USA Immigration Visa
US Immigration Visa
If you’re planning to travel to the United States for business, a conference, vacation, or to immigrate and reside permanently, you’ll need to apply for a U.S. visa from your home country first. Here’s a summary of what you need to know about applying for and obtaining your U.S. visa to ensure your visit goes smoothly!
The process of obtaining a visa to visit, study, or work in the U.S. can be complex and time-consuming, especially if you’re not familiar with all its details. To help you navigate it more easily, N-Visa is the best immigration consultant in India.
We provide a detailed overview of everything you need to know about applying for a U.S. visa from India—from selecting the right type of visa and knowing when to apply, to understanding the required documents and associated costs.
Categories of U.S. Visas
General Visas
Several general visas are available for individuals wishing to travel to the United States, including tourist visas, visitor visas from India, business visas, and student visas.
- The tourist visa is intended for those planning to stay in the United States for less than 6 months.
- The business visa is for individuals coming to the United States to engage in business activities, such as meeting with clients or attending business conventions.
- The student visa is for those who wish to study at a university or other educational institution in the United States.
Student Visas
If you plan to study in the United States, you’ll need to apply for a student visa, which comes in two categories: the F-1 visa and the M-1 visa.
- The F-1 visa allows students to attend universities and other academic institutions in the U.S.
- The M-1 visa is for students aiming to study at vocational or non-academic institutions in the U.S.
Working visas are available for individuals with skills in demand by U.S. employers. If you have a job offer from a U.S. company, you may be eligible for an H1B visa or L1 visa, enabling you to work in the U.S. temporarily.
- The H1B visa is for those wishing to work in specialized occupations in the U.S.
- The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities or achievements in fields such as the arts, education, business, or sports.
- The L1 visa is for individuals seeking to relocate to the U.S. to work as managers or executives for companies they have been affiliated with.
- The E-2 visa is granted to individuals who plan to invest in a business in the U.S.
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa is for those who wish to visit the United States for a short period to see friends or family, or for vacation. There are different types of tourist visas:
- B-1 visa – for business visitors
- B-2 visa – for tourists
- F-1 visa – for students
Canadian citizens do not have a specific tourist visa. If you are a Canadian citizen wanting to visit the United States for tourism, you will need to apply for a B-2 visa.
Non-immigrant Visas
If you are an Indian citizen planning to visit the U.S., you can apply for a non-immigrant visa through the U.S. embassy in India. These visas are categorized into two types: the US B1 visa and the B2 visa USA.
- The B1 visa is for individuals coming to the U.S. temporarily for business purposes.
- The B2 visa is for those visiting the U.S. temporarily for tourism, or to visit friends or relatives.
A person holding a B1 visa cannot engage in employment in the U.S., while a person with a B2 visa can work for any employer during their stay in the U.S.
Both visas differ in terms of duration of stay and eligibility criteria. It is crucial to understand these differences before applying.
To obtain a B2 visa, you must prove that your visit is for tourism purposes only and that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay. Additionally, you need to demonstrate that you have a residence outside the U.S. to which you intend to return after your visit.
If you are convicted of a crime while in the U.S. on a B2 visa, you could face deportation.
For any questions about your eligibility for a B2 visa or concerns about deportation, it is advisable to consult an immigration attorney.
Green Cards (Permanent Residence)
A U.S. green card confirms your status as a permanent resident of the United States. Green cards are valid for a period of ten years and can be renewed. There are various ways to obtain a green card, such as through marriage to a U.S. citizen, sponsorship by a close relative or employer, or as a refugee or undocumented immigrant.
To determine your eligibility for a green card and to understand the immigration process timeline, it is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney. While there is no specific minimum income requirement for obtaining a green card, you must demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself. This may involve providing evidence of your income, assets, and employment history.
The process of obtaining a green card varies based on individual circumstances but typically involves submitting an application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), attending an interview, and undergoing a security clearance.
Investment Visa
Investment immigration in the USA offers a pathway to obtain a green card through making a financial investment in the United States. To qualify, you must invest either $500,000 or $1,000,000 in a qualifying investment.
There are various methods of making a qualifying investment, so it’s advisable to consult with an immigration attorney to understand the specific process.
There are numerous benefits to investment immigration. One of the most significant advantages is the expedited timeline for receiving a green card. In many cases, you can obtain a green card within a year of making the investment. Additionally, investment immigration provides a valuable opportunity to establish roots in the United States.
Upon obtaining a green card through investment immigration, you gain the right to live and work permanently in the country.
Documents Needed for US Visa Application
- Completed and signed visa application form DS-160.
- One (1) passport-style photograph.
- Valid passport with at least six (6) months validity remaining.
- Confirmation of your interview appointment letter.
- Marriage certificate, or civil union certificate if applicable. If not in English, include a validated English translation.
- Photocopy of the biographical pages of your valid passport.
- If previously married, provide a copy of your divorce decree or your prior spouse’s death certificate.
- Documentation demonstrating financial capacity to support yourself while in the United States. This may include proof of employment, bank account balance, or a supporting affidavit.
Fees for different USA visas
Visas are categorized broadly into two types—nonimmigrant and immigrant. Nonimmigrant visas are temporary and are used for short-term visits such as business trips or tourism. Immigrant visas, on the other hand, are permanent and allow individuals to relocate to the United States permanently and live there indefinitely. Here are the fees for various visas:
- US K1 visa fee: $535 USD
- US K3 visa fee: $535 USD
- F1 visa USA: $180 USD (Tuition) + $200 USD (SEVIS) = $380 USD
- Green card visa fee: $1,140 USD
For more detailed information about visa fees, feel free to contact us. We are the leading US visa agents based in Delhi.
What sets N-Visa apart as the top immigration consultant for USA visas in India?
- At N-Visa, our expertise is underscored by a decade of experience facilitating immigration to the United States.
- Our team of seasoned professionals is committed to delivering top-notch service quality.
- We provide comprehensive assistance throughout the entire visa application process, including visa selection and interview preparation.
- Additional services offered include support for finding employment in the United States, as well as assistance with healthcare and educational needs.