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Visa Faqs

Visas- General Information

I have a visa in my old passport; can I just transfer it over?

It is not possible to transfer a visa from one passport to another without making a new visa application. Please note that the Embassy no longer issues visas valid "indefinitely". If you are issued a new visa it will have a maximum validity of ten years.

My passport containing a valid visa has expired. I've obtained a new passport; do I need a new visa?

If the passport in which your visa has been endorsed has expired, the visa in the old passport still can be used, provided that you also carry a valid passport of the same nationality. Note: If, when canceling your old passport, the passport authority has clipped the corners of the passport, and, in so doing, has damaged the visa in any way, that visa is no longer valid and cannot be used for travel to the United States.

My old visa says "Indefinite"; is it still valid?

An "indefinite" validity visa is no longer valid for travel to the United States. If you wish to travel for business or pleasure, you are either required to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, if qualified, or apply for a new B-1/B-2 visa.

Why, when I've always held an indefinite visa, was I recently issued with a B-1/B-2 visa valid for only ten years?

The U.S. Government no longer issues "indefinite" validity visas. The maximum validity period of a B-1/B-2 visa is ten years. The ten-year validity period applies regardless of the fact that the applicant may have previously held an "indefinite" visa.

The validity period of my visa does not cover my intended stay in the United States.

The validity period of a visa relates only to the period of time in which the holder may travel to the United States and apply for admission. It does not determine the length of stay. This is a matter for U.S. immigration at the port of entry.

How long can I stay in the United States?

The period of validity of a visa relates only to the length of time during which the holder may travel to the United States and apply for admission at a port of entry. It does not determine the length of stay which is a matter decided by U.S. immigration at the port of entry. If, while you are in the United States, you find that you need to stay there longer than the period of time initially granted to you, you must contact the nearest office of the USCIS to apply for an extension of your stay. The USCIS has sole jurisdiction over such matters. It is not possible to extend your stay if you entered visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.

If I just have a tourist visa, what sort of activities can I do in the States?

The B-2 visa is only valid for travel to the United States for a temporary visit for pleasure. For a visit for business purposes you need a classification B-1 visa. To apply for such a visa please follow the instructions on the form DS-160. It may be possible for you to travel to the U.S. without a visa if your trip is for less than 90 days and you meet all the conditions for Visa Free Travel.

I have a visa; do I also need a return ticket?

If you hold a visa of any classification, including a B-1/B-2 visa, you are not required to hold a return ticket; you may enter the United States on a one-way ticket. All travelers should carry with them for presentation to U.S. officials, if required, evidence of funds sufficient for their visit and, with the exception of H and L visa holders, evidence that they have a residence abroad to which they intend returning at the end of their stay. Examples of such evidence include: traveler's checks; return tickets; copy of latest bank statement; letter from parents saying they will support you; evidence of current employment; evidence of enrollment at an academic institution.