Types of Visas for Temporary Visitors

There are quite a few steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Please use the link for the embassy or consulate website to consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply.

Complete the Online Visa Application

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 -Complete the DS-160. 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.

Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained below

Digital photos are required for some visa categories, while photos in physical form are required for other visa categories. The acceptance or rejection of your digital image or photo is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

We highly recommend you to use a professional visa photo service so that your photo meets all the requirements and your visa application does not gets delayed or rejected due to the photograph.

• Color photos
• Size should be such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• Taken within the last 6 months.
• Should have a plain white or off-white background
• Full-face view directly facing the camera
• With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
• Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
• Uniforms should not be worn, except religious clothing that is worn daily by you.
• Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
• Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
• If you normally wear glasses (without tinted lenses), a hearing device, or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.
• Dark glasses or glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable.
• Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash.

Generally interviews are not required for applicants of certain age group outlined below, However it is at the discretion of the consular officers to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.

An applicant is required to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live.

The waiting time for an interview appointment varies by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.

Fees - You have to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. For current fees structure for Department of State government services please click here. Once your visa is approved, you may also have to pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee if applicable to your nationality. To find out if you must pay a visa issuance fee please click here Visa Reciprocity Tables.

To learn more about fee payment please go through the instructions which are available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

An applicant need to gather and prepare a set of documents before reaching the interview venue:

• Passport:- An applicant should poses a passport which is valid for travel to the U.S. The passport has to be valid for a minimum six months beyond your period of stay in the U. S. (for further information please click here on country-specific agreements).
• If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview
• Photo - You will have to upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, don't forget to bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements above.

Additional Documentation Which May Be Required

To ascertain if you are qualified, the embassy or the consulate may request additional documents from you. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:-

• The purpose of your trip;
• Your intent to depart the U.S. after your trip; and/or
• Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application. In most of the cases, the administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice: Before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 60 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

If you are traveling for a medical treatment in the U.S., the consular officer may ask for some further documents which you will be required to carry with you at your visa interview, the documents may include:

• Medical diagnosis from a local physician, this should explain the nature of your illness and the reason you need treatment in the U.S.
• Letter from a physician or medical facility in the U.S., stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment for which you are visiting the U.S., and detailing the projected length and cost of the treatment (including doctor's fees, hospitalization fees, and all the medical-related expenses).
• Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the U.S. will be paid. You will have to produce your or the person's or organization paying for your treatment bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns.

There are quite a few steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Please use the link for the embassy or consulate website to consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply.

Complete the Online Visa Application

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 -Complete the DS-160. 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview

Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained below

Digital photos are required for some visa categories, while photos in physical form are required for other visa categories. The acceptance or rejection of your digital image or photo is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

We highly recommend you to use a professional visa photo service so that your photo meets all the requirements and your visa application does not gets delayed or rejected due to the photograph.

• Color photos
• Size should be such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• Taken within the last 6 months.
• Should have a plain white or off-white background
• Full-face view directly facing the camera
• With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
• Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
• Uniforms should not be worn, except religious clothing that is worn daily by you.
• Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
• Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
• If you normally wear glasses (without tinted lenses), a hearing device, or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.
• Dark glasses or glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable.
• Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash.

Generally interviews are not required for applicants of certain age group outlined below, However it is at the discretion of the consular officers to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.

An applicant is required to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live.

The waiting time for an interview appointment varies by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.

Fees - You have to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. For current fees structure for Department of State government services please click here. Once your visa is approved, you may also have to pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee if applicable to your nationality. To find out if you must pay a visa issuance fee please click here Visa Reciprocity Tables.

To learn more about fee payment please go through the instructions which are available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

An applicant need to gather and prepare a set of documents before reaching the interview venue:

• Passport:- An applicant should poses a passport which is valid for travel to the U.S. The passport has to be valid for a minimum six months beyond your period of stay in the U. S. (for further information please click here on country-specific agreements).
• If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview
• Photo - You will have to upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, don't forget to bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements above.

Additional Documentation Which May Be Required

To ascertain if you are qualified, the embassy or the consulate may request additional documents from you. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:-

• The purpose of your trip;
• Your intent to depart the U.S. after your trip; and/or
• Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application. In most of the cases, the administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice: Before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 60 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

An applicant may apply for a crewmember visa even if he/she is not employed at the time of your visa application. However, the visa can only be used for entry to a U.S. port if you are employed on the sea vessel or aircraft on which you arrive.

We cannot guarantee that you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.

Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Therefore if you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States

Spouse and unmarried, minor children of the applicant may apply for visitor (B) visas to accompany you, if they will not perform services required for normal operation of the vessel.

If your spouse and/or children plan to enter the United States for another purpose, then they must apply for the visa category required for that purpose of travel.

Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Therefore if you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States

Crewmember (D) visa holders must depart the United States(continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) on a vessel within 29 days. You are not considered to have departed the United States until the vessel you are on travels to international waters destined to a foreign port.

The operating base is where the vessel takes on supplies regularly, where the cargo of the vessel is sold, or where the owner or master of the vessel engages in business transactions

You can only apply for a visa after the USCIS approves the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129). There are several steps in the visa application process. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Please consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply.

Complete the Online Visa Application

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 -Complete the DS-160. 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.

Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained below

Digital photos are required for some visa categories, while photos in physical form are required for other visa categories. The acceptance or rejection of your digital image or photo is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

We highly recommend you to use a professional visa photo service so that your photo meets all the requirements and your visa application does not gets delayed or rejected due to the photograph.

• Color photos
• Size should be such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• Taken within the last 6 months.
• Should have a plain white or off-white background
• Full-face view directly facing the camera
• With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
• Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
• Uniforms should not be worn, except religious clothing that is worn daily by you.
• Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
• Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
• If you normally wear glasses (without tinted lenses), a hearing device, or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.
• Dark glasses or glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable.
• Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash.

Generally interviews are not required for applicants of certain age group outlined below, However it is at the discretion of the consular officers to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.

An applicant is required to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live.

The waiting time for an interview appointment varies by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.

You will be required to provide the receipt number that is printed on your approved Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797, for scheduling an interview.

Fees - You have to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. For current fees structure for Department of State government services please click here. Once your visa is approved, you may also have to pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee if applicable to your nationality. To find out if you must pay a visa issuance fee please click here Visa Reciprocity Tables.

To learn more about fee payment please go through the instructions which are available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

L visa applicants included in a L blanket petition: You must also pay the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee and may need to pay the Border Security Act fee. Select All Fees to learn more.

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport:- An applicant should poses a passport which is valid for travel to the U.S. The passport has to be valid for a minimum six months beyond your period of stay in the U. S. (for further information please click here on country-specific agreements).
• If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview
• Photo - You will have to upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, don't forget to bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements above.
• Receipt Number for your approved petition as it appears on your Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797, from USCIS.
• L Visa Applicants - If you are included in an L blanket petition, you must bringForm I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, to your interview.

H-1B, H-2A, and H-2B visa applicants should read the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet to learn about your rights in the United States and protection available to you. Review this important pamphlet before applying for your visa.

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions on how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified.

All visa applicants, except H-1B and L, will generally need to show proof of compelling ties to your home country to demonstrate your intent to return after your temporary stay in the United States. Examples of compelling ties include:

• A residence abroad which you do not intend to abandon
• Your family relationships
• Your economic situation
• Your long term plans

• During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
• Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.
• After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application. In most of the cases, the administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.
• Important Notice: Before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 60 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.
• When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

• Do not take the approval of a petition as a visa approval, this does not guarantees that your visa will be issued. Please do not make any final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
• Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the U.S.

• Do not take the approval of a petition as a visa approval, this does not guarantees that your visa will be issued. Please do not make any final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
• Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the U.S.

• With the exception of Cultural Exchange Visitor Q-1 visa applicants, your spouse and unmarried, minor children may also apply for the same visa category as you to accompany you. Effective immediately, the U.S. embassies and consulates will judge the visa applications that are based on a same-sex marriage in the same way in which the applications for opposite gender spouses are adjudicated. Please refer to the specific guidance on the visa category for which you are applying for more details on documentation required for derivative spouses. You must be able to show that you will be able to financially support your family in the United States. For further information about visas for same-sex spouses, please see the FAQ's. For information about employment and study, review Temporary Workers information and Employment Authorization on the USCIS website.

There are quite a few steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Please use the link for the embassy or consulate website  to consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply.

Complete the Online Visa Application

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 –Complete the DS-160. 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.

Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained below

Digital photos are required for some visa categories, while photos in physical form are required for other visa categories. The acceptance or rejection of your digital image or photo is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

We highly recommend you to use a professional visa photo service so that your photo meets all the requirements and your visa application does not gets delayed or rejected due to the photograph.

• Color photos
• Size should be such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• Taken within the last 6 months.
• Should have a plain white or off-white background
• Full-face view directly facing the camera
• With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
• Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
• Uniforms should not be worn, except religious clothing that is worn daily by you.
• Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
• Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
• If you normally wear glasses (without tinted lenses), a hearing device, or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.
• Dark glasses or glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable.
• Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash.

Generally interviews are not required for applicants of certain age group outlined below, However it is at the discretion of the consular officers to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.

An applicant is required to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live.

The waiting time for an interview appointment varies by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.

• Fees – You have to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. For current fees structure for Department of State government services please click here. Once your visa is approved, you may also have to pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee if applicable to your nationality. To find out if you must pay a visa issuance fee please click here Visa Reciprocity Tables.
• To learn more about fee payment please go through the instructions which are available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.
• Note: U.S. Government sponsored exchange visitor (J visa) applicants and their dependents are not required to pay application processing fees if participating in a Department of State, a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), or a Federally funded educational and cultural exchange program which has a program serial number beginning with G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-7 printed on Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. U.S. Government sponsored exchange visitor (J visa) applicants and their dependents are also not required to pay applicable issuance fees.

An applicant need to gather and prepare a set of documents before  reaching the interview venue:

• Passport:-  An applicant should poses a passport which is valid for travel to the U.S. The passport has to be valid for a minimum six months beyond your period of stay in the U. S. (for further information please click here on country-specific agreements).
• If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview
• Photo – You will have to upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, don’t forget to bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements above.
• Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019 – A SEVIS-generated Form DS-2019 is provided to you by your program sponsor after the sponsor enters your information in the SEVIS system. All exchange visitors, including their spouses and minor children, must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Each person receives a separate Form DS-2019.

• Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002 – In addition to the Form DS 2019, participants in the J-1 Trainee and Intern categories require Form DS 7002 (based on Box 7 on Form DS-2019). Learn more about the Trainee andIntern programs.

Legal Rights and Protections

• You must read the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet to learn about your rights in the United States and protection available to you. Review this important pamphlet before applying for your visa.

Additional Documentation Which May Be Required

To ascertain if you are qualified, the embassy or the consulate may request additional documents from you. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:-

• The purpose of your trip;
• Your intent to depart the U.S. after your trip; and/or
• Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.
• Other documents the consular officer may request.

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application. In most of the cases, the administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice: Before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 60 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

When you agree to join in an Exchange Visitor Program and if your program falls under any of the categories explained below, you will be subject to the two-year home-country physical presence (foreign residence) requirement. This term means that you will be required to return to your home country for two years at the end of your exchange visitor program. This requirement is under the immigration law and is based on Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Two-year Home-country Physical Presence Requirement Conditions ;- If an exchange visitor falls under any of the below category, he/she is subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement

• Government funded exchange program ;- The program in which the exchange visitor was participating was financed in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the U.S. government or the government of the exchange visitor's nationality or last residence;
• Graduate medical education or training ;- The exchange visitor has entered the U.S. soil to receive graduate medical education or training;
• Specialized knowledge or skill: Skills List ;- The exchange visitor is a national or permanent resident of a country which has deemed the field of specialized knowledge or skill necessary to the development of the country, as shown on the Exchange Visitor Skills List. Review the Exchange Visitor Skills List 2009.

Restrictions ;- When you, as an exchange visitor are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement, you must return to your home country for a cumulative total period of at least two years before you can do any of the following:

• Change status while in the U.S. to the nonimmigrant categories of temporary worker (H) or intracompany transferee (L);
• Adjust status while in the U.S. to immigrant visa/lawful permanent resident status (LPR);
• Receive an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate; or
• Receive a temporary worker (H), intracompany transferee (L), or fiancé (K) visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Waiver of Two Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement ;- If an exchange visitor is not able to fulfill the home country presence requirement, he/she may be able to apply for a waiver. More information about how to apply is given below.

There are certain exchange visitors (J-1) who are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement which requires them to return to their home country for at least two years once their exchange visitor program ends. This is also known as the foreign residence requirement under U.S. law, Immigration and Nationality Act, section 212(e). However, if a person is unable to return to his/her home country to fulfill the two-year requirement, he/she must apply and obtain a waiver approved by the Department of Homeland Security prior to changing status in the U.S. or being issued a visa in certain categories for travel to the U.S

Select ;Eligibility Information for details about which J-1 exchange visitors are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement and whether a waiver of this requirement is available to you.

To request a recommendation for a waiver of the two-year home-country physical presence requirement from the Department of State’s Waiver Review Division, please Select Instructions and Online DS-3035 to learn more and access the online form

• J-1 Waiver Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Advisory Opinions
• Processing Times
• Processing Fee
• Exchange Visitors Skills List - 2009
• Designated Points of Contact for waiver requests from:
• State Public Health Departments
• Interested U.S. Federal Government Agencies
• Exchange Visitor Visas Information

• J-1 Waiver Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Advisory Opinions
• Processing Times
• Processing Fee
• Exchange Visitors Skills List - 2009
• Designated Points of Contact for waiver requests from:
• State Public Health Departments
• Interested U.S. Federal Government Agencies
• Exchange Visitor Visas Information

Visit the J Visa Waiver Online webpage to notify the Waiver Review Division of a change of address or contact information and to check the status of your waiver request.

Generally interviews are not required for applicants of certain age group outlined below, However it is at the discretion of the consular officers to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.

An applicant is required to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live.

The waiting time for an interview appointment varies by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.

New Students – F-1 and M-1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date. However, you will not be allowed to enter the U.S. in F-1 or M-1 status earlier than 30 days before your start date.

Continuing Students – Any student who is continuing his/her study in the U.S. can renew their visas at any time, as long as they have maintained student status and their SEVIS records are current. Continuing students may enter the United States at any time before their classes start.

• Fees – You have to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. For current fees structure for Department of State government services please click here. Once your visa is approved, you may also have to pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee if applicable to your nationality. To find out if you must pay a visa issuance fee please click here Visa Reciprocity Tables.
• To learn more about fee payment please go through the instructions which are available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

An applicant need to gather and prepare a set of documents before reaching the interview venue:

• Passport:- An applicant should poses a passport which is valid for travel to the U.S. The passport has to be valid for a minimum six months beyond your period of stay in the U. S. (for further information please click here on country-specific agreements).
• If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview
• Photo – You will have to upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, don’t forget to bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements above.
• Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20A-B or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20M-N – Your school will send you a SEVIS-generated Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. You and your school official must sign the Form I-20. All students, their spouse and minor children if they intend to reside in the United States with the student, must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). Each person receives an individual Form I-20.

Additional Documentation Which May Be Required
To ascertain if you are qualified, the embassy or the consulate may request additional documents from you. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:-

• The purpose of your trip;
• Your intent to depart the U.S. after your trip; and/or
• Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.
• Other documents the consular officer may request.

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application. In most of the cases, the administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice: Before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 60 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

• Your spouse and unmarried, minor children who intend to reside with you during your study may apply for F-2 or M-2 visas. Your school must issue them an individual Form I-20, which is required to apply for their visas. You must provide a copy of your F-1 or M-1 visa and provide proof of relationship
• Effective immediately, U.S. embassies and consulates will adjudicate visa applications that are based on a same-sex marriage in the same way that we adjudicate applications for opposite gender spouses. Please reference the specific guidance on the visa category for which you are applying for more details on documentation required for derivative spouses. For further information about visas for same-sex spouses, please see the FAQ's.
• Your minor children are permitted to attend school in the United States while accompanying you.

Students who are authorized Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT, and apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). When authorized, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to the eligible F-1 student's area of study. To learn more about OPT, please visit the USCIS Website and the ICE International Students webpage.

There are restrictions on student F-1 visa holders attending public school in the United States. Select Foreign Students in Public Schools to learn more.

Travel Authorization

What is a travel authorization?

To strengthen the security of travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, requirements to travel visa-free have been enhanced. Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries will still be eligible to travel without a visa but will have to obtain an approved travel authorization prior to their travel to the United States.

Here is how the travel authorization process works:

The Department of Homeland Security and the United States Customs and Border Protection have provided a secure public Web site with an automated form for you, or a third party, to complete in order to apply for a travel authorization. Once you enter the required biographic, travel, and credit card information on the secure Web site, your application is processed by the system to determine if you are eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program without a visa. The system will provide you with an automated response, and prior to boarding, a carrier will electronically verify with the United States Customs and Border Protection that you have an approved travel authorization on file.

Who is required to have a travel authorization?

All passengers traveling under the Visa Waiver Program are required to have an approved travel authorization prior to traveling to the United States by air or sea. Even non-ticketed infants are required to have an approved travel authorization, if they do not have a visa for travel to the United States. An application may be submitted by a third party on behalf of a Visa Waiver Program traveler.

Does a travel authorization guarantee me admission to the United States?

If your electronic travel authorization is approved, this approval establishes that you are eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, but does not guarantee that you are admissible to the United States. Upon arrival in the United States you will be inspected by a Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry who may determine that you are inadmissible under the Visa Waiver Program or for any reason under United States law.

Is a travel authorization a visa?

No, an approved travel authorization is not a visa. It does not meet the legal or regulatory requirements to serve in lieu of a United States visa when a visa is required under United States law. Individuals who possess a valid visa will still be able to travel to the United States on that visa for the purpose for which it was issued. Individuals traveling on valid visas are not required to apply for a travel authorization.

How long is my travel authorization valid?

Unless revoked, travel authorizations are valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The Authorization Approved screen displays your travel authorization expiration date.

When do I need to apply for a travel authorization?

Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that travel authorization applications be submitted at least 72 hours prior to travel. Unless revoked, travel authorizations are valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Can prospective travelers apply to ESTA for a travel authorization without specific travel plans if they want to be able to travel to the United States on short notice?
Visa Waiver Program travelers are not required to have specific plans to travel to the United States before they apply for a travel authorization. If a traveler’s destination address in the United States is unknown when he or she completes the application in ESTA for the travel authorization, the traveler should enter the name of the hotel or approximate location he or she intends to visit. Travelers may update this information when their plans are finalized, but they will not be required to update their destination addresses or itineraries should they change after their travel authorization has been approved. DHS recommends that applications for travel authorization be submitted in ESTA as early as possible, as soon as, or even before travel is planned. ESTA will accept applications from last minute and emergency travelers – those Visa Waiver Program travelers that arrive at the airport without an approved ESTA.

Do nationals or citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program require travel authorization if they are only transiting the United States in route to another country?
Eligible nationals or citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program require either a travel authorization or a visa to transit the United States. If a traveler is only planning to transit through the United States en route to another country, when he or she completes the travel authorization application in ESTA, the traveler should enter the words "In Transit" and his or her final destination location in the address lines in the Address While In The United States field on the application.

Can a Visa Waiver Program traveler with more than one passport travel to the United States on the passport that he or she did not use when applying for a travel authorization?
No. Each Visa Waiver Program traveler must have an approved travel authorization for the passport they plan to use before they travel to the United States. If a traveler obtains a new passport, they must submit a new travel authorization application in ESTA using the new passport. A processing fee will be charged for each new application submitted.

If a Visa Waiver Program traveler has received a travel authorization approval through ESTA, does he or she need to fill out an I-94W?
The implementation of the ESTA program allowed DHS to eliminate the requirement that Visa Waiver Program travelers complete an I-94W prior to being admitted to the United States. CBP has transitioned to paperless processing for Visa Waiver Program travelers arriving by air or sea who have obtained a travel authorization. Most carriers are now capable of receiving and validating messages pertaining to the traveler’s ESTA status as part of the traveler’s boarding status. Travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program who have an approved travel authorization will no longer be given a green I-94W departure coupon in their passport.

What should I do if I am not approved for a travel authorization?
If you receive a Travel Not Authorized response to your travel authorization application, but wish to continue with your travel plans, please visit the United States Department of State Web site at www.travel.state.gov for additional information about applying for a visa. The denial of a travel authorization only prohibits travel under the Visa Waiver Program and is not a determination of eligibility for a visa to travel to the United States. In the event you are not approved for a travel authorization, no court shall have jurisdiction to review an eligibility determination under ESTA.

Why is authorization under ESTA required for United States-bound travel under the Visa Waiver Program?
The "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007" (9/11 Act) amended Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), requiring that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implement an electronic travel authorization system and other measures to enhance the security of the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA adds another layer of security that allows DHS to determine, in advance of travel, whether an individual is eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program and whether such travel poses a law enforcement or security risk.

Visa Waiver Program

What is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program allows foreign nationals from certain countries to travel to the United States for business or pleasure, for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers admitted under the Visa Waiver Program must agree to waive their rights to review or appeal, as explained in the Waiver of Rights section of the Application screen. See who is eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program? for further information.

[1] With respect to all references to "country" or "countries" in this document, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that "[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan." 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b)(1). Accordingly, all references to "country" or "countries" in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States' one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.

• Establish to the satisfaction of the inspecting United States Customs and Border Protection officer that you are entitled to be admitted under the Visa Waiver Program and that you are not inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
• Waive any rights to review or appeal of the admissibility determination of the United States Customs and Border Protection officer, or contest, other than on the basis of an application for asylum, any removal action arising from an application for admission under the Visa Waiver Program.
• Reaffirm, through the submission of biometric identifiers (including fingerprints and photographs) during processing upon arrival in the United States, your waiver of any rights to review or appeal of the admissibility determination of the United States Customs and Border Protection officer, or contest, other than on the basis of an application for asylum, any removal action arising from an application for admission under the Visa Waiver Program.
• Obtain an Authorization Approved determination following a travel authorization application.
• Not pose a threat to the welfare, health, safety, or security of the United States.
• Have complied with all conditions of any previous admission under the Visa Waiver Program.

What are the passport requirements for travel under the Visa Waiver Program?

Visa Waiver Program requirements are:

• The passport must have a machine-readable zone on the biographic page.
• Issued on or after October 26, 2005 – Each Visa Waiver Program passport issued on or after this date must have a digital photo.
• Issued on or after October 26, 2006 – Each Visa Waiver Program passport issued on or after this date must be an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner.

EXCEPTION: To be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, persons presenting United Kingdom passports must possess the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man

EXCEPTION: Citizens and nationals of Slovenia may use only the red cover Slovenian passport for admission under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

EXCEPTION: Effective July 1, 2009, Visa Waiver Program countries’ emergency or temporary passports must be electronic passports.

• Citizens of the following Visa Waiver Program countries are required to present electronic passports:
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Slovakia
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Republic of Malta
• South Korea
• Greece
• Citizens from Visa Waiver Program eligible countries must present a machine-readable passport unless they are from:
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Slovakia
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Republic of Malta
• South Korea
• Greece
• A machine readable passport contains two lines of text with numbers and chevrons (<<<) at the bottom of the personal information page with the passport bearer's picture. Document requirements vary according to the date a passport was issued or renewed as follows:
• Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended before October 26, 2005 have no additional requirements.
• If a passport was issued or renewed/extended on or after October 26, 2005 and does not meet the following requirements, the traveler must obtain a visa:

1. Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended on or after October 26, 2005 through October 25, 2006 must meet the following requirements: A digital photograph printed on the passport data page is required OR an integrated chip containing information from the data page (e-passport). A digital photo is one that is printed on the page, not a photo that is glued or laminated into the passport.
2. Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended on or after October 26, 2006 are required to be e-passports.

• Taiwan passport holders must provide Passport Number and Personal Identification Number (PIN).

When must I obtain a visa to travel to the United States?

• If you intend to arrive in the United States aboard a non-signatory air carrier.
• If you intend to visit the United States for more than 90 days.
• If you believe any grounds of inadmissibility of the Immigration and Nationality Act § 212(a) apply to you, you should apply for a nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. Although you may be inadmissible to the United States, you may qualify for a non-immigrant visa and waiver, which may allow you to travel to the United States.
• If you are traveling to the United States for a purpose other than short-term tourism or business.

Are there disadvantages to using the Visa Waiver Program?
Before using the Visa Waiver Program, be aware of the following conditions that apply and carefully consider your options:

• If you are admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you may not change or extend your non-immigrant status.
• If your admission is denied, you have no right to appeal a determination as to admissibility.
• If you are found to have violated the terms of your admission, you also have no right to review or appeal, other than on the basis of an application for asylum, any removal action arising from an application for admission under the Visa Waiver Program.

What if a Visa Waiver Program applicant is found to be inadmissible?
Travelers applying for admission to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program who are determined to be inadmissible to the United States will be denied admission and returned to their country of origin, or a third country from which the traveler holds a round-trip ticket, aboard the carrier on which the traveler arrived in the United States.

Why is authorization under ESTA required for United States-bound travel under the Visa Waiver Program?
The "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007" (9/11 Act) amended Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), requiring that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implement an electronic travel authorization system and other measures to enhance the security of the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA adds another layer of security that allows DHS to determine, in advance of travel, whether an individual is eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program and whether such travel poses a law enforcement or security risk.

Step 5: Your Application Status

• Authorization Approved. Your travel authorization has been approved and you are authorized to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. A travel authorization does not guarantee admission to the United States; as a Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry will have the final determination.
• Travel Not Authorized. You are not authorized to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. You may be able to obtain a visa from the Department of State for your travel. Please visit the United States Department of State Web site for additional information about applying for a visa. This response does not deny entry into the United States. This response only prohibits you from traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
• Authorization Pending. Your travel authorization is under review because an immediate determination could not be made for your application. This response does not indicate negative findings. A determination will usually be available within 72 hours.

What information do I need to complete the application?
Applicant Information

Passport Information

Travel Information (OPTIONAL)

Address While In The United States Information (OPTIONAL)

Help is provided for some of the "Do any of the following apply to you?" questions where the meanings are less clear:

Do travelers need to bring a paper printout of their travel authorization to the airport?
No. DHS will be able to communicate a traveler’s ESTA status to the carriers. However, DHS recommends that travelers print out the travel authorization application response in order to maintain a record of their traveler authorization application number and to have confirmation of their ESTA status.

Does a traveler ever need to reapply for a travel authorization through ESTA?
Yes, there may be instances when a new travel authorization via ESTA would be required. A new travel authorization may be required in any of the following circumstances:

• The traveler is issued a new passport
• The traveler changes his or her name
• The traveler changes his or her gender
• The traveler’s country of citizenship changes; or
• The circumstances underlying the traveler’s previous responses to any of the ESTA application questions requiring a “yes” or “no” response have changed.

Travel authorization approvals will typically be granted for a period of two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. ESTA will provide validity dates upon approval of the application. Therefore, a traveler must apply for a new travel authorization when a prior ESTA authorization or an applicant’s passport expires. The associated fee will be charged for each new application submitted.

My travel authorization is valid for travel to the United States but will expire before I depart. Do I need to apply for a new one before my trip?
No. ESTA travel authorization needs only to be valid upon arrival in the United States.

What information can I update?
Prior to submitting an electronic travel authorization application with the required payment information, you can update all application data fields except the passport number and passport issuing country. Once an application is complete and submitted with all the required payment information, you can still update any one of the following fields:

• E-mail address
• Telephone number
• Carrier Information
• City where you are boarding
• Address while in the United States

What should I do if the information on my passport has changed?
If you obtain a new passport or there is a change to your passport information, you must apply for a new travel authorization.

How can applicants correct a mistake on Passport Issuance Date or Passport Expiration Date after completing their travel authorization application in ESTA?
An applicant can update the Passport Issuance Date or Passport Expiration Date as long as the application has not been paid for. If an applicant enters the wrong Passport Issuance Date or Passport Expiration Date after having paid for the ESTA application, the traveler will need to re-apply for a new travel authorization. The associated fee will be charged for each new application submitted. The previous application will be canceled.