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UnitedStatesVisas.gov U.S. Visa Policy -- New Procedures New Procedures | What's the Same | What's Different | Processing Time | Arriving in the U.S. | Acts of Congress | Frequently Asked Questions New Procedures In 2001 and 2002, the United States passed new laws that affected some aspects of the nonimmigrant visa process and entry-exit procedures. Many things remain the same, however. What's the Same in U.S. Visa Policy? Applicants still must complete all of the various application forms, passport checks, and submit photographs, application fees and other kinds of documentation as they did before. Applicants also still need to demonstrate their intent to return home rather than stay permanently in the United States. The more complex a person's circumstances, the more forms and documentation will be required. Individual experience in obtaining a visa can therefore range from relatively fast and simple to relatively complex and time consuming. There is no entitlement to a visa. You will not be granted a visa if, in the judgment of the consular officer, you have not met all of the necessary criteria. What's Different about U.S. Visa Policy? In addition to being satisfied that the applicant intends to honor the terms of the visa by returning home, the consular officer must evaluate the security risk presented by the applicant. We carefully examine all applications. Visa applications take longer to process. This affects both tourist and business nonimmigrant visas. A registration requirement also has been added. For some time, U.S. law has required that officials verify that visitors comply with the terms of their visas - that is, that they actually do what they've said they intend to do. This requirement, which many countries follow, is now being enforced in the United States. ________________Serving Our Visitors, Securing Our Borders On March 1 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) became responsible for securing our nation's borders and managing the immigration process. In the past, these two important missions were bundled together within one agency - the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Under DHS, however, immigration services and border enforcement functions will be divided into separate agencies, allowing both missions to receive the full attention they deserve. Doing Business and Working in the U.S. Visiting the U.S. Coming Permanently to the U.S. What is a Visa? U.S. Visa Policy Home | Full Graphic Version | Contact Us | Languages | Privacy Policy |