Alright, I am no immigration lawyer but since a few of you asked, here I am writing a blog about the steps you need to take in order to get a USA visa.
Before we start, let’s all keep in mind that I am going to tell you what I know with the experience that I have, okay?! Don’t think that you will read this blog and simply go get yourself a visa to enter the US. There are more details than what I can provide and you should always remember: hire the right help - and this help is a professional lawyer, not met!
So, let me try explaining all the steps and types of visas to enter the US in the best way I can. Step by step first:
1. The documents
Let me just say that, to be approved for a US visa, you are going to need a lot of documents. A lot of documents.
If you go to surgery and you need to get your health insurance approval, send the doctor/ exam documents to your insurance, provide a birth certificate along with documents of who lives with you and what your dog's name is, still going to be fewer documents than what you will need to present for immigration… lol, but for real!
Jokes aside, besides all documentation that proves who you are, how much money you make, tax returns, and debits, you also need to show proof of “what holds you to your country”. Nowadays, proving who you are is not enough. You have to prove to the immigration officer that you have connections to your home country and that you are coming here simply to do what your visa allows you to do and nothing more - especially if you are applying for a student visa or a tourist visa, you are strictly not allowed to work and you will be here only for a certain period, so you should be able to provide for yourself without doing illegal work in the US AND you have to show immigration that you have a reason to come back to your country.
Each visa requires certain documents, but these are the main documents that any kind of visa will require you to present.
2. What are you coming here for exactly?
Immigration officer: So, why are you going to the US?
You: Because I want to visit the United States, see the culture and do a lot of touristing. DUH!
Ok, you are right and this is a great reason if you are applying for a tourist visa… but it is always recommended that you give them specific reasons why you are visiting the US. Like your trip itinerary, exact places you are going to visit, what you plan on buying, particular things you are excited to see, etc. All of these details will help you build a stronger case and prove to the immigration that you are going to do tourist stuff. That’s all.
On the other hand, if you are applying for a student visa, you have to tell the officer exactly where you are going to study, where are you staying, how did you find that school, why you want to study English, and why did you decide to study abroad in the US… You have to be way more specific and give detailed information about your exchange student program.
Same for a work visa, the difference here is that you can’t simply apply for a work visa. You need to first find a company in the US that wants to hire you or work for an international company with business in America, so the company will request the visa on your behalf. This is a very complicated process because the company needs to prove why they want to hire you, instead of hiring somebody who already lives in the US, there are huge visa and lawyer fees for this type of work and you never have the guarantee of being approved, but this visa tends to be very efficient and mostly accepted by immigration.
3. Why would you overstay in the US?
As I mentioned, along with all documentation about who you are and why you are coming to the US, you need to show immigration that you have a reason to go back to your country.
The fact that you have a great job, make tons of money, and have a great tax return does not prove that you are attached to your country and have a reason to go back home - instead of overstaying in the US and working illegally.
Assets are the best way of proving that you are attached to your home country and you don’t plan on coming to America to stay. A house in your name, a business, cars, investments… All of these are great assets that can help you get your visa.
4. Go to the consulate
Once you have all the documents you need, you can schedule your interview at the closest consulate.
Going to the consulate is the same as going through an airport check-in. There is a security check, and a metal detector, they will open your bags, and no food or liquids are allowed… so make sure to bring only the necessary.
Side note: you cannot find American consulates anywhere. A lot of people have to travel to other states/ provinces to get a visa, so make sure that’s included in your visa budget.
5. Pass or not pass - that is the question!
One thing that you need to understand is that you may have a strong case, with impeccable documentation and, still, have your visa denied.
I have seen people who had all the assets needed and great paperwork but got their visa denied… which sucks, I know! But it always depends on the immigration officer's mood.
Sorry, but this is reality! Sometimes people have shitty cases and get their visa approved, so it really depends on the officer you are talking to. The only thing I can tell you is: do not leave room for error!
Build the best case with all documentation needed (the more the better) and bring it all with you to the consulate. They might ask to see your documents, they might not, but if you need them, it's there.
Funny story: when I went to get my first visa, at 15 years old, I was in line waiting to be called for my interview and the girl in front of me got her visa denied. I have no idea why, but she did. me, as a young girl not paying attention to anything, didn’t even realize what was happening but my dad, who was paying attention to everything happening around me, got SO scared! He thought that the officer would be “visa denied” to pretty much everyone on his list that day… but thank God when it was my turn I had my visa approved without an issue - plus I had a pretty strong case, of course!
6. Limited time
Good things never last forever - I think this is what they say in English…
Regardless of the visa, it will not last forever and you need to make sure you are not staying in the US longer than your visa allows. If you do that, immigration calls this a “violation of your visa” and if you ever try to apply for a new one, you can be denied.
There are other types of visa, like artist visa for photographers, models, and designers but the main documents and the process for this is the same as the rest. Yes, you do have to show a specific kind of documentation for this type of visa, but that is something beyond my knowledge. What I know about this visa is that you need to have a great (but really great) portfolio. All the work done as an artist, as a model photographer (which is also an artist, lol) has to be shown and I am not talking about school work, one or two fashion shows, or a nice editorial. I am talking about media presence, income generated by your work, and partnerships with “famous” or “popular” people that can help you build your case. “I have a couple of Instagram followers and I have made model work” will not be enough to get you this kind of visa…
I hope you find this blog post helpful, but I also hope that you remember I am no immigration lawyer. I always try to help you all with everything I can, but this is a delicate subject and I can only share what I know with the experience I have had. So never forget: hire professional help to get your visa. Immigration documents are very important and one little mistake can cost your life plans. Studying the options and doing a lot of research is the way to make sure you are not going to leave space for “visa denied!”.
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