USA Work Visa Application Process »

What is a Travel Visa?

USA Work Visa Application Process: If you’re among the many people who want to travel to the USA, have it in mind that you would need a visa.

Your reasons for travelling might differ from just visits for tourism or business, working, studying, or permanently moving there.

America is a great country that attracts many people who have various goals and want to make their dream a reality. “the American dream”.

However, one major barriers of travelling to the US is getting a visa. To apply for a US visa you will follow a straightforward application procedure and steps.

USA Work Visa Application Process -Steps to Apply

Visit a US Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence following these simple steps to apply for a US Visa:

Visit US embassy in home country.
Check if you need or qualified for a visa
Make your choice of US visa
Fill in the Non-immigrant visa Application Form DS-160.
Make your your Visa application payments.
Schedule visa interview date.
Put your document/file together.
Go for the visa interview.
Wait for processing.

1. Check if you need a visa

If you are among the citizens of 40 US visa waiver countries, then you do not need to apply for a non-immigrant visa to visit the United States.

2. Choose the visa type

USA Work Visa Application Process: The second step of the US visa application is to make your choice of US visa. Since there are many types of USA visas, there’s need to pay extra attention so that you will not choose the wrong Visa to apply for .

3. Fill in the Non-immigrant visa Application Form DS-160

USA Work Visa Application Process: DS-160 form, is A US Visa Application form that you must fill if you are applying for a US nonimmigrant visa. The form can be found online on the website of the US consulate from which you are applying.

You can fill the DS-160 form online in two ways:

by yourself through the Consular Electronic Application Center, or
with the assistance of a third-party company, such as VisaExpress.

USA Work Visa Application Process: How to fill in the form DS-160?

USA Work Visa Application Process: The DS-160 visa application form is made up of two parts. On the first part, you are expected to provide answer to questions about your personal information such as:

Full name
Marital Status
Nationality
Date & Place of Birth
Address
Country
Mobile number
Email
Passport number
Passport book number
Family information
Education
Work, etc.

The second part of the application form is made of questions relating to security and background checks such as:

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime before now?
Have you ever engaged in a conspiracy to violate, any law relating to controlled substances.
If you have ever been involved in money laundering.
If you ever ordered, incited, committed, assisted, or otherwise participated in genocide, etc.

4. USA Work Visa Application Process: Visa application fee payments

USA Work Visa Application Process: The next step of the US visa application is paying the US visa application fees.

The Machine Readable Visa Fee for visa applicants depends only on the type of visa you applied for. The application fee is scheduled as follows:

MRV Fee – $160
Petition Based Applicants (H, L, O, P, Q, R) – $190
E-1, E-2 & E-3 visa applicants – $205

Before you make your payments, have it in mind that the visa application fee is non-refundable. In the event that you decide to cancel your appointment or if your visa application is rejected for any reason, your money will not be refunded.

In addition to US visa application fees, you may be required to pay for US visa issuance fees.

The amount you will pay as your Visa issuance fees depends on the relationship that the US has with your home country. This means that some visa applicants will have to pay for Visa issuance fees and some will not. Their amount varies from country to country.

For you to move to the next stage of your visa application, you must pay all the required fees and collect the receipts for proof.

5. USA Work Visa Application Process: Visa interview

USA Work Visa Application Process: Every US nonimmigrant visa applicants between the age of 14 and 79 years old are expected to go for a US visa interview.

To be part of this compulsory interview, you must schedule an appointment with the US consulate or embassy from which you are applying.

You should schedule your appointment as early as possible before the immigration staff can sometimes have a high workload which may increase the wait time to days or even weeks.

So you must make sure to schedule your interview as early as possible. However, in the other hand, if you fulfill certain conditions, you may be able to get an emergency US visa appointment.

Note:

Immediately you submit your Form DS-160 application, you should make an appointment for your interview. An interview confirmation letter will be issued to you. Your are expected to bring your interview appointment letter on the day of the interview.

6. Compile the document file

USA Work Visa Application Process

In addition to your application form or Form DS-160 Visa application. You’re also expected to provide or submit all the necessary documents required for your US visa application. This will prove to the US embassy that you meet the requirement for the nonimmigrant visa you applied.

7. Attend the visa interview

The interview date is the final step in the US visa application process. You must come on time at the interview venue with every supporting documents.

The immigration officials that will interview you will ask you questions about your background and other relevant details questions based on the information you provided on visa application form.

Note:

If you are going to the US to work, then the interview might be longer than expected compared to when you’re going only for a visit.

8. Wait for processing

After the visa interview, you wait for for sometime for your application to be processed.

Visa Processing times depend on the type of US visa you applied for. But the processing time can be between a few days to a few months.

After your visa has been processed, you will be informed whether your Visa was approved or denied.

Your travel arrangements should begin only after your visa is approved and not run the risk of making expenses in case it is denied.

You can increase your chances of having a successful U.S.

For Visitor Visa application you can use the services of VisaExpress.

Do Visitors to the United States Have to Purchase Health Insurance?

USA Work Visa Application Process: It is not compulsory for Visitors to the United to purchase health insurance. However, due to the high costs of the medical care in the US, we strongly recommend to have some health insurance coverage before you visit.

This is because, the treatment of a broken leg/ fracture or broken arm can cost you up to $2,500, while spending a night at a US hospital may cost over $10,000, on average.

Applying for a US Visa From Different Countries

Applicants from the UK

USA Work Visa Application Process

USA Work Visa Application Process: If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, you can travel to the US without a visa. However, this does not hold for all UK residents. To apply for a visa for USA from UK, there are some specific procedures that you must take.

Applicants from Canada

Although Canadians do not need a visa nor an ESTA to travel to the US, Canadian residents who are not citizens of one of the 38 Visa Waiver Countries, should apply for a US visa from Canada to visit the US.

Applicants from Australia

Australian residents who are not citizens of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program, should apply for a visa for USA from Australia.

Applicants from UAE

UAE is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, therefore, its citizens need to apply for a US visa. To learn how to apply for a US visa from UAE visit the following articles:

Applicants from Qatar

As Qatar is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, Qatari citizens, as well as residents, might have to apply for a US visa.

Applicants from the Philippines

To be able to travel to the US, Philipines citizens and residents need to obtain a US visa.

Applicants from India

India is not part of the Visa Waiver Program therefore Indian citizens need to get a visa for USA.

Application from Nigeria

USA Work Visa Application Process: Nigeria is not part of the waiver countries. Therefore, all Nigerian citizens who want to travel to the US must get a US Visa.

US Visa application process in Nigeria

The visitor visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure, tourism or medical treatment (B-2).

Activities permitted with a US Visitor’s Visa

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:

Business (B-1) United States Visa:

Consult with business associates.
Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference.
Settle an estate.
Negotiate a contract.

Tourism and Visit to the US (B-2 Visa):

Tourism
Vacation (holiday)
Visit with friends, relatives or close associates
Medical treatment
Participation in social events hosted by NGOs, fraternal, social, or service organizations
participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
Participate in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation).

Medical Treatment US Visa

This Visa is for you if you are seeking medical treatment in the U.S.

The consular/embassy officials may ask for further documents during your visa interview, these documents may include:

Documents required for a US medical Visa

1. Medical diagnosis:

This should come from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need treatment in the U.S.

2.Letter from a physician or medical facility in the U.S.

This letter should state the US physicians in the United states accepted that they are willing to treat your specific ailment.

The letter should also explain in detail the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).

Related article: USA Visa Lottery – How to Apply

3. Proof of medical bills and other expenses can or has been paid

You should provide evidence that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the U.S. will be paid.

This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns (either yours or the person or organization paying for your treatment).

How to Apply for a US Visit Visa

There are several steps to apply for a US visa in Nigeria. The order of these steps and how you complete them is outlined below.

Fill the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160.

How to Schedule a US Visa Interview

Schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in Nigeria.
Wait for the Visa process to he processed. Waiting time for interview appointments can vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.
Fees – You must pay the required US Visa fee before your interview.

The Interview Tip: If you have an interview in the US embassy in Nigeria, you have to be very well prepared. This is because your performance at the interview determines whether you get a US visa or not.

Documents Required for a US Visit Visa

USA Work Visa Application Process: Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

Passport valid for travel to the U.S. – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U. S.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview
Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160.
If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified

USA Visa Additional documents

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.

Different type US visa common in Nigeria.

B Visa [B1 /B2] – This is the visa category for Tourist, Medical and Business visitor
F1 Visa – Student visa
Spouse of U.S. Citizen Visa CR1/CR2
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa
L-1 Intra- Company Transfer Visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Worker
H-1B Specialty Work Visa
H-2B Temporary Work Visa
E-1/E-2 Investor Visa

Documents required for US work Visa

Valid original passport (valid at least six months before your intended arrival date in USA).
Old Passports.
One photograph with the correct specification. Both digital and hard copy of the photograph should be taken along.
DS160 US Visa application confirmation page which was stamped at the Visa Application Center (VAC).
The receipt that shows proof of payment.
US Interview appointment letter.

Other documents for US Visitor Visa

Interview officer will check that you meet all the eligibility criteria for the US visitor visa and also check that you have a tangible reason for wanting to visit the USA.
The officer will also check that you have evidence or proof that you are financially capable to support yourself throughout your stay in the USA.
You will also make sure to present proof to the interviewing officer that you have ties that will compel you back to your home country after your authorized stay in the USA.
You should provide proof that shows your reason for wanting to visit the USA, intention to depart the United States after your stay, and arrangements that you have made to support the cost of your trip.

Due to the variety in the Visa application process, we cannot be specific about the exact documents they are required to bring. Below is a list of some likely documents for some cases.

Supporting visitor visa documents for tourism, pleasure, and exploring the United States

Travel plan with dates which is also called itinerary.
Proof of financial capability which could be in form of bank statement, copy of passbook, any other proof of cash.
Tax ID, PAN ID, copy of last year’s tax documents.
Business card.

Supporting documents for visiting children, family, attending family event, etc.

Letter of invitation from relatives inviting you.
Evidence of the event you are attending, invitation card, or any other evidence.

Supporting Documents for B2 visa for B1 holders spouse or children requesting dependent b2 visa to accompany while B1 person visit USA.

The following document can help during the visa interview if you are applying for B2 visa to accompany B1 visa primary person.

Copy of B1 visa holder’s passport and Visa. (If B1 holder already has his/her visa)
Letter of invitation from B1 holder which will also include if the B1 holder would be taking care of the entire expenses.
Indicate in the letter of invitation if the Company/organization who is inviting the B1 person will be taking care of the expenses of the trip for Spouse and children of B1 holder.
Letter to consulate from B1 visa holder requesting visa for spouse /children.
Letter from a company of B1 visa holder to the consulate requesting the visa for the B1 visa holders’ family.

Other suggested documents for visitor visa

Letter of employment verification if employed.
If you are a government employee, you must get a National Occupational Classification NOC.
If you are self-employed, you must get proof that you own a business and your financial proof.

The list of documents mentioned above are not mandatory, because every document an applicant requires depend on his/her case and some of these documents may not be applicable to that applicant. In addition, there may be more documents required by the consular to support your case.

How to Get Medical Treatment in the US

USA Work Visa Application Process: To be eligible to enter the USA for medical treatment, applicants must satisfy the same requirements as applicants for tourist visas, which include social and economic ties to their home country. They must satisfy additional requirements.

To assist a relative in the United States with a medical procedure such as a kidney donation, you must submit medical documentation from both the home country and the USA that you have been tested and certified as a suitable donor.

Applicants intending to seek medical treatment in the United States must present evidence from the suggested list below to show that they are eligible for a visa. Such evidence does not guarantee the issuance of a visa if the applicant is found to be otherwise ineligible.

Documents

It must be proven that the treatment you intend to get in the US is unavailable in the home country, and is a kind of condition hoped to be cured by medical facilities available in the US.A U.S. Embassy Panel Physician must determine whether the treatment is available in the home country or has to be done in the United States.
A physician in your home country should write a letter stating the diagnosis of your condition and the necessary treatments.
A statement from the U.S. doctor or institution that shows they are accepting the patient for the intended medical treatment, an estimate of the total time and total cost of your treatment, and outpatient care if the applicant will not be able to return immediately to the home country. A letter from this facility may be sent to your doctor or to you.
Proof that you have been accepted for treatment at a licensed medical facility in the USA and you have an appointment.
Documentation of how all the costs will be met. You must show that there is available and sufficient funds to pay for medical and living expenses during the period of treatment and convalescence in the United States.Such proof includes:
- An original bank statement detailing all deposits, withdrawals, and transfers of funds for the past one year.
- Visitor medical insurance will not be granted for paying for this purpose. None of the visitor insurance plans will cover for this (both the ones bought in home country and those bought in the USA). Insurance is for future protection and it is not free money to pay all your medical bills.
- A Form I-134 Affidavit of Support should be provided if the funds will be provided by a close relative in the USA, it must be provided with proof of income and assets claimed. Proof should include income tax records and bank statements showing transactions for the past one year. Affidavits from persons that are not close relatives are not accepted.

Step-by-step process of entering USA

USA Work Visa Application Process:

STEP 1	Arrive at the US airport As soon as you get to the US airport, join the other passengers going to “Immigration” and stand on the queue.

STEP 2	Stand in line for US immigration For individuals visiting USA on a temporary visa, they are required to stand in the non-US citizen line. Your passport and US customs form should be brought out ready for inspection. (Starting from May 2013, the arrival departure form I-94 is now automated and no paper required to be filled.)

STEP 3	US immigration check Some documents will be checked by the immigration officer like your passport, US visa, and customs form, and the officer may ask you questions related to the type of visa you have. Questions related to the purpose of your trip might be asked, who is your employer, what work do you do, how long do you plan to stay, etc. You are expected to answer questions confidently. The immigration officer will then take your fingerprints and a digital picture, stamp the passport with the date of arrival, end date of stay & the visa class, create an electronic I-94, and your passport and customs form will be returned to you, and let you in. The date stamped on your passport shows the duration of your authorized stay in this country and not the date on the visa. You should immediately indicate if there are any mistakes made in the date given by the officer, so the officer can correct it. If you notice the error later, contact your local CBP (Customs & Border Protection) office or call 1-877-CBP-5511 Monday-Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm EST.

STEP 4	Fingerprinting and digital photograph The immigration officer then takes your fingerprints and a digital picture, stamp your passport with the date of arrival, last date of stay, the visa class and return your passport along with Customs form to you, and let you in.

STEP 5	Baggage claim Locate where the baggage claim area for your flight is, pick up a trolley from nearby to carry the baggage.

STEP 6	US Customs You are to go through the customs with your luggage. An officer will take your customs form and may ask a few questions about your luggage. Some items like fruits, vegetables, plants, and dangerous items are not allowed to be carried in.

STEP 7	Exit the airport After all the above, you can the airport. If you are going to be picked by someone, look for the person. You have arrived at your destination, and you are now in USA!