USA Tourist visa
Thousands of Indians apply for a tourist visa each year in order to visit the US. Travellers entering the country for brief stay for business, medical treatment or pleasure are eligible for the B1/B2 tourist visa
Those with B1 visa can enter the country for business related purposes such as contract negotiations and attending educational, scientific, professional conferences or conventions and seminars. Travellers with a B2 visa can enter the country for business visiting friends or family or to receive medical care. The B1/B2 visa is typically issued together as one called B1 and B2 visa.
How to apply for a tourist visa to the USA?
- The visitor must choose where in India they wish to apply for a visa and start the process on the US Consular Electronic Application Center’s official website.
- They have to complete the application for a DS 160 visa. Responding to all the questions on the application is required.
- They have to upload a passport size photo with the application, sign it electronically and submit it.
- Within 49 hours of submitting the application the applicant needs to pay the visa processing fee. They can use online banking to pay the cost.
- The applicants are advised to print the barcode containing DS 160 confirmation page after submitting the form. The traveller should keep this document secure until they arrive in the US.
- After submission the applicants need to attend two interviews. Soon after submitting the application candidates are requested to book an appointment.
- The first interview is for collecting fingerprints and photographs. This is a brief interview and it won’t take more than 10 minutes. Applicants are requested to arrive at the appointment ideally earlier than the scheduled time slot.
- Second interview is most important and there they used to get more information about the applicants. During this interview applicants are not allowed to carry phones, electronic gadgets and bags inside the room of the interviewer. The applicants are only allowed to carry the form and relevant documents.
- During the second interview the interviewer will ask how the applicants are going to fund their trip, about the duration of their trip and the purpose of the trip. The immigration officer will give the result at the spot after the interview.
What are documents needed for an Indian applicant for the processing of a tourist visa for the USA?
For the second interview the following documents needs to carry
- Original and valid passport. Applicants must carry the old and expired passports as well for the interview. Current passport validation is at least 6 months beyond the expected date of arrival in the USA for the applicants.
- As per the specification, hard and soft copies of passport size photos.
- On the confirmation page Visa application DS 160 needs to be stamped from the Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- Proof of fee visa payment receipt
- The interviewer needs to know the applicant is a legitimate person therefore the applicants must carry a valid identity proof and have a valid reason for the visit to the USA.
- The applicant must also have to show that they have enough funds to visit the USA.
- The applicants must also have to convince the interviewer that you will come back to India after the trip.
- Proof of the purpose of travel and intent to leave the USA after the trip finishes.
- Detailed and complete itinerary with plans and dates
- Proof of sufficient funds can be the copy of passbook and bank statement.
- A copy of last year’s tax payment, PAN card, AAdhar card and TAX ID.
- Business card if applicable
- Invitation card from relatives or card of invitation to show
- Need to get employment letter form the employer if they applicant is working
- The applicant has to submit an NOC if the applicant is a government employee.
- The applicant has to show proof of ownership of their business if they are businessmen.
What are the specifications needed for the photograph?
- The photograph must not be more than 6 months and should reflect the applicant’s current appearance.
- It should be in colour.
- The photograph background must be taken in front of white or off white.
- Entire face must be covered in the photograph.
- The applicant head stays between 1 inch and 1 ⅜ inches frame
- The applicant must have a neutral expression with eyes opened.
- The applicant’s preferred attire should be worn during the interview.
- In the photo the applicant should not wear any kind of uniform. Wearing religious clothing is accepted.
- When taking photos applicants are not allowed to use headphones or any other hands free devices.
- Except in the case of religious headgear, hats or caps that cover the hairline are not allowed in the photo.
- When taking photos, applicants should take off their glasses. If the candidate has recently had an eye surgery then they are allowed to wear the glasses in rare cases. But they have to submit a written statement from the licensed physician explaining the exact reasons why it’s important to wear the glasses.
- The following guidelines have to be followed by the applicant if they are allowed to wear the glasses.
- Eyes shouldn’t be covered by the glasses frame
- They should not cover the eyes of the applicant
- The eyes shouldn’t be covered by any shadow or refraction.
- If the applicant is wearing hearing aid normally then they are permitted to wear it for the photograph.
Submission for the application requires careful attention when travelling to the USA. the applicant must ensure that all documents are correct before submitting it.
