Temporary Visitors to the U.S.

Visa Info

Most of the people in Canada and other major countries in the world can enter without a VISA in the U.S. if they meet certain requirements. People from ALL 27 VISA Waiver Program countries have to present the passport at the U.S. port of entry. Other foreign citizens will need a nonimmigrant visa.

Anyway, if you have U.S. temporarily Visa, it only allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (like an airport) and there you have to request a permission of the Department of Homeland Security immigration inspector to enter the U.S. The Visa does not guarantee you that you can enter into U.S.

You need a different type of Visa for different reasons you come to U.S. The reasonss can include traveling, business, medical ones or temporarily work. This kind of Visa will restrict you to only that acticity, with a few exceptions. Please check with your Consular Officer at your embassy for more informations when you apply for the Visa.

Advance planning can smooth the visa application process for you.

Apply for your Visa well in advance of your travel! Important steps to remember:

1 - Review your visa status, and find out if you need a U.S. visa or a renewal.

2 - Review the visa wait times information for interview appointments and visa processing at each embassy and consular section worldwide available on our website at Visa Wait Times. Visit the embassy or consular section website where you will apply for your visa to find out how to schedule an interview appointment, pay fees and any other instructions.

3 - Plan on an interview at the embassy or consulate, which is required for most visa applicants. As part of the visa interview, a quick fingerprint scan should be expected. Applicants who need additional screening are informed during the application process.

See the links on the left for more information about visas required for temporary visitors to the U.S.