Nationals of 36 countries staying 90 days or fewer and traveling for business or pleasure are exempt from needing a visa. There are a few requirements: You must have a machine-readable passport, onward travel documents and sufficient funds for the intended stay. A list of participating countries can be found at the U.S. State Department's website.
For nationals of visa waiver countries who wish to stay longer than 90 days and non-participating countries, traveling to the United States for tourism or business purposes will require a visa. For those traveling on business, a B-1 visa is required, while those visiting for pleasure or medical treatment will require a B-2 visa. Applicants should apply with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. An application form (DS-156), which can be downloaded via the State Department website, needs to be completed. Form DS-157, which states your travel plans, is required for males age 16 to 45. A passport, valid for more than six months after your intended departure, is required, as well as one 2-by-2-inch photo. Once all paperwork is submitted, the applicant will be scheduled for an interview. Applicants must bring all requested documentation, which will be proof of monetary funds for the length of stay, medical diagnosis for those traveling on a medical visa and contact information of where you intend to stay. As of 2010, the fee is $131.
Those traveling to the United States for the purpose of studying will most likely need an F visa. The first step for potential student visitors is to enroll at a school that is recognized by the Student and Visitor Exchange Program. Documentation required for a student visa is form I-20, provided by your school, form D-156 and D-158, a passport valid for six months after your intended departure, one 2-by-2-inch photo and a receipt for the $131 fee. After the paperwork is submitted, an in-person interview will take place at the nearest consulate or embassy, in which school transcripts, test scores and evidence of monetary funds will be required. Applicants with spouses and/or dependents must submit for a visa as well.
A variety of visas are available for those intending to come to the United States for work purposes. They include those in a specialty occupation, nurses, seasonal agriculture workers, academic trainees, company transfers, entertainers, athletes and artists. Before applying for a work visa, a labor certification is required from the Department of Labor, and form I-129 should be submitted by the potential employer to your embassy or consulate. Other documentation needed are forms DS-159 and DS-157, a passport valid for six months after your intended departure and one 2-by-2-inch photo. The fee for a work visa is $131. Applicants are also subjected to an interview where proof of residency and travel documentation will be required.
