Are you applying for an American Visa? Everything you need to know...

An American visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A visa entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry. In general, a citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States temporarily must first obtain a U.S. nonimmigrant visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport. An immigration official at the port of entry determines the visa holder’s eligibility for admission into the United States.

The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

The different kinds of visas are:

Tourism and Visitor visas. B-2 visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling to United States temporarily for tourism, pleasure or visiting.

Business Visa. B-1 visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling to the United States temporarily to engage in business activities such as the negotiation of contracts, consultation with business associates, litigation, and participation in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences or seminars and other legitimate activities of a commercial or professional nature.

Temporary Employment. If you wish to work in the United States for a temporary period, you will require a nonimmigrant work visa.  You cannot work on a visitor or business visa, or under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Study and Exchange. In general, those wishing to study in the United States require student (F-1 or M-1) visas depending on whether the study is academic or vocational.