Guide on the Requirements for US Visa Application Based on Purpose
REQUIREMENTS FOR US VISA – Here is a full list of the documents needed in applying for a travel visa to the United States based on purpose of visit.
Are you planning to go on an international travel soon for a purpose? You might be interested in visiting the United States which is undeniably one of the countries that a lot of people aspire to visit. It has a huge name in tourism, business, employment, education, etc.
However, the United States is not one of those mentioned in the visa free countries list. Just like Japan which has visa requirements to obtain the document needed for entry, U.S. is also strict in visitor entries. It also requires a travel visa which the application varies depending on the purpose of the visit.
To apply for a travel visa for entry to the United States, you need to submit specific documents based on the purpose of your visit. The visa application will be done at the Embassy of the United States of America in your country.
Meanwhile, despite the efforts for a travel visa which may cost you money, time, and energy, the United States is truly worth a visit. When you get there, don’t forget to witness the Glacier National Park, the Lake Tahoe, and, of coure, the New York City.
As mentioned earlier, the requirements for US Visa application depends on the purpose for visiting the United States. Here are lists that you can turn to below for the specific documents that you must prepare and submit to the Embassy to apply for a travel visa:
Tourism
- 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 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
- with a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
- taken in front of a plain white or off-white background
- 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.
- taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
- 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)
- 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.
- If you normally wear a hearing device or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo
- Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo
- 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:
- Evidence of purpose of your trip
- Evidence of your intention to leave U.S. after your trip
- Evidence of your ability to pay all expenses of the trip
Business
- 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)
- 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.
Study
- 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 front of a plain white or off-white background
- taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
- 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 full-face view directly facing the camera
- with a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
- taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
- 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.
- Uniforms should not be worn in your photo, except religious clothing that is worn daily.
- 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)
- taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
- Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo
- If you normally wear a hearing device or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo
- 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
- For students who will enroll in a university or college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or another academic institution — Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status
- For students who will enroll in a vocational or other nonacademic insitution — Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status
- Application fee payment receipt (If it was asked for your to pay prior to the interview)
- Photo
- Addition US visa requirements upon request:
- Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
- Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school
- Evidence of how you will pay your education expenses and stay in U.S.
Truth be told that a visa application will require your money, time, and energy. Please be advised that the US Visa application fee is non-refundable and there is no 100% of visa approval. Thus, it is best not to book a flight yet until you get approved.
If you want an easier place to visit, you may also check on the visa free countries for Filipinos this 2023.
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