By: vadmin / December 19, 2023

I want to visit America, what are my options?

If you want to visit the United States temporarily, you must obtain a visa. This basically creates a legal entry into the United States for the purpose of a temporary visit. There are different types of visits of course. You may want to visit your immediate family for a wedding or for medical treatment or to do business. You can obtain a visa called a B-1 visa, which is for business, and B-2 for pleasure or health
related issues.

What is the duration of these visitor visas?

These visas can be issued from a minimum of 3 months to 10 years. Make sure to work with an attorney to properly understand your objectives with the visa you are obtaining so you can clearly explain to the immigration officer what the purpose of your visit is and further legitimatize this purpose when applying for an addition extension on your visit.

What is the Visa Waiver program?

If you are a citizen of specific country that is under a Visa Waiver Program, you do not require a visa to enter the United States as a visitor or a business traveler.

What happens if I overstay? What is considered as ‘overstay’?

It is very important that you book your tickets to leave the United States (whether the water, air or land) well before the expiration of your visitor visa. This is to make sure that you do not overstay to the time allotted to you in your visa. If you do overstay, your next visit into the United States will end up activating a 3-year, 5-year, or a 10-year bar.

What is the process to apply for a visitor visa? Is there a visa interview required?

You have to apply for a non-immigrant visa application online called DS-160 and print the confirmation page to bring to the interview. There are also photograph requirements that you must follow in addition to applying with your DS-160 form. The application fee is $160.

If you are 13 years or younger, an interview is not usually required. If you are 80 years or older, an interview is not required. However, if you are between the ages of 14-79, an interview is required. The interview usually takes place at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country you live.

Speak with an experienced and competent immigration attorney who can guide you through the visitor visa process in all its stages. The law offices of Varun Luthra can guide you through this and help to make sure that your visit to the United States goes smoothly.