How to Determine the Right U.S. Visa

Citizens of most countries need a visa to enter the U.S. Before applying for a visa, determine what type of visa is best since there are many different types of visas available. Each type of visa is intended for a particular purpose and cannot be used for any other purpose.

Steps to Determine the Right U.S. Visa

1Decide whether to apply for an immigrant or non-immigrant visa:

Immigrant visas are for permanent stay in the U.S. Immigrant visa holders will receive a green card and can live and work in the U.S. permanently.
Non-immigrant visas are for temporary stay. Non-immigrant visas are issued for a specific period of time for a specific purpose. There are non-immigrant visas for tourism, business, study and work.

2Determine eligibility

There are different eligibility requirements for each visa type. In general, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

For an immigrant visa, the applicant must meet the requirements of a family-based immigrant visa or an employment-based immigrant visa.
For a nonimmigrant visa, the applicant must meet the eligibility requirements for one of the following visa types:

3File a visa application:

For an immigrant visa, the applicant must have a sponsor who will file an immigrant visa with USCIS. Once the petition is approved, the applicant should file Form DS-260 Online Immigrant Visa Application with the U.S. Department of State.
Form a non-immigrant visa, the applicant must file Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application with the U.S. Department of State.

4Schedule a visa interview.

After the visa application has been processed, the applicant will schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy.

5Attend a visa interview.

The applicant must bring the following to their visa interview:

Valid passport
Visa application receipt
Passport-style photograph
Other required documents (the applicant will be informed before the interview what additional documents he/she may have to bring)

6Receive a visa and travel to the U.S.

If the visa interview goes well, the applicant will be issued a visa by the interviewing consular officer. If applying for an immigrant visa, the applicant will be mailed a green card after entering the U.S.

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Before you continue, please understand that:

How to Determine the Right U.S. Visa

Steps to Determine the Right U.S. Visa

1Decide whether to apply for an immigrant or non-immigrant visa:

2Determine eligibility

3File a visa application:

4Schedule a visa interview.

5Attend a visa interview.

6Receive a visa and travel to the U.S.

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