How to get a US visa in 6 simple steps

Adventuring out of the country to live and work in the United States sounds exciting for many professionals. However, before you start packing, you must gather some important documentation such as your passport and your visa. When it comes to the visa, there usually are many doubts regarding how to make the procedure and, even if it seems like a complicated process, you can obtain it if you follow some simple steps.

So, if you are wondering how to get a US visa, in Talent2Win we give you a quick and simple guide that you might find very useful.

How to get a visa for America?

First, you must know what type of visa you are going to request. Remember that the visa H-1B is the one you need if you go to the United States to work professionally. If you need to find a specific type of visa, you have to visit the embassy page.

You will find a detailed list of requirements and application items for each type of visa. After reading and examining all the information, you can select the type of visa applicable for your situation.

Once you know the type of visa you need, you must follow these steps to get a US visa.

Step 1: Complete form DS-160

You need to complete the form DS-160 that you will find in the US embassy webpage. You can complete it online. Make sure to read carefully the guide about the correct way to complete the form and check the information you write is correct. This is important because once you submit the form, you can’t change anything.

Once you complete the form and attach your photo, you must print the confirmation sheet with the corresponding barcode. Keep in mind that you will need your confirmation number from the form DS-160 in order to schedule your appointment.

Step 2: Go to the Embassy Appointment Service webpage

Go to the US Embassy Appointment Service webpage and create your profile with your data and other relevant information for the visa you are applying for. Once you complete it, the system will generate a confirmation page where you will be notified the fee you have to pay. Print the confirmation page and present it to the bank when you make the payment.

Step 3: Schedule the appointment

After making the payment, go to www.ustraveldocs.com, fill in your data, enter your profile and look for the option schedule appointment. Answer the questions sincerely since these will determine if you will need two appointments or just one (one at the embassy and other in the Visa Application Center [VAC]), or if you can apply for the visa through message services without any appointment.

To schedule the appointment, you will need the following:

• Your passport number
• The payment receipt number of the visa fee
• The ten digits of the barcode in the confirmation page of form DS-160

Step 4: Go to the Visa Application Center

You have to go to the Visa Application Center so they can receive your application, your photo and take your fingerprints. That appointment usually takes place one day before the interview on the embassy or on the same day. On the day of your appointment, make sure to arrive one hour early with the following documents:

• The sheet of your appointment confirmation
• The confirmation page of form DS-160
• Your valid passport (with the barcode given by the VAC)
• Any other documentation that supports your application depending on the type of visa.
• The US embassy will not receive incomplete applications.

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Step 5: The interview

The following step is the interview. A consular officer will make you questions to find out if you are qualified to receive the visa and, if so, to identify what visa category is the appropriate for your travel. Be sincere with the motive of your visit and your documents.

After the interview, your application might require some additional proceedings. The consular officer will explain if further steps are necessary for you.

Step 6: Final requirements

Once your visa is approved, the consular officer will explain to you the way you will receive your passport with your visa included. Remember that the visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to an entry port of the United States (generally, through an airport) and ask permission to enter the country. Getting a visa does not guaranties entering to the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in the port of entry have the authority to allow or deny the entrance. If you are allowed to enter the United States, a CBP officer will grant you an admission seal or an I-94 form in paper, Record of Arrival-Departure.

Now you know all the steps necessary for getting a visa for the US. As you can see, the process is not all that complex and if you follow these steps, the process will be a lot easier.

At Talent2Win, we strive to align your company’s business objectives with the best Talent Acquisition strategies available. If you want to learn more about the services we offer, do not hesitate to contact us.