If you have been thinking about which destination to visit this year, then why not consider the USA? After all, as per a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council, America has a robust market for tourism. But you will require an American Tourist Visa if you wish to experience this.
Keep reading and learn about this visa in this article below.
What is an American Tourist Visa?
It is a type of non immigrant visa that allows people to enter the country for tourism purposes.
It is also called a B1 visa. People normally apply for this visa for trips or vacations. You can plan to visit friends or relatives with this visa. Some people get medical treatment by going to the US with a B1 visa.
You can also participate in social events with this visa. Plan for some musical or sports events in the US using this visa.
*Important note
You must keep in mind that you cannot study, or work in any capacity with a B2 American tourist visa. If you do so, you could risk deportation or have to pay the penalty, as applicable for your offence.
Eligibility Criteria for Getting American Tourist Visa
You have to fulfill the criteria below to be considered eligible for a B-1 visa:
● Temporary Stay
You must prove that your visit is not permanent and have no intention to stay there permanently. Provide strong ties to your home country that indicate you will return after the stay.
● Current Job Continuation
People must continue working in their home country throughout their stay in the country. You can not accept work or payment from a US company while staying there.
● Purpose of Visit
The trip must be for reasons like medical treatment, visiting family etc. You should explain the purpose clearly.
● Residence Outside the US
You must maintain a permanent house outside the US, showing that your primary residence and life remain in your home country.
● Financial Stability
Show that you have enough financial resources to cover your entire stay in the US. You can prove this with documents like bank statements.
Documents Required for American tourist visa
This is the most vital part of your visa application. A single missing document can cause visa rejection. Make sure to double check your documents and do it one more time before submitting the application.
Below are the documents that you will need to provide for your American tourist visa process.
● Mandatory Documents
There are some vital documents that need to be arranged for the visa application. A passport with at least 6 months of validity is one of them. Bring passport photos also.
Bring a detailed plan of your trip including information about your flight, accommodation etc. Include the previous 5 visit dates to the US in that plan.
● Supporting Documents
You should carry some documents for any kind of inconvenience. You need to show bank statements as proof. Carry PAN card and business card if you have any.
Bring the letter of invitation from a family member or the event invitation proof as supporting documents.
Australia belongs to the Visa Waiver Program which allows citizens to travel to the US for up to 90 days without a visa. You just need to register for the ESTA to be eligible for this because it acts like an American visa for Australians.
*Please note, Australian tourists do not require any visa to travel to the US, but the ESTA acts like a visa.
The ESTA is a digital document issued by the CBP (Custom and Border Protection) authority that allows you to travel to the US visa free.
There are other countries also that belong to the Visa Waiver Program. You can check the list of the countries here.
You need to bring the following documents for ESTA to experience a hassle free application:
- A valid passport
- A valid mail address
- Your home address and phone number
- Application fee.
Application process of American tourist visa
Here are the steps below:
● Complete the DS-160 Form
Go to the website of the US department of the state and fill out the visa application form DS-160. Input the following information:
1. Passport details
2. Personal details
3. Travel history
4. Educational and professional background
5. The details of your US point of contact if any
6. Information about your relatives if any
7. Information about criminal history if applicable
● Pay The Visa Fee
Do the payment visa fee online or in cash.
● Interview Process
Book an appointment for your interview. Bring the confirmation letter of appointment on the interview day. Carry the DS-160 barcode sheet and proof of fee payment.
Show a cover letter explaining your visit and attach the evidence of the ties to your home country.
Go to the US consulate or embassy and present your documents. Answer your application and travel plans based questions as asked.
● Waiting Period
You need to wait for 3 to 5 business days after getting approved in the visa interview.
● Check Your Application Status
If you are anxious about the visa, then you can check the status online after completing all the above process.
● Receive Your Visa
Your passport with the tourist visa will be mailed to you or you can arrange a pickup after it gets approval.
● Entering America
An American tourist visa allows you to travel to a US port of entry and request permission to enter. The Department of Homeland Security officials will decide your admission.
You will receive a stamp on a paper Form I-94, Arrival or Departure record.
The application takes 6 to 8 weeks from start to finish. The timing depends on interview availability and peak seasons. It takes 7 to 10 working days to receive an American tourist visa, after completing all the biometrics.
For the American visa for Australians, all you have to do is apply for ESTA. You can do this at any time before traveling. The visa takes 72 hours to process.
How long Can You Stay in the US with the visa?
You can stay for up to 6 months at a time on an American tourist visa. You will also be able to extend your stay in some cases.
This visa allows multiple entries. So you can visit America more than once. Each visit length is decided by border officers.
The American tourist visa is meant for short trips for businesses, tours, or medical reasons. You can not stay there permanently with this visa.
Let’s Fly!
So, what are you waiting for? Arrange all the required documents and apply for an American tourist visa now. Prepare all your questions and clear the interview round to get the visa without any issues.
Also don’t forget to know about ESTA that act as American visas for Australians. Grab the authorization and enjoy pleasant spots there while traveling!
Visit our home-page for more information
