Guide on US Visa Application Requirements for Business
US VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS – Below is a list of the documents needed in traveling to the United States for business purposes.
One of the most economically progressive countries across the globe is the United States, of America, more popularly called U.S.A. That is why a lot of businessmen from other countries want to do business in this nation.
However, with the United States not being on the list of visa free countries, it is quite a challenge to enter the foreign nation. Meanwhile, it is possible and the U.S. officials grants several types of visa that allow temporary stay in their country.
You can apply for a travel visa to do business in the United States provided that you comply with the US Visa application requirements and go through the process. There are quite strict considerations on these documents and you can check on them below.
The United States allow businessmen to enter the country for temporary business purposes. The following intentions are covered under the Visa Category B-1:
- consult with business associates
- settle an estate
- attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
- negotiate a contract
The first step in applying for a travel visa to the United States is to gather the documents that you must submit to the Embassy in your home country. Prepare the following US Visa application requirements:
- duly-accomplished Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160)
- provide the necessary details requested in the form
- print the confirmation page of the application form as you will need it for the interview
- photo based on the following requirements:
- in color
- taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
- taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
- sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image’s total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
- Uniforms should not be worn in your photo, except religious clothing that is worn daily.
- taken in front of a plain white or off-white background
- If you normally wear a hearing device or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo
- Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
- with a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
- Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo
- eyeglasses are no longer allowed in new visa photos, except in rare circumstances when eyeglasses cannot be removed for medical reasons:
- medical statement signed by a medical professional/health practitioner
- frame must not cover the eye(s)
- no glare on eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s)
- no shadows or refraction that obscures the eye(s)
The next step in applying for a travel visa to the United States is the interview. Not all visa applicants are required to undergo an interview. Applicants who are 0-13 years old and 80 years and above are exempted from the interview requirement.
For visa applicants who are aged 14 to 79, an interview is required. The following US visa application requirements must be prepared and submitted to the Embassy:
- Passport valid for travel to the United States
- valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Application fee payment receipt (If it was asked for your to pay prior to the interview)
- Photo
- Addition US visa requirements upon request:
- proof of purpose of your trip
- proof of your intention to leave U.S. after your trip
- proof of your ability to fund the expenses during the stay to U.S.
There is no exact number of days or weeks when the Embassy will release the result of your visa application. Thus, it is a wise move not to get a ticket prior to getting a visa. Truth be told that there is no guarantee of a visa grant unless the Embassy has already informed you about it.
Meanwhile, as long as you passed the requirements and went through the process right, there is a good chance of being allowed to do business in U.S. However, make sure to leave the country before the expiration of visa’s stay validity to avoid being banned from getting a visa in the future.
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