Embassy of the United States

Visa

What is a visa?

A visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A visa entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry. An immigration inspector at the port of entry determines the visa holder's eligibility for admission into the United States.

Who Needs a Visa?

Anyone who is not eligible to enter the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or is not exempt from the visa requirement. Please note: Travelers born in the United States and those who hold dual citizenship with the United States must enter and depart the United States on U.S. passports.

Visa Free Travel

As of January 12, 2009, all nationals or citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure require an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP. For more information about please visit the page about ESTA travel registration.

What type of visas are available?

• Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-Immigrant Visas (NIV) are for international travelers, (citizens of other countries), coming to the Unites States temporarily. This visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (an airport, for example) and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security immigration inspector to enter the U.S. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. International travelers come to the U.S. for a wide variety of reasons, including tourism, study, business, medical treatment and certain types of temporary work. For more information about the different non-immigrant visas please read about our NIV visa categories.

• Immigrant Visas

An immigrant visa is required of anyone who wishes to enter the United States to reside there permanently, whether or not that person plans to seek employment in the United States.