Applying for a Tourist Visa? What you need to know...
The Non-Immigrant Visa, B Category, is one of the simplest of all visa categories to obtain. Yet, it may be the most complex and difficult to address since the issues and factors involved in the decision process are almost entirely subjective. The visa is issued to persons design to enter the U.S. temporarily for business or for pleasure.
To qualify for the B-2, an applicant must demonstrate that he has a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning, that he wishes to enter the U.S. for a specifically limited period to engage in legitimate business activities or for pleasure.
The most common problem that an alien encounter when he seeks to enter the United States is the Consular Officer's pre-conceived notion that he intends to stay in the U.S. other than intended purpose and authorized length of stay. Under the law, an alien seeking admission to the U.S. is presumed to require an immigrant visa unless one can establish that he is eligible to apply for a non-immigrant visa.
Therefore, it is necessary for the applicant to present substantial documents that will support his true intent of temporary stay in the U.S., thereby disproving the consular officer's "gut" feeling.
Some of the documents which may be used to demonstrate the temporary nature of the intended trip to the U.S. are:
| 1. |
Certificate of foreign employment stating that the applicant is scheduled to resume employment upon his return from the U.S. |
| 2. |
Payroll records, earning statements and Tax Returns showing permanent employment abroad; |
| 3. |
School records of family members abroad showing full-time attendance at school; |
| 4. |
Land Title - records of ownership of real property abroad; |
| 5. |
Bank statements showing available funds abroad; |
| 6. |
Round trip ticket; |
| 7. |
Letter of invitation from relatives or friends in the U.S. whom the applicant plans to visit; |
| 8. |
Itinerary of vacation with specific dates if possible; |
| 9. |
Confirmation of participation in group tours (if applicable); |
| 10. |
In case of a Business Visa (B-1): Letter from the business firm indicating the purpose and length of trip to the U.S. and letter of invitation from U.S. company (if any) |
| 11. |
Statement by the applicant outlining his plans while in the U.S. and explaining the reasons why he will return abroad after a short stay, such as family ties, employment, or similar binding obligations in his/her home country; |
| 12. |
Business Certificates |
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