A Step by Step Guide to VISA or ESTA for the U.S.A
If you are planning to visit the U.S.A, this article is going to help you out by providing an easy and step to step guide to get the USA visa or ESTA
The USA has 50 states. Along with its natural scenic, stunning hometowns, and strong economy, it offers a lot more attractive to people around the world to visit the USA every year. Following is the step by step guide for USA visa or ESTA.
Decide the Type of VISA you Want
The USA offers more than 185 types of visas, including work visa, student visa, and visits visa.. these visas are available in two different categories which are immigrant visa and non-immigrant visa. If you are planning to shift to the USA permanently, you will require an immigrant visa, whereas if you are planning just for a visit, you have to apply for a non-immigrant visa.
If you are planning for an immigrant visa, your visa category will be B-2 visa whereas category for a non-immigrant visa is B-1.
The USA also offers the visa on arrival and visa before arrival. The USA has started the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), ESTA ( The Electronic Travel System for Travel Authorization) which allows the citizens of 38 countries to visit the US for 90 days at least without obtaining the visa.Check the ESTA application form online.
Citizens from other than these 38 countries will require a visa before arrival along with their passport and other travel documentation. If you are visiting from the Republic of China, you will need a EUVS Visa. Follow the EUVS application guide.
Register at the US Visa Website
After deciding your visa type, you will have to register yourself at the US official Visa website. You have to create an account and submit all the information. You will have to decide the type of vis also. This website will allow you to track your application, save the record,check available appointments dates, and verify your payments also.
Document Requirements
You should have all the necessary documents before applying for the visa interview. You will need a passport that is valid up to 6 months before your term of stay in the US.
The second document is your application for a visa. You should apply to family members who are listed in the passport. You will also need to fill and submit the Form DS-160 page if you areapplying for anon-immigrant visa. You will also require your photographs with a white background.
Your documents must contain the proves that you can bear all the cost, your family and employment ties, your reason to travel the USA, and you intend to leave the USA as soon after completing your work in the USA. You also have to submit details about the person you are going to stay in the USA.
The natives of VWP countries, who are applying for ESTA, will need to fill the ESTAQ application form that is available online. You have to apply for an ESTA 72 hours before visiting the US, and you must have an e-passport that contains a chip and is computer-readable. In case if your ESTA is denied you will have to apply for a visa nut if you already have a visa you won’t need an ESTA. You have to upload your photo with your ESTA application.
Apply for a Visa
You will need to fix an appointment for a visa interview at the US embassy or us consulate. The standard US vis fee 160$ which is nonrefundable. Whereas ESTA will cost you 14$ with an additional fee of 15$.You will need to download and present this visadeposited fee slip when you pay. These slips have an expiry also so be sure to make payments on time.
An ESTA online application gets quick responses; even some application takes a minute. However, the decision on the application may delay for upto 72 hours. Appointments are normally not available for upto 2 to 3 months. So make sure to apply atleast 2 to 3 months before your visit. The ESTA is valid for two years from the date of its issue.
Book your Interview Appointment Date
When you have made the payments, submit this deposit slip in an online website, and you will get a confirm interview date for your visa application.Before clicking on the available dates, make sure that you will gather all the required documents before that date.
Attend the Interview at the US Embassy
A US consul will conduct your visa interview. Make sure to recheck your documents and go through them once again. As most of the question will come from your submitted documents. Once your interview is successful, there’s no more barrel remaining in your way to the United States of America.