US VISA REQUIREMENTS

  • Chattogram, Bangladesh, 16th February 2024, Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of the traveler’s arrival in the United States. If it is expired, renew it before applying for the ESTA.

  • E-mail address: Applicants must provide a valid e-mail address in order for the authorities to contact them about their application. The ESTA approval for the journey to the United States will arrive through email within 72 hours. While traveling, it is recommended that you print a copy of the document.

  • Visa payment: Visa fees can be paid using a debit or credit card.

EXTEND US VISA ONLINE

A tourist visa allows you to stay in the United States for a maximum of six months. You must request an extension if you want to stay longer. If your visa to the United States has expired, you may apply for a renewal. If you continue to meet the requirements, you will receive the same type of US visa. You must have a valid reason for extending your stay, such as taking a vacation, visiting family or friends, or attending a business or conference.

Applying for US Visa Renewal

The process of renewing a US visa is almost identical to the application process. You must do the following:

  • Obtain and complete Form I-539, which is the Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status. This form is used for various types of non-immigrant visas, including tourist visas (B-2) and business visas (B-1).

  • Gather the necessary supporting documents, such as a valid passport, current visa, proof of financial support, and any additional documents required based on your specific visa category.

  • Submit the completed Form I-539 and supporting documents to the USCIS. The filing can typically be done by mail.

  • Pay the US Visa Renewal Fee.

  • In some cases, USCIS may require you to appear for a biometrics appointment to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.

  • Schedule an interview appointment at the US Embassy/Consulate.

  • Enter the visa renewal interview.

You must visit the US embassy and meet with a visa officer after submitting your visa renewal application. They will inquire about your travel, the purpose of your visa application, and other personal details such as your salary and relationships. They will ask you any question that will assist them in making a judgment. The time it takes to process a US visa varies depending on the type of visa you apply for. It could take from a few days to several months.

US VISA FOR SWISS CITIZENS

Swiss citizens can apply for an ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, through the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA was established in 2009 to process data from tourists who entered the United States through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The information is used to assess whether a visitor poses a security or immigration risk to the United States. Swiss citizens with a valid ESTA may visit the United States for up to 90 days for tourism, business, transit, medical, or short-term study purposes. If you plan to stay in the United States for more than 90 days, you must apply for a B1 business or B2 tourist visa. With an ESTA, Swiss citizens can visit the United States multiple times. An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires. If your ESTA expires, you will need to apply for a new permit. Swiss citizens wishing to apply for ESTA must meet the required ESTA requirements. Since the US ESTA is linked directly to the passport, Swiss travelers do not need any additional documents to apply. The US ESTA application form is 100% online.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED?

  • A valid travel document or passport in order to apply for ESTA US Visa.

  • Clear digital photos taken as recently as possible.

  • A valid email address, to receive the ESTA US Visa in their inbox.

  • A valid credit or debit card or PayPal account to pay for the ESTA US Visa.

  • A complete scan of the information page on the passport will need to be uploaded.

  • Certificate of Health.

US VISA APPLICATION FORM ISSUES

When applying for a non-immigrant (temporary) visa to the United States, such as a visitor visa, fill out State Department Form DS-160 online. Then you will print it. But what if you look down at the paper and discover that you’ve misspelled your own name or reversed your birthdate? There does not appear to be an option to redo the form. Many people who want to travel abroad during the holidays may be unable to do so due to visa refusals, which are frequently the result of errors in the visa application.

Compare the information on the form to official documents

Applicants must complete a visa application form in the format specified by their travel documents, including all requested information. Giving false information on the visa application form, such as a name, passport number, or date of birth that differs from what is in the passport, is a common error. While this may appear to be a straightforward procedure, the majority of people write material that contradicts their official identification or identity verification. Any other way of writing the person’s first and last names in official documents will result in your visa being issued with incorrect information.

Examine the country-specific checklist.

A checklist can help you create a flawless application. One of the most common errors applicants make is failing to refer to the visa application checklist or a standardised checklist and, as a result, failing to attach required documents during submission. It is critical to understand that each country has different documentation requirements. The VFS Global website contains a customized list of all the documents required for a visa application to that specific country. If a single document is missing, an application may be disqualified. As a result, before applying for a visa, double-check the required information against the country-specific checklist.

Attest your bank statements

Applicants in some countries are required to provide certified bank statements. While most passengers are aware that giving bank statements is a standard procedure, failing to have these bank statements checked is a common error. Verified bank statements and good credit hygiene are required to confirm your financial capacity for the trip.

Ensure that the sponsor information is correct

The sponsor details, where applicable, help officials understand the applicant’s support structure in the country of travel, making these details critical to the visa decision. As a result, we must provide accurate information in the sponsor section of the Visa Application Form and relevant sponsorship documentation in accordance with the criteria of the destination country. While they may appear to be minor errors, they could result in a person’s visa being revoked. Include all requested information on the respective forms, as well as any required documents, to ensure a smooth and trouble-free visa application procedure. What is most important, however, is to begin the visa application procedure well in advance of the anticipated date of travel in order to leave enough time for the visa process.

US VISA FOR CHILDREN

If you want to visit the United States, you must apply for a visa. Depending on the purpose of your trip to the United States, you can obtain a variety of travel authorizations. Children and minors under the age of 14 must apply for visas in the same way as adults. Even if the laws and regulations governing the application process for children’s visas are not as stringent or demanding as those for adult visas, there are specific requirements you must meet in order to be granted the visa. All visitors to the United States require an ESTA. Children need a visa to enter the United States. This is true for children of any age. Parents can apply for ESTAs on behalf of their children, and the ESTA will be linked to the child’s passport. Children and minors under the age of 14 do not have to go through the same application procedures as adults. Interviews, for example, are not required for youngsters. As you may be aware, having a successful interview and answering the questions accurately and truthfully is an essential part of the visa application process; however, this is not the case for children. Parents and legal guardians may apply for their minor children under the age of 14.  When arranging an appointment, parents should list their children’s information as “Dependent.” When bringing your children to the United States, it is critical that you apply for an ESTA. In essence, you must apply for children’s ESTAs in the same way as you apply for your own. The US Visa for children is the same as for adults, and the identical US Visa Application Form is applicable for both. Anyone under the age of 18 who applies must have an adult assist them in answering the questionnaire’s questions. You can also file an ESTA group application with your complete family to expedite the procedure.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED?

  • A valid travel document or passport in order to apply for ESTA US Visa.

  • Clear digital photos taken as recently as possible.

  • A valid email address, to receive the ESTA US Visa in their inbox.

  • A valid credit or debit card or PayPal account to pay for the ESTA US Visa.

  • A complete scan of the information page on the passport will need to be uploaded.

  • Certificate of Health.

Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Funds Spectrum journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.