A Comprehensive Guide to the US Tourist Visa

The United States is one of the most popular destinations for international travelers. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Travel Statistical Analysis, 2016 report, more than 77 million international travelers visited the United States in 2017. This represents a 5% increase from 2016 and is the highest number of visitors we’ve seen in any year since 2000. If you’re planning to travel to the U.S., there are many types of visas you need to be aware of before booking your trip. Obtaining the correct visa can be challenging and should not be taken lightly. It’s important you understand how different visa types will impact your ability to enter the country and what sort of activities they permit you to do while visiting as well as whether or not they allow you to work while visiting as well as remain longer than others. Whether you are an individual, couple, family, or friend traveling together, this blog post will give you a detailed look at all tourist visa options available for individuals traveling to the U.S., their eligibility criteria, application procedures, and other relevant information that will assist in making your decision easier when planning your trip.

 

About the US Tourist Visa

 

The US tourist visa is issued to individuals who wish to visit the United States for recreational purposes, sightseeing, business, visiting friends or family, medical treatment, or participation in cultural exchange programs.

If you are interested in visiting the United States for tourism purposes, you will need to apply for a US tourist visa. In order to get a tourist visa, you must be approved by the United States government. US tourist visas are non-immigrant visas, and they are issued to individuals who wish to visit the United States for recreational purposes, sightseeing, business, visiting friends or family, medical treatment, or participation in cultural exchange programs.

 

1. B-1 Business Visa

 

 

If you are traveling to the U.S. for business purposes, you are required to apply for a B-1 Business visa. This visa does not allow you to work in the U.S. or receive compensation from any U.S. source. Instead, this visa is intended for individuals traveling to attend meetings, conferences, trade shows, or engage in similar activities for their foreign employers. If you are applying for this visa, you must also demonstrate to the U.S. Consulate that you have been engaged in the trade of your business outside the U.S. for at least one continuous year within the last three years, have been employed by the same firm or partnership throughout this time period, and have been earning a salary consistent with that earned by those engaged in comparable occupations in the industry.

 

2. B-2 Tourist Visa

 

If you’re planning to visit the U.S. as a tourist and don’t intend to engage in business or study while visiting, you will apply for a B-2 Tourist visa. While this visa allows you to visit the U.S. for tourism for up to one year, it does not permit you to engage in any type of compensated work. You may, however, continue your part-time employment outside the U.S. provided that it does not violate any other U.S. visa rules. The U.S. Department of State maintains strict rules regarding tourist visas. If you have been issued a B-2 tourist visa within the past 10 years, you may not be eligible for another tourist visa. You will need to show the B-2 visa denial has been resolved before applying again.

 

3. B-1 Short Stay Visa

 

If you are visiting the U.S. for a short stay of up to six months and don’t intend to engage in business or study while visiting, you will apply for a B-1 Short Stay visa. This visa allows you to conduct some limited commercial activities such as attending a trade show, participating in a lecture, or conducting market research. You may, however, not receive any compensation from any U.S. source during your visit. You may also not be self-employed, and you may not have investors or customers in the U.S.

 

4. C-1 Crew Member Visa

 

If you are a member of a crew on a commercial vessel (ship) or aircraft traveling to the U.S., you will apply for a C-1 Crew Member visa. This visa allows you to enter the U.S. while the vessel is in operation, but it does not allow you to travel to the U.S. while the vessel is in a dry dock. You must also be a member of the crew on the vessel before you apply for the visa. A C-1 visa is a visa status issued to individuals who will be visiting the United States as crew members aboard commercial vessels or aircraft. It is a temporary visa status and is valid for the duration of the voyage.

 

5. D Visitor Visa

 

If you are visiting the U.S. for education, medical treatment, or business meetings, you will apply for a D Visitor visa. You will need to include a letter from the organization hosting the business meeting or an education institution that states the activities for which you are attending. You may only engage in activities consistent with the reason for your visit.

 

6. E-1 Treaty Traders Visa

 

If you are a national of a country that has a treaty with the U.S. that allows for the exchange of goods, you may be eligible for an E-1 Treaty Traders visa. This visa is also available to nationals of a country that has not been granted E-1 treaty trader status but has been granted reciprocal trade authority (RTA), as well as nationals of a country that has not been granted either E-1 treaty trader status or RTA but has been given an E-2 treaty investor visa. You will need to demonstrate that you have been employed in the trade of your business outside the U.S. for at least one continuous year within the last three years, have been employed by the same firm or partnership throughout this time period, and have been earning a salary consistent with that earned by those engaged in comparable occupations in the industry.

 

7. E-2 Treaty Investors Visa

 

If you are a national of a country that has a treaty with the U.S. that grants investment rights, you may be eligible for an E-2 Treaty Investors visa. This visa is available to nationals of a country that has not been granted E-2 treaty investor or E-1 treaty trader status but has been granted RTA, as well as nationals of a country that has not been granted either E-2 treaty investor or E-1 treaty trader status but has been given an E-1 treaty traders visa. You will need to demonstrate that you have been employed in the trade of your business outside the U.S. for at least one continuous year within the last three years, have been employed by the same firm or partnership throughout this time period, and have been earning a salary consistent with that earned by those engaged in comparable occupations in the industry.

 

8. F Vocational Student Visa

 

If you are a student participating in a vocational or nonacademic program, you will apply for an F-1 Student visa. This visa allows you to engage in any type of business or other nonacademic activity, including receiving compensation for part- or full-time employment. You may, however, not study full-time or receive compensation from any U.S. source during your visit. You also may not be self-employed, and you may not have investors or customers in the U.S. You will need to demonstrate that you have been accepted and enrolled at an authorized educational institution, that you intend to pursue a full course of study, and that you have sufficient financial means to pursue your studies without assistance from any U.S. source.

 

Conclusion

 

Choosing the right visa type is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning a trip to the U.S. It’s essential you understand how each type of visa works, what activities they permit you to do while visiting, and how they may impact your ability to remain longer than others. Depending on your situation, you may be able to apply for multiple visa types. While this may make planning easier, it may also make the process more challenging as you may need to provide more documentation than what is normally required for one type of visa. Remember that the rules, regulations, and requirements for each visa type may change at any time. Be sure to consult the appropriate U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date information. Traveling to the U.S. isn't easy, but we've made it easier by providing comprehensive information on the process. Visit Leisure.com to get started!