It is no secret that obtaining a US visa is no easy task. It’s not just the long wait, it’s also the lengthy process one has to go through in terms of documentation, interviews, and everything in between. But once you get your US visa, it brings with it many benefits for Indians, both for tourism and other purposes.
US Visa – Travel and Tourism
Needless to say, when it comes to travel, with your US visa, you have access to the entire United States for up to 10 years with multiple entries. One can stay for up to six months on each trip.
The application fee for non-immigrant visa types is US$185. Nonimmigrant visas include tourist, business, student, and exchange visas.
For business purposes
The B-1 visa category allows temporary entry into the United States for business-related purposes under the visitor visa classification.
Education
With your F-1 student visa, you can pursue education at American universities and institutions. In the case of dependents, the F-2 visa is for a dependent spouse or unmarried child under 21 years of age. With this F-2 visa, one will be able to reside in the United States during the F-1 student’s study program.
Employment
Here comes the much-awaited H-1B visa. This visa allows professionals to work in the United States, especially in specific fields (skilled workers).
For medical treatments
The B-2 visa is designed for individuals seeking entry into the United States for specialized medical treatment.
Cultural Exchange
Having a US visa allows you to enter the country. However, there is a special category of visa called the Q-1 visa that allows the applicant to participate in cultural exchange programs in the country.
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visiting friends and family
To visit friends and family in the United States, one can apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. This visa allows the applicant to travel for family and social relations.
Additionally, valid US tourist visa holders enjoy visa-free travel to many other countries. These destinations include Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Panama, Anguilla, various Caribbean islands such as Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten, as well as the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, and the Caribbean. , Turks and Caicos. In addition, countries such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia (transit without a visa), and Taiwan (Travel Authorization Certificate) also welcome travelers. We do. A US tourist visa.
While the US visa application process can be time-consuming and complex, it offers various benefits once the appropriate visa type has been identified. It is advisable to seek guidance from the relevant authorities before starting the visa application process.
Which countries can you visit visa-free with a valid US tourist visa?
With a valid US tourist visa, travelers can enjoy visa-free access to many countries. Some of these countries include Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Panama, Anguilla, and various Caribbean islands such as Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten. Additionally, visa-free travel is permitted to the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, and Turks and Caicos.
Apart from the US, countries like Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia (transit without a visa), and Taiwan (Travel Authorization Certificate) also allow travelers to travel abroad. welcome. With a valid US tourist visa. It is important to check the latest information and any travel restrictions before planning travel to these destinations.
How does the US visa process differ for students and exchange visitors?
Student US Visa (F and M Visa):
Purpose: Student visas, including the F visa for academic study and the M visa for professional study, are for individuals pursuing full-time study at an accredited institution in the United States.
SEVIS: Applicants for student visas must be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a program that tracks and monitors students and exchange visitors.
I-20 Form: Prospective students receive Form I-20 from their US school, which they submit during the visa application process.
Work Authorization: F-1 students may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their studies, allowing them to work in their field of study for a limited period of time.
Exchange Visitor US Visa (J Visa):
Purpose: Exchange Visitor US Visa is for individuals participating in approved exchange programs to promote cultural exchange, education and mutual understanding.
SEVIS: Exchange visitors are also required to register with SEVIS.
DS-2019 Form: Exchange visitors receive Form DS-2019, which is issued by the program sponsor and submitted during the US visa application process.
Program Categories: Exchange visitor programs cover a wide range of categories, including au pair, summer work visit, research scholar, professorship, and more.
Home Residency Requirement: Some J US visa holders may be required to have a two-year home-country physical presence after completing their program.
