It is well known that New York is a fascinating and unforgettable city for people. New York is not just a city, it is a dream. Walks in Central Park, the bright lights of Times Square, the cityscape from the Empire State Building, Broadway shows and the breathtaking view of the Statue of Liberty… This city is one of the places that everyone wants to see at least once in their lifetime. However, before you can get carried away by the charm of New York or other attractions in the United States, you need to go through a stage called a US visa. In this blog, we will share all the information about the US visa.
ABŞ Vizası
A US visa is an official authorization required to enter the United States and stay there for a specified period of time. This authorization is issued by the US government and can come in different types depending on your purpose of travel. There are different categories such as tourist visa (B1/B2), student visa (F1), work visa (H1B), or other special visas. Each type of visa has different requirements and conditions.
Benefits of Traveling with a US Visa
Traveling with a US visa offers many benefits. First, the US is one of the most developed countries in the world and offers a variety of cultural, educational, and business opportunities. If you are traveling to the US as a tourist, you can visit cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. If you are going to the US as a student, you can study at the best universities in the world. If you are going to the US as an employee, you can have the opportunity to build a career in international companies.
Traveling with a US visa can also open a door to travel to other countries around the world. US Visa
US Visa Types
There are different types of US visas, depending on your purpose of travel. These visas are generally divided into two main categories: immigrant visas and non-immigrant visas. Each type of visa has its own terms and requirements.
Migrant visa
Immigrant visas are intended for individuals who wish to obtain permanent residency in the United States. These visas are typically issued for the following reasons:
- Family Reunification: For family members of U.S. permanent residents or citizens. This may include spouses, children, parents, and other close relatives.
- Employment Opportunities: For individuals who have a permanent job offer in the U.S. or are known for their business skills. This applies to professionals, investors, or individuals with special skills.
Immigrant visas are an ideal option for those who want to live and work permanently in the U.S. However, the application process for these visas can be more complicated and lengthy.
Non-immigrant visa
Nonimmigrant visas are intended for those who wish to travel to the United States temporarily. These visas allow entry to the United States for non-permanent reasons. The most commonly used types of nonimmigrant visas are:
- Tourism and Family Visit (B2): For individuals coming to the United States for tourism purposes or to visit family and friends.
- Business Visits (B1): For individuals coming to the United States for business meetings, conferences, or other professional activities.
- Educational and Exchange Programs (F1, J1): For students who wish to study or participate in exchange programs in the United States.
- Medical Treatment (B2): For individuals who wish to receive medical examination or treatment in the United States.
Nonimmigrant visas are ideal for temporary travel and purposes. These visas are usually short-term and do not grant permanent residency.
B1/B2 Visa
The US B1/B2 visa is one of the most requested types of visas for those who wish to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes. With this visa, you can make short-term trips to the United States, gain cultural experiences, hold business meetings, or meet with family and friends.
When applying for a US B1/B2 visa, it is important to prepare and submit the following documents:
- You must provide the original and a copy of the first page of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- If you have previously traveled to the United States or other countries, provide copies of these visas and entry-exit stamps.
- A copy of your ID card is also among the required documents.
- Provide a certificate from your place of employment and, if available, an extract from your salary card. For those who are studying, a certificate from your educational institution is required.
- Provide a certificate and an extract from a bank account in your name. Having sufficient funds in your bank account proves that you have financial security for your trip.
- Provide extracts from properties in your name and a copy of your car's registration document, if any.
- Documents proving your marital status (marriage certificate, birth certificate or divorce decree) must be provided.
- Provide 2 5x5 size photos, taken on a white background.
- Provide your flight and hotel reservations for your trip. These documents prove your travel plans.
- You must provide a receipt from the system confirming that you have paid for your visa and a printed copy of the instructions indicating your appointment date at the embassy.
- You must provide a confirmation of your online DS-160 application form.
Filling out the DS-160 Form
The first step in applying for a US visa is to fill out the DS-160 form. This form is used to provide the US government with your personal information, purpose of travel, and other important information. Follow these steps when filling out the DS-160 form:
- Login to the Form: Start filling out the DS-160 form on the official US visa application website. Note the reference code given to you when filling out the form (for example: AA 12345678). Remember this code, because if the form is incomplete, you can use this code to log in again.
- Personal Information: Enter your first name, last name, date of birth, passport details and other personal information on the form.
- Purpose of Travel: Enter the purpose of your trip (tourism, work, study, etc.).
- Previous US Trips: If you have previously visited the US, provide information about it.
- Education and Work Experience: Enter information about your education and work experience.
- Security Questions: The form asks security questions. Answer these questions accurately.
- Photo Upload: Upload a photo of yourself on a white background on the form.
- Form Verification: Review and approve the form. After approval, print the form and save the confirmation page.
After completing the DS-160 form, the next step is to pay the visa fee and schedule an appointment. The visa fee is $185 per person. You can pay by credit card or cash at the bank. After making the payment, the system will open the appointment dates and times. You can choose the date that suits you.
The amount in your bank account varies depending on the travel dates you specify, i.e. the duration of your stay in the USA, the price of the flight tickets and hotels you have booked, etc. In general, it is recommended that you indicate a minimum amount of 3000-4000 USD in your bank account for a one-week trip. This amount should fully cover your travel plan. When calculating the amount, you can add the cost of your flight and hotel reservations and an average daily cost of 80-90 USD for each day you indicate that you will stay in the USA, and assume a slightly higher figure than you get.
If you are an entrepreneur, you can submit documents to the embassy that will replace the certificate from your workplace (a copy of your TIN, a certificate of your turnover from the Ministry of Taxes, an extract from the register of your company). If you are unemployed, studying, or in any case, you are sponsoring another person to cover the costs of your trip, in this case, a copy of that person's ID card, a certificate from your workplace (if an entrepreneur, the documents listed above), a certificate and an extract from a bank account (this bank account can be in your name or the name of the sponsor), if you have a family relationship, a document confirming this (for example, if it is your parent, your birth certificate, if it is a brother or sister, both birth certificates, etc.) and a sponsorship paper must be submitted to the embassy. If the applicant is under 18 years of age, in this case, if traveling alone, a copy of the permission document from both parents or from the other parent if traveling with one of the parents, must be submitted during the visa application. It should be noted that it is not required to have the documents translated into English, all documents are accepted at the embassy in Azerbaijani.
Visa Procedure
The first step in applying for a visa to the United States is to fill out the DS-160 form – the online application form for a US visa. You can fill out this form entirely online, and you can even log in and out multiple times. For example, you don’t have to complete the form in one sitting – you can fill out part of it, save it, and continue later. To do this, you must remember the reference code (for example: AA12345678) that the site provides you with.
Before going for an appointment, it is important to confirm the application form in the system. At the next stage, you need to get an appointment at the US Embassy in Azerbaijan. To schedule an appointment, you must first make a visa payment online. This fee is 185 USD for everyone, regardless of age. You can make the payment online with a bank card or in cash at the bank. After making the payment, the system will show you the available appointment dates and times, from where you can choose the one that suits you best.
You must go to the embassy with the required documents on the date and time of your choice. If you want to cancel your appointment, no problem – you can schedule a new appointment within a year from the same profile without paying. By the way, there is no need to print out the application form you have approved and take it to the embassy.
The visa process usually takes 3-5 business days.
Interview
The interview with the consul usually takes a short time - 5-15 minutes. The duration of this depends on the complexity of your application and the wishes of the consul. The questions may mainly relate to your travel plan, details of your trip (travel dates, destinations, hotels you will stay in, etc.), your purpose of travel, your place of work, your family situation and the documents you have provided.
The consul may ask you open-ended questions during the interview, and there is no set order to these questions. For example, if he asks you about your travel purpose, it would be more useful to explain in detail why you want to go on this trip, what places you want to see, and how you plan your trip, rather than just saying “tourism.” Such detailed answers will help clarify the consul’s questions. The most important path to a US visa is through your performance and the answers you give in the interview. You should definitely try to convince the consul, absolutely not give false information, and answer the questions the consul asks you in as much detail as possible. If you can fully convince the consul with your answers that your travel purpose, the information and documents you have provided are correct, then you will be able to obtain a US visa.
Additionally, it should be noted that the language of the interview with the consul varies depending on the purpose of the visit. In tourist visa applications, the language used in the interview is mostly Azerbaijani. In visa applications for business trips, it seems that English is preferred.
At the end of the interview, you will learn the visa result. If the visa is approved, your passport will be taken from you and returned to you within 3-5 working days with your visa attached. Otherwise, you will be given a refusal letter. This document is in a standard form and does not change depending on the person's situation.
Persons with US Visas
If you have previously had a US visa and it has not expired for more than a year, you do not need to attend an interview or meeting at the embassy when applying for the same type of visa. In this case, you can submit your passport and other required documents through Aramex. To do this:
- Make the payment online and complete your application form.
- Confirm your previous visa information in the appointment system. The system will automatically display instructions to submit the documents via Aramex.
- Prepare the required documents:
- Original passport
- Copy of your old US visa
- Copy of your ID card
- Confirmation of your online application form
- Payment receipt and Aramex instruction document
After submitting your documents to Aramex, your application will be processed within 3-5 business days, and you can collect your passport once your visa is ready.
In rare cases, the embassy may invite you for an interview. This may happen if there are any questions about the application or at the personal request of the consul.
Chance of Getting a Visa
The chances of getting a US visa largely depend on your profile. Your place of employment, your salary level, the amount in your bank account, your ties to your country (property in your name, family members, etc.), and your travel history are the main factors that affect this chance. However, the importance of the interview for a US visa should be emphasized - how you present yourself to the consul, the accuracy and detail of your answers significantly increase your chances of success.
Experience shows that those who have previously traveled to places like the Schengen countries are more likely to be granted a US visa. However, there are also cases where people with no prior travel history have been granted a visa as a result of a successful interview. In any case, a strong profile gives you an advantage over your competitors.
Visa Support to the USA
As Vizam.az, we provide you with full support during your US B1/B2 visa application. Our services include the following:
- DS-160 Form Filling: We fill out the form professionally for you.
- Appointment Appointment: We schedule an appointment on your behalf.
- Document Preparation: We prepare all required documents.
- Interview Preparation: We inform you about the questions that may be asked during the interview with the consul.
- Flight and Hotel Booking: We book flights and hotels for your trip.
Our service fee is 510 AZN per person.
To place your order, click here or contact 010/50/55-3000135.
Throw it away. Happy travels!
