounds for your denial so that you can appeal effectively. 

• Be prepared to submit a copy of your visa denial letter or email that you received from the U.S. embassy or consulate that details what additional evidence is needed to process a visa.

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What types of visas are available for people to come to the United States?

There are more than 20 nonimmigrant visa types for people traveling to the United States temporarily. There are many more types of immigrant visas for those coming to live permanently in the United States. The type of Visa you need is determined by the purpose of your intended travel. For an overview of visa types, please see  Types of Visas for Temporary Visitors  or  Visa Types for Immigrants .

After Visa Issuance

How do i read and understand my visa.

Please use the illustrated guide below to learn how to read your new nonimmigrant visa (for travel to the U.S. as a temporary visitor). In addition, as soon as you receive it, check to make sure information printed on the visa is correct (see below). If any of the information on your visa does not match the information in your passport or is incorrect, please contact the nonimmigrant visa section at the embassy or consulate that issued your visa.

What is a Visa? Nonimmigrant Visa Types (Classifications) Immigrant Visa Types (Classifications)

My visa expires in 5 years, what does this mean?

A visa must be valid at the time a traveler seeks admission to the United States, but the expiration date of the visa (validity period/length of time the visa can be used) has no relation to the length of time a temporary visitor may be authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to remain in the United States. Persons holding visas valid for multiple entries may make repeated trips to the United States, for travel for the same purpose, as long as the visa has not expired, and the traveler has done nothing to become ineligible to enter the United States, at port-of-entry.

Visa Validity

My old passport has already expired. my visa to travel to the united states is still valid but in my expired passport. do i need to apply for a new visa with my new passport.

No. If your visa is still valid you can travel to the United States with your two passports, as long as the visa is valid, not damaged, and is the appropriate type of visa required for your principal purpose of travel. (Example: tourist visa, when your principal purpose of travel is tourism). Both passports (the valid and the expired one with the visa) should be from the same country. When you arrive at the U.S. port-of-entry (POE, generally an airport or land border) the Customs and Border Protection Immigration Officer will check your visa in the old passport and if s/he decides to admit you into the United States they will stamp your new passport with an admission stamp along with the annotation "VIOPP" (visa in other passport). Do not try to remove the visa from your old passport and stick it into the new valid passport. If you do so, your visa will no longer be valid.

My visa will expire while I am in the United States. Is there a problem with that?

No. If the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection Immigration Officer at the port-of-entry admitted you into the United States for a specific period of time, s/he will note your authorized period of stay on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, called an Arrival/Departure Record. You will be able to remain in the United States during your authorized period of stay, even if your visa expires during the time you are in the United States. Since your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 documents your authorized stay and is the official record of your permission to be in the United States, it is very important to keep inside your passport.

What are indefinite validity visas (Burroughs visas) and are they still valid?

Indefinite validity visas (Burroughs Visas) are tourist/business visas manually stamped into a traveler’s passport which were valid for ten years. Effective April 1, 2004, all indefinite validity Burroughs visas became void. Therefore, if you have an indefinite validity visa you must apply for a new visa for travel to the U.S.

I changed my name. Is my U.S. visa with my old name still valid?

If your name has legally changed through marriage, divorce, or a court ordered name change, you will need to obtain a new passport.  Once you have a new passport, the Department of State recommends that you apply for a new U.S. visa to make it easier for you to travel to and from the United States.

Administrative Processing

What is administrative processing.

Some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case.  Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later. Learn more .

Visa Refusals

My visa application has been refused. why can't i get my money back.

The fee that you paid is an application fee. Everyone who applies for a U.S. visa anywhere in the world must pay this fee, which covers the cost of processing your application. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you are issued a visa or not, since your application was processed to conclusion. As one example, if your application was refused under Section 214(b) and you choose to reapply for a visa, whether applying at the same embassy or elsewhere, you will be required to pay the visa application processing fee. See the  Fees for Visa Services  page for a list of fees.

I have a nonimmigrant visa that will expire soon and I would like to renew it. Do I need go through the whole visa application process again?

Yes, you will have to go through the whole visa application process each time you want to apply for a visa, even if your visa is still valid. There are some situations where a visa applicant may not need to be interviewed when renewing his/her visa. See the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for more information.

Entering and Departing the United States

After i have my visa, i will be able to enter the u.s., correct.

A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of-entry, and the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration inspector authorizes or denies admission to the United States. See  Admissions  on the CBP website.

How can I find out how long I am authorized to stay in the United States?

A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States, but allows a foreign citizen coming from abroad, to travel to the United States port-of entry (generally an airport or land border) and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States, and determine how long a traveler may stay. At the port of entry, upon granting entry to the United States, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. immigration inspector, provides you an admission stamp or paper  Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record  in your passport. On this admission stamp or paper form, the U.S. immigration inspector records either a date or "D/S" (duration of status). If your I-94 contains a specific date, then that is the date by which you must leave the United States. Your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 is very important to keep in your passport, since it shows your permission to be in the United States. Review information about  Admission  on the CBP Website. Also, see  Duration of Stay .

I did not turn in my paper Form I-94 when I left the United States, what should I do?

If you failed to turn in your paper Form I-94 Departure Record, see  Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection  website for more information.

Lost, Stolen or Damaged Visas

My passport with my visa was stolen, what should i do.

If your passport with your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 are lost or stolen, you must get them replaced immediately. There are a number of steps you need to take, learn more, see  Lost and Stolen Passports, Visas, and Form I-94s .

My visa was damaged. What should I do?

If your visa has been damaged in any way, you will need to reapply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. 

U.S. Citizens

I may have a claim to u.s. citizenship. can i apply for a u.s. visa.

With few exceptions, a person born in the United States acquires U.S. citizenship at birth. A state-issued birth certificate serves as evidence of citizenship. Review the  Apply for a Passport  webpage to learn more.

Persons born in countries other than the United States may have a claim to U.S. citizenship if either parent is a U.S. citizen under U.S. law. Learn more on the  Birth of U.S. Citizens Abroad  webpage.

If a person is a U.S. citizen, he or she is not eligible for a visa.  Any prospective applicant believing he or she may have a claim to U.S. citizenship should have his or her citizenship claim adjudicated (officially determined) by a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before applying for a U.S. visa.  

I have dual citizenship. Which passport should I use to travel to the United States?

All U.S. citizens, even dual citizens/nationals, must enter and depart the United States using his/her U.S. passport.

Further Questions

Can i get a visitor visa for birth tourism.

Birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for a child) is not a permissible basis for issuance of a visitor visa.  For more information, please click here

How do I know whether to contact the Department of State or Department of Homeland Security about my issue?

Contact the Department of State,  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  abroad with questions about U.S. visas, including application, the status of visa processing, and for inquiries relating to visa denial. Once in the United States, the traveler falls under the authority (jurisdiction) of Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security,  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)  is responsible for the approval of all petitions, the authorization of permission to work in the United States, the issuance of extensions of stay, and change or adjustment of an applicant's status while the applicant is in the United States.

I would like to know if my friend has applied for a visa and what the status is. Who should I contact?

Your friend, the visa applicant. Under U.S. law, specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 222(f), visa records are confidential. Therefore, the visa applicant should inquire at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad where he/she applied regarding necessary information about visa application status. Because of confidentiality of visa records, you’ll need to ask your friend, the visa applicant your questions about whether a visa application was made, or a visa was issued or denied.

Visa Applicants from State Sponsors of Terrorism Countries

To find information regarding FAQ's from visa applicants from state sponsors of terrorism countries please  click here .

Social Media Identifiers

On May 31, 2019, the Department of State updated its immigrant and nonimmigrant visa application forms to request additional information, including social media identifiers, from most U.S. visa applicants worldwide. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions .

Explanation of Numerical Limitations on Immigrant Visa Issuance

Immigrant visa processing is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of 1952, as amended, which controls priority dates and the number of immigrant visas that can be issued under certain preference categories. To establish which petitions are eligible for visas, the Department of State issues a monthly publication called the Visa Bulletin.

The Visa Bulletin provides a list of cut-off dates that are used to ensure the number of immigrant visas issued each year does not exceed the legal limit established in the INA. Cut-off dates are categorized by foreign state of chargeability and preference category. Only a petition with a priority date that is earlier than the cut-off date is eligible for a visa and consular processing. Please note this petition's priority date, foreign state of chargeability, and preference category can be found at the end of this correspondence. 

The NVC may begin processing this petition prior to a visa number becoming available per the current edition of the Visa Bulletin. This allows ample time for the petitioner and applicant(s) to obtain and submit all required fees, forms, and documents. This petition, however, will not be eligible for an immigrant visa interview until its priority date is earlier than the cut-off date established in the current edition of the Visa Bulletin.

To determine the cut-off date and which priority dates are current and ready for consular processing please review the current edition of the Visa Bulletin by visiting the Visa Bulletin website.

More Information

Visa Types After Visa Issuance Visa Validity Administrative Processing Visa Refusals Renewals Entering and Departing the U.S. Lost and Stolen Visas U.S. Citizens Further Questions

Immigrant Visa Interview-Ready Backlog Report

Global Visa Wait Times

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