The Business Visitor Visa is for individuals planning to visit the United States to conduct business. Examples of typical business activities include consulting with associates, traveling for a scientific, educational, professional or business convention, training, to attend a conference on specific dates, to settle an estate, for the purposes of research, as a professional athlete, or to negotiate a contract. South Africans whose reason for travel fall under these categories will need to schedule a visa embassy appointment at their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in South Africa and apply for the appropriate visa.
The Pleasure, Tourism, Medical Treatment Visitor Visas (B-2) is for individuals planning to visit the United States for leisure pursuits, medical care and tourism. Examples of activities that would fall under this category include visits with friends or relatives, for rest and/or medical treatment, for activities of a fraternal, social or service nature, and participation by amateurs, who will receive no remuneration, in musical, sports and similar events or contests. South Africans who wish to travel to the United States for these reasons, and who seek only a temporary stay, will need to schedule an appointment at their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in South Africa and apply for the appropriate visa.
To receive a student visa, applicants must first be accepted for enrollment in an established Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. Those intending to pursue academic studies, including language training, generally should apply for the F-visa, while nonacademic vocational students should pursue an M-visa. Potential students who have been accepted for enrollment at an approved school will need to schedule a visa embassy appointment at their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in South Africa and apply through them for their student visa. In addition to the appropriate application, they will need transcripts and diplomas from all previously attended schools, their standardized test scores and financial evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
