USA Visa FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Yes, DS-160 is the application form one needs to fill to apply for the B1/B2 non-immigrant visas.

While you cannot work on a B1 or B2 Visa but you can apply for jobs and appear for interviews.

The best way to prepare for your B1 or B2 US Visa interview is by providing solid proof of ties to your home country, strong travel itinerary and statement of income.

The only way to stay in the US permanently is to change your visa status to permanent residency through legible means.

Yes, the B Visas are typically valid for 10 years with multiple entry and length of stay 6 months per visit.

B1 and B2 Visas offer various benefits such as multiple entry into the US, 6 months stay per visit and visa free entry into 49 countries.

The non-immigrant US visas have a refusal rate of approximately 30% around the world.

No you cannot travel to Canada with a B1 or B2 Visa. You need a valid Canadian visa to enter Canada.

Yes, you can but only under special circumstances and provided you can prove why you want extension. Visitors must fill out Form I-539 for requests of visa extension.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a way for people from certain countries to visit the United States for a short time without needing a visa. It's run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If you're eligible, you can come to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without getting a visa first.

No,if you already have a visa that allows you to visit the United States, you don't have to apply for ESTA. ESTA is only for people who are coming to the U.S. without a visa through the Visa Waiver Program.

No, it's not. Having an approved ESTA doesn't mean you have a visa. ESTA doesn't replace a U.S. visa when one is legally required. If you have a valid visa, you can still use it to travel to the United States for its intended purpose. People with valid visas don't need to apply for ESTA.

You can apply for ESTA at any time, but it's best to do it when you start planning your trip to the United States.

Yes, all VWP travelers arriving by plane or boat bound for the U.S., regardless of their country of origin or departure port, need to have an approved ESTA.

Yes, if your ESTA application is denied, you must apply for a visa.

If a traveler's passport information changes (e.g., new passport, name, gender, or citizenship), they must apply for a new ESTA. A fee is charged for each new application.

You are required to provide the following details about yourself to complete the ESTA form. This involves your name (s), date of birth, and passport data. Besides that, you should talk about diseases, arrests, and visa issues. Ensure your credit card is with you because you may need to pay some fees for the application.

If your ESTA application is denied, you are actually entitled to request a review through the DHS TRIP program on the website of these authorities. Nevertheless, the likelihood that this will work permanently to remedy the problem that explains the decline is very slim. If your ESTA application is not approved, the U.S. Embassies and Consulates cannot provide you with reasons for the denial and also isn't in a position to find a resolution of your denial issue. They offer you a no-immigrant visa in this case. In case approved, this will be the only way you can have access to the U.S. in that case.