Visitor
If you are coming from one of the countries that is part of the Visa Waiver Program, you don’t need to apply for a visa for a stay that will be less than 90 days. Otherwise, a visa application is probably required, at the US Embassy or Consulate where you reside, and proof of residency will probably be required of you during this process.
You may want to visit the United States for business, in which case you are working for your foreign-based company. This visa doesn’t contemplate allowance for an alien to come to the United States to participate in US labor unless specifically authorized to do so. This type of visa is called a B-1, non-immigrant visa.
Alternately, you may wish to visit the United States for holiday or tourist travel, and this type of visa is called a B-2, non-immigrant visa.
Requirements;
Since this is a non-immigrant visa, you must demonstrate to the United States that your visit will be temporary, and that you will leave before your window of permission expires unless you receive an extension from USCIS.
This includes the requirement that you maintain a foreign residence that you have no intention of abandoning.
You must have a valid passport
You must demonstrate that you will be able to support yourself financially while in the United States.
You must demonstrate that you are admissible to the United States.
NOTE
You can study with this visa, but your studies must be for less than 18 hours in a week.What are the legal fees to get a student visa?
If you are coming from one of the countries that is part of the Visa Waiver Program, you don’t need to apply for a visa for a stay that will be less than 90 days. Otherwise, you need a visa.
What are the legal fees to get a visitor or tourist visa?
Our legal fees vary depending on the time involved for you to meet your goals. Our quotes for full legal representation through the application and review process are as follows.
B-1 Visa (traveling for foreign business); $250
B-2 Visa (holiday travel or medical treatment); $250
What are the US fees to get a visitor or tourist visa?
B-1 Visa (traveling for foreign business); $131
B-2 Visa (holiday travel or medical treatment); $131
What are the visa requirements?
Since this is a non-immigrant visa, you must demonstrate to the United States that your visit will be temporary, and that you will leave before your window of permission expires unless you receive an extension from USCIS.
This includes the requirement that you maintain a foreign residence that you have no intention of abandoning.
You must have a valid passport.
You must demonstrate that you will be able to support yourself financially while in the United States.
You must demonstrate that you are admissible to the United States.
Applications should be made to the US Embassy or Consulate of your permanent residence. The application cost and procedure may vary depending on the particular office.
How long can I stay using a visitors visa?
Depending on the purpose of your visit you will generally be permitted to stay between six months and a year with this visa, however you may apply for an extension and the general rule of thumb is to apply at least 45 days in advance of your visas’s expiration date.
Can I study with this visa?
You can study with this visa, but your studies must be for less than 18 hours in a week. Plan ahead if you wish to transfer your status from a visitor to a student.
When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the U.S. before departure:
F-1 student – An additional 60 days, to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another school.
M-1 student – An additional 30 days to depart the U.S. (Fixed time period, in total not to exceed one year). The 30 days to prepare for departure is permitted as long as the student maintained a full course of study and maintained status. An M student may receive extensions up to three years for the total program.
As an example regarding duration of status, if you have a visa that is valid for five years that will expire on January 1, 2009, and you are admitted into the U.S. for the duration of your studies (often abbreviated in your passport or on your I-94 card as “D/S”), you may stay in the U.S. as long as you are a full time student. Even if January 1, 2009 passes and your visa expires while in America, you will still be in legal student status. However, if you depart the U.S. with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one, applying at and Embassy abroad, before being able to return to America and resume your studies.
Additional questions? Looking to get started? Fill out our online questionnaire to take your next step or click here to return to our Immigration page.
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