Visa Application Procedures at Total Immigration

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Visa Application Procedures

The United States government reserves the right to determine which citizens of foreign countries can and cannot enter the United States, and for what purposes. Many citizens of Canada and the 27 Visa Waiver Program countries can enter the United States without a visa if they present a valid, machine-readable passport that meets digital photograph and e-passport requirements.

However, for some citizens of those countries and for citizens of non-Waiver Program countries, a visa will typically be required to enter the United States. It is important to note that receipt of a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. A visa simply grants permission to travel to a U.S. port of entry, where the immigration inspector for the Department of Homeland Security will determine admissibility.

Official information about visa classifications and procedures is available at www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov.

To begin the visa application process, you will have to schedule an appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Appointment wait times vary from city to city, and in many areas are much longer than they once were. You’ll want to schedule your appointment well in advance of your planned travel. The U.S. Department of State publishes estimated visa wait times on its website. However, you should be aware that these are estimates and not guarantees, and that they do not take into account any special clearance or additional investigation that may be required.

Fees must be paid before your appointment, and are not refundable.

Submit your application, passport, and supporting documents. Generally, visa applicants must submit the appropriate applications, a valid passport, proof of payment of fees, and documentation of employment, reason for travel, and financial status. However, the consular officer who reviews the application, or officials in the United States who may review the application, may require additional information or documentation.

Visas are usually issued within a few weeks of the interview and submission of the application and documentation. However, there is no guarantee that a visa will be issued, and in some cases additional review is required. The procedures for additional review vary depending upon the circumstances, and may add several weeks to processing time.

You may be required to register upon arrival in the United States.

Expect additional processing at your point of entry. If you’re arriving by plane, you can expect to be asked to complete an arrival/departure form on the airplane. When you leave the airplane, a U.S. official will interview you and verify your paperwork before you proceed to baggage claim and U.S. Customs. Some travelers will require additional clearance procedures at the point of entry, including photographs and fingerprinting.

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