Traveling to the US, and not sure if you need a visa? It's possible that you may not need any kind of visa, however there are other situations where a visa could be mandatory. There are many different types of US visa that you can apply for and it's important to choose the right one. This post explains some of the instances where you may need a visa and how to apply in each case.
Tourism in the US
Many people visiting the US as a tourist do not need to apply for a visa. It all depends on which country you're visiting from and how long you plan on staying in the US. If you're visiting for less than 90 days and you're from one of these 40 countries, then you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, which means that you do not need to apply for a visa. All you need is a machine-readable passport. For those not visiting from one of these 40 countries or planning to travel as a tourist for more than 90 days, a B1 or B2 visa may be needed. This costs $160 and may involve an online application and possibly an interview to obtain.
Working in the US
The Visa Waiver Program also applies to anyone going on a business trip to the US for less than 90 days from one of the eligible 40 countries. As with visa-free tourist entry, all you need is a machine-readable passport. If you're planning to work for a US employer or working in the states for over 90 days, then you will likely need a US work visa. There are many different types of US work visa, including temporary and permanent working visas. Some are specific to certain roles (for example, reporters need a I visa, while athletes typically need a P visa). It's best to do your research to find out exactly which one you need. Most standard temporary work visas cost about $190. Permanent working visas are likely to cost a lot more - processing an EB-1 typically costs over $700 due to the legal paperwork involved.
Emigrating to the US
Emigrating to the US can be quite a complicated process. Those wanting to seek permanent residence will need to apply for a green card, which can take years to process. In the meantime, it is best to apply for an immigration visa. An immigration lawyer will be able to guide you through the process and tell you exactly what visa you need. Different visas may apply depending on your circumstances (such as if you already have family in the US or if you're seeking asylum as a refugee). Those emigrating from Mexico should check out this guide.
Studying in the US
Students typically have to apply for one of three visas: F, M or J. The most common is F, which applies to most college students and allows you to work while in the US (but not off-campus in the first year). Those studying at recognized non-academic institutions will need to apply for an M visa. Interns, trainees, au pairs and camp counsellors meanwhile typically need a J visa.
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