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Temporary Visitors to the U.S.
International visitors add greatly to our nation's cultural, education and
economic life. We continue the proud tradition of welcoming visitors to the
United States, with secure borders and open doors.
Many Canadian citizens
and many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can come to the U.S.
without a visa if they meet certain requirements. Starting October 26,
2004, visa waiver travelers from ALL 27 Visa Waiver Program countries must
present either a machine-readable passport at the U.S. port of entry to enter
the U.S. without a visa, otherwise a U.S. visa is required. Learn more. Other foreign citizens
will need a nonimmigrant visa.
Nonimmigrant visas are for international
travelers, (citizens of other countries), coming to the U.S. temporarily. This
visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (airport, for example) and
request permission of the Department of Homeland Security immigration inspector
to enter the U.S. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United
States.
International travelers come to the U.S. for a wide variety of
reasons, including tourism, business, medical treatment and certain types of
temporary work. The type of visa needed is defined by immigration law, and
relates to the purpose of your travel. The Consular Officer at your embassy or
consulate will decide what kind of visa you need, when you apply.
Advance
planning can smooth the visa application process for you.
Apply
for your Visa well in advance of your travel! Important steps to
remember:
1 - Review your visa status, and find out if you need
a U.S. visa or a renewal.
2 - Contact the Embassy Consular Section, to
learn about timeframes for visa interviews and other issues, such as how to pay
fees. Waiting time for an interview appointment is usually a few weeks or less,
but it can be considerably longer.
3 - Plan on an interview at the
embassy or consulate, necessary by most visa applicants. As part of the visa
interview, a quick fingerprint scan should be expected. Applicants who need
additional screening are informed during the application process.
See the
links on the left for more information about visas required for temporary
visitors to the U.S.
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