# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Travel Regulations

How to Apply for an American Visa Online

A visa is a document that says you can stay in a particular country. America has several different types of visas--long-term visitor visas, family visas, immigration visas, permanent resident visas and several others. You can read about the various types of visas, fill out an application and send it in from the U.S. State Department's website. Some visas require you to print a copy and send a signed form as well as submitting them online.

Instructions

- 1
  Go to the U.S. State Department's website (see Resources) and read through the information about visas in general and about the different types of visas.
- 2
  Choose the visa you would like to apply for and read through the requirements to see if you are eligible for that type of visa.
- 3
  Click on the "Online application" form and download it to your computer.
- 4
  Fill in the application being sure to answer all questions. Click "Submit" to submit the visa. Some visas may require you to follow specific instructions related to printing it out, signing it or having it notarized before sending in the application.