Learn about the most common types of visas for business, student or travel you may need when coming to or traveling through the United States, plus review what other documents you need to enter the U.S. Also, find information on how to apply for an immigrant visa. Show
Apply For a VisaThe U.S. Department of State issues visas Your reason for travel will determine the type of visa you need to enter the U.S. Some of the most commonly requested visas are:
Procedures for Entering the United StatesWhen you arrive in the United States, you must show valid travel documents as part of the entry process. The documents you need and whether your passport needs to be valid for six months after your travel dates depend on the country you are arriving from and your citizenship or status. Foreign nationals must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering the U.S. Arrival From Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and BermudaThe Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative covers travel by land, sea, or air from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda:
Arrival From Other Countries
Entry DenialsCustoms and Border Protection (CBP) officers conduct arrival inspections using the same criteria for all foreign nationals visiting the U.S. They decide your admission to the United States, even if all your travel documents, including your visa, are in order. Note: While there are no rules prohibiting pregnant visitors from entering the United States, doing so to give birth is prohibited. A CBP officer will consider your pregnancy when deciding on your admission. Learn about bringing pets, food, and medication to the U.S.
Apply for an Immigrant VisaAbout a million people a year receive Green Cards, designating them as new permanent residents of the United States. Many of those people arrive in the U.S. through an immigrant visa. Top Types of Immigrant VisasMost people who come to the U.S. using an immigrant visa receive one of the following types:
Essential Steps to Get an Immigrant Visa
Review the details of this process for getting a family- or employment-based visa. Another way to seek an immigrant visa is through the Diversity Visa Lottery program. This program lets people from countries with low U.S. immigration rates participate in an annual drawing for an immigrant visa. After You Get Your Immigrant VisaOnce you get your immigrant visa, you will have to pay a USCIS immigrant fee. You will get a sealed packet of documents to give officials at the U.S. port of entry. You will be admitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident and receive your Green Card in the mail. Do Not Apply for an Immigrant Visa If You’re in the U.S.If you’re already in the U.S., apply for a Green Card through an adjustment of status. You will not have to return to your home country. You will still have to go through steps like those required for an immigrant visa application:
Refugees and AsylumRefugeesRefugees are people who fled their homes for a variety of reasons, including persecution (or the fear of persecution) and war, to find protection elsewhere. If you believe you need protection as a refugee, contact the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or another international nonprofit volunteer agency. If these organizations are unavailable to you, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. The refugees' entry process into the U.S. involves many government agencies as part of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, which explains the resettlement and a refugee's arrival. AsylumAsylum is a form of protection available to refugees. You must meet certain conditions to request asylum in the United States. After getting asylum in the U.S., you:
Last Updated: September 15, 2022 TopHow do I apply for a U.S. visa in Kenya?Go to www.evisa.go.ke and click on create eVisa account.. Once Logged in, Select Department of Immigration services.. Select submit Application.. Select Kenyan Visa.. Select the type of Visa and read the Instructions Carefully.. Fill in the application form.. Pay Using visa card, MasterCard and other debit cards.. How long does it take to get U.S. visa from Kenya?Typically, visa processing takes anywhere between 7 to 10 business days.
How do I book a U.S. visa appointment in Kenya?Please visit our U.S. Citizen Services Navigator or by phone directly at 20-363-6451 within Kenya or +254-(0)20-363-6451 from the United States.
What is the best way to get a visa to USA?You should apply for a US visa at a US Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence following these simple steps:. Check if you need a visa.. Choose the type of US visa you will apply for.. Fill in the Non-immigrant visa Application Form DS-160.. Pay your application fee.. Schedule visa interview.. |