American Family and Friend Visit Visa Application Procedures

Introduction

The United States of America is known as the land of dreams and opportunities, and it’s no surprise that millions of people worldwide aspire to visit this country at some point in their lives. People plan their visit to the USA for various reasons such as tourism, business, education, or to visit their family and friends residing in the country. The United States of America has stringent visa procedures, and being approved for a visit visa takes time and effort.

A visit visa allows foreigners to enter the United States on a temporary basis. Citizens of some countries are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, which permits them to visit the USA for up to 90 days. However, apart from the citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, all foreign travelers must apply for a visitor visa to enter the United States.

This article aims to discuss the procedures and requirements for applying for an American family and friend visit visa and provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

American Family and Friend Visit Visa Application Procedures

A visit visa to the United States of America is a non-immigrant visa; hence the visa application process varies depending on the applicant’s nationality and the purpose of their entry. The American visa application process is generally categorized into the following steps:

1. Online Form: All foreigners must fill out the Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form online. While filling out the form, candidates must mention their personal details accurately and answer all questions honestly.

2. Pay visa application fee: Applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of US$160 online at least three days before the scheduled interview date.

3. Schedule visa appointment: Once the fees are paid, applicants must schedule an appointment at the nearest US embassy or consulate. It is best to schedule an interview appointment at least three months before the planned travel to assure timely processing of the application.

4. Attend the visa interview: On the day of the interview, candidates must arrive at the embassy or consulate for an in-person interview. The candidates must answer all questions honestly and politely. The interviewer evaluates the candidate’s ability to follow the visa regulations.

5. Waits for visa processing: After the interview, the candidates have to wait while the embassy processes the visa application. The processing time varies for each applicant. In rare cases, the embassy may ask for additional documents or information, prolonging the processing time.

American Family and Friend Visit Visa Requirements

Following are some of the essential requirements for American family and friend visit visa application:

1. Valid passport: The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the USA.

2. DS-160 confirmation page: The confirmation page of Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form filled online during the visa application process.

3. Application fee receipt: A receipt of the application fee paid for the visa application.

4. Invitation Letter and Affidavit of Support: Invitation Letter and Affidavit of Support from the family member or friend residing in the USA, stating the purpose of the visit, the relationship between the visitor and invitee, and the assurance of financial support.

5. Strong Ties to Home Country: The applicant must provide evidence of their strong ties to their home country, which may hinder their likelihood of overstaying in the USA.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for a family and friend visit visa if I do not have a US-based sponsor or host?

Yes, you can apply for a family and friend visit visa without a US-based sponsor. However, the embassy may require additional documentation to prove your financial stability and purpose of the trip.

2. Can I extend my visit visa if my stay is not complete after the visa validity?

No, you cannot extend your visit visa beyond the expiration date stated on the visa approval notice. The only exception being a medical emergency or humanitarian crisis. You will need to apply for another visa if you plan to come to the USA again.

3. Can I apply for a multiple entry visa for visiting family and friends in the United States?

Yes, you can apply for a multiple-entry visa for visiting family and friends in the USA. However, multiple-entry visas are subject to the embassy’s discretion, and not everyone is granted a multiple-entry visa.

4. What is the validity of the family and friend visit visa for the USA?

The validity of a family and friend visit visa for the USA varies. Generally, a single-entry visa allows a stay of up to 180 days, and a multiple-entry visa allows multiple entries within a ten-year validity period.

Conclusion

The American family and friend visit visa application process can be exhausting and time-consuming, but the US government has laid out a clear procedure and requirements to apply for a non-immigrant visa. It’s crucial to follow the guidelines and provide accurate information and supporting documents. Understanding the visa application process can help you to avoid mistakes while applying and increase the chances of obtaining American visit visa approval.