US Visa: Definition, Requirements, and Visa Policies

The U.S. Visa is a stamp on your travel document that shows you are eligible to enter the United States. The US Visa is used by foreign nationals for employment, educational, business, and immigration purposes. The United States Visa Policy sets the requirements needed to be granted a U.S. Visa. The requirements for a US Visa depend on the visa type you are applying for. The two main US Visa categories are nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. Nonimmigrant visas are for temporary visits to the U.S. for education, employment, pleasure, and diplomacy. Immigrant visas allow for permanent residence in the United States.

Applying for a U.S. Visa is through self-petitioning, family, or employer sponsorship. The processing for a USA Visa depends on the type of visa, the time of your application, and your country of origin.

What is a U.S. Visa?

A U.S. Visa is a stamp placed on the passport of a foreign citizen entering the United States. A U.S. Visa indicates that a foreign national is eligible to enter the U.S. legally. A US Visa is applied for by foreign citizens for purposes such as temporary visits, employment, education, diplomatic visits, and immigration to the US. 

The United States is a top destination for foreign nationals because of its wider employment and educational opportunities. Foreign citizens with immigrant relatives in the U.S. seek visas to enter the US to reunite with them. Nationals of troubled countries relocate to the US for better living conditions.

What Does a US Visa Look Like?

The U.S. Visa stamp gives the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer of a US port of entry the information needed for your admittance to the United States. You should make sure that all information on your US Visa is correct to prevent problems in entering the US. The USA Visa is composed of 8 parts.

1. Issuing Post. The issuing post is the U.S. embassy or consulate that approved your U.S. Visa.
2. Name. Your first and last name should match the printed name on the biometric page of your passport.
3. Passport Number. The passport number in the USA Visa should match the one in your valid passport. 
4. Entries. This field shows the number of entries allowed for your US visa type. “M” indicates multiple entries to the US without limit. 
5. Annotation. Annotation is the additional information about your U.S. Visa. An example is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and the name of the academic institution for a student visa.
6. Type/Class. This code indicates the visa classification that matches your purpose of travel to the US.
7. Birth Date. Your date of birth on the US Visa should match the birth date on your passport.
8. Expiration Date. The expiration date is the last day that you are allowed US entry. This date does not necessarily indicate your length of stay in the US.

What are the Advantages of a U.S. Visa?

A U.S. Visa is a powerful document that lets you enjoy multiple benefits within the US and other countries. US Visas allow international students to gain an education from the top academic institutions in the world. Foreign workers get better employment opportunities and pay with US working visas. Visitors get to conduct business, travel, and seek medical treatment with the U.S. Visa. Foreign citizens looking to relocate permanently to the U.S. are allowed to do so with the right US Visa category. Having a US Visa allows visa-free travel to other countries including Canada, Egypt, South Korea, The United Kingdom, and Qatar.

What are the Disadvantages of a U.S. Visa?

The United States has a very strict policy in screening and approving U.S. Visas. A US Visa application is approved or denied based on the standards of U.S. law. Denial of US Visas is due to insufficient information and inadmissibility due to criminal activities for example. Certain US Visas have an annual limit on issued visas because of the number of applications. US employment-based immigrant visas for example are only allotted 140,000 per fiscal year according to the U.S. Department of State (DOS). 

What is the Visa Policy of the United States?

The Visa Policy of the United States is composed of the requirements for foreign citizens to travel, enter, and stay in the United States. Foreign citizens need to secure a U.S. Visa prior to entering the U.S. legally except for countries that are visa-exempt or under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows nationals from 40 countries to temporarily enter the US without a visa for 90 days. Citizens eligible for the VWP must secure an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to their US arrival. Countries that are eligible for the VWP include the United Kingdom, Singapore, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Australia. Visa exemption is applicable to citizens from Canada, Palau, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Bermuda.

The U.S. Congress enacted immigration laws that govern the entry and exit of all travelers across U.S. borders. The Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) in Title 8 of the United States Code is the foundation for U.S. immigration law and its amendments.

What are the Types of Visas Offered by the United States?

There are about 185 U.S. Visa types. The two main types of US Visas are nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. Nonimmigrant visas are for foreign citizens seeking temporary entry into the U.S. for tourism, education, employment, business, official visits, and medical treatment. Immigrant visas are for foreign citizens who want to permanently relocate to the United States. 

1. Immigrant Visas

Immigrant visas grant Permanent Residence (green card) to non-US citizens. You are not required to return to your home country with an immigrant US visa. You can work, live, and travel anywhere as a permanent resident of the US. Permanent residence (green card) allows you to apply for federal student loans and receive social security. Gaining an immigrant visa lets you sponsor your immediate family members for a green card. Staying in the U.S. for at least 5 years as a green card holder enables you to apply for U.S. citizenship. You can travel out of the U.S. provided you have a Re-entry Permit. Engaging in criminal activity revokes Immigrant Visas and permanent residence status in the US.

Here are the immigrant visa types in the US.

• Immediate Relative and Family-Sponsored Immigrant Visas. For foreign citizens joining their family or relatives in the U.S. permanently.
  • IR-1 (Immediate Relative), CR-1(Conditional Resident) Visas. For foreign citizens married to U.S. citizens.
  • IR-2 Visa. For the unmarried children under 21 of IR-1 Visa Holders.
  • CR-2 Visa. For unmarried children under 21 of CR-1 Visa holders.
  • K-1 Visa. For foreign citizens engaged to be married to a U.S. citizen.
  • K-2 Visa. For unmarried children under 21 of K-1 Visa holders.
  • K-3 Visa. For the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen.
  • K-4 Visa. For the unmarried children under 21 of K-4 Visa holders.
  • IR-3, IH-3, IR-4, IH-4 Visas. For foreign children adopted by U.S. citizens.
  • IR-5 Visa. For the parents of a US citizen older than 21.
  • F-3 Visa. For the married sons and daughters of US citizens and their minor children and spouses.
  • F-4 Visa. For the sibling of US citizens, their minor children, and spouses.
  • F-2A Visa. For the spouses or minor children of US permanent residents.
  • F-2B Visa. For the unmarried children over 21 of U.S. permanent residents.
• Employer-Sponsored Immigrant Visas. For foreign workers that are employed permanently in the United States.
  • EB-1 Visa. For outstanding professors and researchers, persons with extraordinary abilities, and multinational managers and executives.
  • EB-2 Visa. For persons with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in arts, sciences, or business.
  • EB-3 Visa. For skilled workers, professional workers with higher degrees, and unskilled workers.
  • EB-4 Visa. For foreign religious workers, broadcasters, employees of the US government, Iraqi or Afghan interpreters, certain foreign medical graduates, and certain family members of international organization employees.
  • EB-5 Visa. For foreign citizens investing a minimum capital in a US business that creates at least 10 jobs for U.S. citizens.

2. Nonimmigrant Visas

Nonimmigrant visas are granted to foreign citizens who will stay in the U.S. for a short period or temporarily. The types of US nonimmigrant visas are specific to the purpose of the travel to the US. Nonimmigrant Visas in the US are further classified into Temporary Work Visas, Student Visas, Visitor Visas, Exchange Visitor Visas, and Diplomatic and Official Visas.

3. Temporary Work Visas

Temporary work visas are for foreign workers employed in the U.S. for a specified period. The employment period is temporary and requires the foreign worker to leave the U.S. once this period has terminated. Temporary US work visas enable foreign workers to gain competitive experience working in the US. Dependent visas are available to allow foreign workers to come to the US with their immediate families. A temporary work visa needs sponsorship from an employer prior to application. Most circumstances restrict you to working only for the employer who petitioned your temporary work visa. 

These are the types of Temporary Work Visas.

• H-1B Visa. For foreign citizens in specialty occupations.
• H-1B1 Visa. For foreign workers from Chile and Singapore.
• H-2A Visa. For temporary agricultural workers.
• H-2B Visa. For temporary seasonal non-agricultural workers.
• H-3 Visa. For trainees or special education visitors.
• L-1 Visa. For multinational managers, executives, and specialized workers transferring to the US.
• O-1 Visa. For persons with extraordinary abilities in science, education, or arts.
• O-2 Visa. For assistants of O-1 Visa holders.
• O-3 Visa. For dependents of O-1 and O-2 Visa holders.
• P Visas. For foreign sports persons and their coaching teams
• R-1 Visa. For temporary religious workers. 
• TN Visas. For Mexican and Canadian workers.
• E-1 Visa. For citizens of U.S. treaty countries engaged in international trade.
• E-2 Visa. For citizens of U.S. treaty countries engaged in investment in the US.
• E-3 Visas. For Australians working in specialty occupations.
• I Visa. For foreign citizens working in the media, press, film, radio, or print industries. 

4. Student Visas

Student visas are for international students seeking to obtain education in renowned academic and non-academic institutions in the US. International students are able to bring their dependents to the US for the duration of their studies. Student visas allow foreign students to travel within the US borders. Employment is allowed with certain restrictions. Student visa holders have to return to their home country upon completion of their degrees. 

These are the types of Student Visas in the US.

• F-1 Visa. For foreign students (elementary to graduate degrees) attending academic institutions in the US. 
• F-2 Visa. For dependents of F-1 Visa holders.
• M-1 Visa. For international students taking vocational studies in the US.

5. Visitor Visas

Visitor visas are granted to foreign citizens entering the United States for a maximum of 6 months. Visitor visa holders can engage in tourism or business purposes in the US. You cannot study or work with a US visitor visa. 

These are the types of US Visitor Visas.

• B-1 Visa. For foreign citizens engaging in business within the US.
• B-2 Visa. For foreign citizens entering the US for tourism, pleasure, or family visits. 

6. Exchange Visitor Visas

Exchange visitor visas are for foreign persons participating in exchange programs or practical training and employment in the US. Exchange visitor visa holders are able to gain valuable knowledge, skills, and cultural insights during their time in the US. Exchange visitors cannot engage in activities other than their intended purpose in the US.

These are the Exchange Visitor Visas in the US.

• J-1 Visa. For foreign citizens in exchange programs administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
• Q-1 Visa. For foreign citizens in exchange programs administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

7. Diplomatic and Official Visas

Diplomatic and official visas are for foreign citizens traveling to the U.S. for official duties or activities on behalf of their national government. Diplomats and foreign government officials are allowed to bring their dependents with them to the US. Not all diplomatic and official visas cannot be renewed while in the US. 

These are the U.S. Diplomatic and Official Visas.

• A-1 Visa. For foreign diplomats and officials representing their governments on official duties in the US.
• A-2 Visa. For dependents of A-1 Visa holders.
• G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4 Visas. For international organization officials and employees and their dependents.
• NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, NATO-6 Visas. For NATO officials/employees and their dependents.

Is Getting US Visa Difficult?

Yes, the application for a U.S. Visa is complex and requires meticulous preparation. The recent changes in the U.S. legislation that controls the U.S. visa policy and processing have increased the time it takes to get a U.S. Visa. Your US Visa application will either be approved or denied. Inability to establish your eligibility for the US Visa you are applying for results in a visa denial. There are cases where a denied visa needs additional administrative processing. The U.S. DOS recommends applying early for your USA Visa to lessen delays in your processing.

What are the Requirements for Visa Applications?

Ensuring that you have all the required documents for your USA Visa application helps avoid delays and visa denials. The type of visa you are applying for will have specific requirements that you need to meet. These are the general documents needed as Visa Requirements to Enter US.

• DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application OR DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application 
• Valid passport
• U.S. Visa photo
• Receipts of payments for visa application
• Previous USA Visas
• Invitation letter
• Travel itinerary
• Sponsorship documents
• Property documents
• Financial documents
• Employment/professional documents 
• Family documents
• Letter from a physician
• Social media details

How Long Does it Take to Process a Visa Application?

The processing time for a U.S. Visa application takes between 1 week to 3 months on average. The actual length of the application depends on the US Visa category, the time of your application, and additional factors such as administrative processing or security check.  Here are the actual processing times for select Types of US Visas.

• B-1/B-2 Visa- 1 to 3 months
• F-1 Visa- 5 to 6 weeks
• E-2 Visa- 2 weeks to 4 months
• O-1 Visa- 2 to 3 months
• J-1 Visa- 2 to 3 months

The status of US Visa applications varies per country. The U.S. Embassy in London and the U.S. Consulate in Belfast have resumed routine visa services. Appointments are limited and there is a backlog of applications from UK citizens. The US Embassy and consulates in Canada have resumed US citizen services and most nonimmigrant visa services. Visa services vary per city for Canadians. The U.S. Embassy Manila resumed all routine visa services. Interview wait times are longer than before the pandemic except for immediate relatives. Applicants from the Philippines with urgent travel needs are prioritized for nonimmigrant US visas. The U.S. Consulate in Mumbai reopened all immigrant visa services. Routine nonimmigrant services for India are limited at the U.S. Embassy New Delhi and the consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai. 

Applicants from Australia take as little as 3 days to more than 6 months for a U.S. Visa application. Citizens from Qatar, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi expect an average of 4-6 weeks of processing for their US Visa application.

What are the Differences Between Nonimmigrant Visa and an Immigrant Visa?

The two main U.S. Visa categories are nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. Nonimmigrant visas are used for temporary visits to the United States. Immigrant visas are used for permanent relocation to the United States. Nonimmigrant visas allow foreign citizens to explore the U.S., conduct business and official visits, and gain educational and employment experience in the US. Nonimmigrant visa holders have to return to their home country once their visas expire. Immigrant visas allow for permanent residence in the US together with their dependents. Immigrant visa or green card holders have to obtain a Re-entry permit when traveling outside the US. Green card holders must not engage in any criminal act to maintain their immigrant status. 

Here are the key differences between Nonimmigrant and Immigrant Visas in the US.

• Purpose. Nonimmigrant visas are for short-term and temporary stays in the US for education, work, diplomatic and official visits, tourism, and business. Immigrant visas are for permanent residence in the US.
• Validity. Nonimmigrant visas are only valid for the duration of their intended purpose in entering the US. Immigrant visas allow you to stay indefinitely in the US.
• Restrictions. Nonimmigrant visas are limited to the permitted scope of activities specified in their visa class. Immigrant visa holders can travel, work, and study in the US without restrictions. 

What Percentage of US Visas are Approved?

Over 707,000 immigrants received green cards in FY 2020 according to the Migration Policy Institute. This number represents a 31% decline from the number of immigrant visas issued in FY 2019 and a 40% decline from the immigrant visas issued in FY 2016. The decline is caused by granting fewer visas to foreign citizens applying outside the U.S. and the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. New green cards issued in FY 2020 were only 38% of the total green cards issued versus FY 2019 where new green cards constituted 41% of the total green cards issued. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens consisted 45% of the total green cards issued in FY 2020. 

Nonimmigrant visas saw a 30% decline from the total visas issued from FY 2020 to FY 2021. The delays from the pandemic and the travel ban issued by Trump administration caused this decline in nonimmigrant visas. Visitor visas were 48% of the total nonimmigrant visas issued in FY 2021, followed by student and exchange visitor visas at 19%, and temporary work visas at 17%.

What are the Countries I Can Travel to with US Visa?

You can visit 49 countries and territories visa-free with a U.S. Visa. These countries allow for visa-free travel with a U.S. visa because of the country’s strict screening and requirements. Having a US Visa means you were able to prove strong ties to your country of origin and have no record of illegal immigration. 

These are some of the countries you can travel to visa-free with your USA Visa.

• North America
  • Canada
  • Mexico 
  • United States of America
• Central America
  • Costa Rica
  • El Salvador
  • Guatemala
• Caribbean
  • Cuba
  • Dominican Republic
  • Jamaica
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Colombia
  • Chile
• Europe
  • The United Kingdom
  • Turkey
  • Georgia
• Middle East
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Oman
• Africa
  • Egypt
  • Morocco
• Asia
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Malaysia

Does Having a US Visa Guarantee an Entry Into the United States?

No, a US Visa does not mean you will automatically be allowed entry into the United States. You need to go through immigration and customs who will check your documents and background before allowing you to enter the US. Persons deemed to be a threat to the security and safety of U.S. residents and visitors will not be allowed to enter the US.

Is it Possible to Get a Visa if You Lack Sufficient Funds?

No, you need to have financial evidence that you will not be a financial burden to the U.S. during your visit. US Visa applications require you to present financial proof that you can afford to support yourself during your stay in the US.