United States – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to the United States?

In most circumstances, citizens of foreign countries must obtain a U.S. visa before travelling to the United States. That said, certain travellers may qualify to enter without one, provided they satisfy the conditions of visa-free travel arrangements such as the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

The Visa Waiver Program permits citizens of eligible countries to visit the US for tourism or business for periods of up to 90 days without applying for a visa. However, they must first obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and comply with all eligibility criteria established by the U.S. Department of State and relevant government bodies. From 2025, the ESTA fee stands at $40 per person.

It is essential to understand that holding ESTA approval — or benefiting from any visa-free entry arrangement — does not entitle you to live, work, or establish residency in the United States. Any foreign national who wishes to make the US their home, even temporarily, must obtain a proper visa: either a nonimmigrant visa for a defined period or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.

The United States has, at various points, suspended visa issuance for nationals of certain countries as a consequence of those countries’ failure to accept the return of deported nationals. In April 2025, such sanctions were extended to cover all visa categories for all nationals of South Sudan. Furthermore, in June 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced revised entry conditions affecting some foreign nationals, with nationals of 19 countries now fully or partially barred from entering the US or receiving a visa as of June 9. Because these rules are subject to frequent revision, individuals should confirm their specific circumstances with the U.S. Department of State or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Even holding an approved visa does not guarantee admission to the United States. Upon arrival, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer makes the final determination on entry. This officer may question you about the purpose of your visit, review your documentation, and examine your travel history. Providing inaccurate information or presenting incomplete documents at this stage can lead to being denied entry.

What types of visa are available for people moving to the United States?

The U.S. immigration framework divides visas into two principal categories: nonimmigrant visas, intended for temporary stays, and immigrant visas, which lead to permanent residence. The key categories relevant to those considering a move to the US are described below.

Work Visas (Nonimmigrant)

The H-1B visa is designed for individuals taking up roles in speciality occupations — positions that demand specific expertise and a relevant higher education qualification. However, from September 2025, a new $100,000 application fee was introduced for new H-1B petitions, dramatically curtailing access to this pathway and effectively limiting it to large, well-resourced organisations. As a result, many professionals now explore the O-1 visa for those with extraordinary ability, or the E-2 treaty investor visa, as viable alternatives to the H-1B and L visa routes.

Investor and Trader Visas

The E-2 treaty investor visa is available to nonimmigrant nationals of countries holding a qualifying bilateral treaty with the US, who invest a substantial sum of capital in an active U.S. business. The E-1 treaty trader visa is similarly available to nationals of designated treaty countries who engage in substantial trade with the United States. In contrast to certain European investor visa schemes, E-category visas require an ongoing, active commercial relationship rather than a passive financial stake.

The Gold Card Programme

High-net-worth individuals now have access to the Gold Card Programme, a residency pathway that became available in December 2025. It grants residency to those who contribute USD 1 million to the Department of Commerce, while corporations may sponsor employees through a USD 2 million contribution. This is a newly established and evolving route — prospective applicants should verify all current details with USCIS before committing any funds.

Student Visas

There are three student visa categories in the US: the F-1, J-1, and M-1 visas. The F-1 is the most widely used, enabling international students to enrol in accredited colleges, universities, English language institutes, or programmes exceeding 18 hours per week. These visas do not automatically grant the right to work, although limited on-campus employment or other specifically authorised work may be available.

Family-Based Immigrant Visas

Family reunification remains one of the most frequently used pathways to long-term residence in the US. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may file petitions on behalf of qualifying family members, including spouses, children, parents, and — for citizens — siblings. The spousal visa (CR-1) process can take between 14.5 and 35 months depending on whether the sponsoring party holds U.S. citizenship or permanent residence (as of 2025).

Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery

The Diversity Visa Lottery makes a limited number of immigrant visas available annually to nationals of countries that have historically contributed low levels of immigration to the United States. For the DV-2026 programme, selectees were drawn at random from 20,822,624 qualifying entries submitted during the 37-day registration window. Not every nationality qualifies — consult the Diversity Visa Programme page for the list of eligible countries.

Employment-Based Immigrant Visas (Green Card)

Those seeking to remain in the US permanently on the basis of employment must obtain a Permanent Resident Card via one of the employment-based preference categories. These include: EB-1 (priority workers such as outstanding executives, managers, and individuals of exceptional ability); EB-2 (professionals holding advanced degrees and those with exceptional ability); EB-3 (skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers); and EB-4 (certain special immigrants).

How do I apply for a visa for the United States?

The steps involved in applying for a visa differ slightly depending on whether you are seeking a nonimmigrant (temporary) or immigrant (permanent residence) visa. The procedure outlined below covers the standard nonimmigrant visa process, which applies to the majority of first-time applicants planning to move to the US.

1. Identify the correct visa category. Consult the Directory of Visa Categories on the U.S. Department of State website. The right visa for you will depend on your reasons for travel, your employment circumstances, any family connections, and your nationality.
2. Submit Form DS-160 online. The DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form used for temporary travel to the United States and for K (fiancé(e)) visas. It is completed and submitted electronically through the Department of State’s website. Consular officers use the information provided on the DS-160, together with an in-person interview, to assess a visa applicant’s eligibility.
3. Pay the visa application fee. Once your DS-160 is complete, you must pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee corresponding to your visa type. Payment arrangements differ from country to country, as each U.S. embassy and consulate works with local payment service providers. You will typically need to set up a profile on your country’s designated U.S. visa information and appointment portal, where location-specific payment guidance is available.
4. Book your visa interview. From September 2025, applicants are required to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate located in their country of nationality or residence. Applicants based in the UK, for instance, should apply through the U.S. Embassy London or one of the consulates in Belfast, Edinburgh, or Cardiff. Nationals of countries where the U.S. government does not conduct routine visa operations must apply at a designated embassy or consulate, unless they are resident elsewhere.
5. Assemble your supporting documents. Collect all required materials (see the following section for details) well in advance of your appointment date.
6. Attend your in-person interview. As of October 2025, virtually all nonimmigrant visa applicants — including those under 14 and over 79 years of age — are required to attend a face-to-face interview with a consular officer. Bring your DS-160 confirmation page, fee payment receipt, passport, and all supporting documentation.
7. Wait for the outcome. Following your interview, the consular officer may advise that your case has been referred for further administrative processing. If your application is approved, you may be required to pay a visa issuance fee (where applicable based on your nationality) and arrange for your passport and visa to be returned to you.
8. Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee (immigrant visa applicants only). All individuals issued an immigrant visa (Green Card) through consular processing who are entering the US as a Lawful Permanent Resident must pay this fee prior to travel.

For immigrant visa applications, the process also involves a petition stage with USCIS, processing through the National Visa Center (NVC), and a mandatory medical examination. Always consult the Immigrant Visa Process page on the State Department website for up-to-date procedural guidance.

What documents do I need to apply for a US visa?

Required documentation varies according to visa category, but the items listed below are commonly needed across most applications. Always verify the specific requirements for your visa type on the U.S. Department of State website or with the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate.

• Valid passport: Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned dates of travel.
• DS-160 confirmation page: You must print the DS-160 barcode page and bring it to your interview. Note that only the barcode confirmation page needs to be printed — not the full application form.
• Visa application fee receipt: Documentation confirming that you have paid the MRV fee.
• Passport-style photograph: A recent photo that meets the U.S. Department of State’s specific requirements (a digital image is uploaded when completing the DS-160).
• Interview appointment confirmation letter.
• Evidence of ties to your home country: Documents such as employment contracts, property ownership records, or proof of family ties that demonstrate your intention to return home after a temporary stay.
• Proof of financial support: Bank statements, payslips, or a sponsor’s financial documentation showing that you can cover your costs during your stay. Immigrant visa applicants must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), which carries legal obligations.
• Employment or sponsorship letter: Work visa applicants typically need a USCIS-approved petition from their employer (e.g. Form I-129 for H-1B) before attending the consular interview.
• Medical examination results: Immigrant visa applicants must undergo a medical examination and bring current financial support evidence to their interview.
• Civil documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or police clearance certificates as applicable to your visa category. Documents not in English may need to be officially translated. While the U.S. government does not prescribe a single translation standard, translations must generally be complete, accurate, and certified by a competent translator who attests to their accuracy.

The U.S. Department of State provides country-specific civil document guidance through its Visa Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country tool. Refer to this resource for a definitive and current checklist tailored to your nationality.

How long does a US visa application take to process?

U.S. visa processing times vary considerably depending on the visa category, the consulate handling the application, the time of year, and the individual circumstances of each case. It is important to begin the process well before your intended departure date.

The U.S. visa application process has become subject to increasingly rigorous scrutiny in recent years. For this reason, the entire process can take up to six months or longer in some cases. You should submit your application as early as possible, and no later than three months before you plan to enter the United States.

Interview appointment wait times fluctuate based on staffing levels, location, the time of year, and the visa category in question. U.S. embassies and consulates endeavour to keep appointment waiting periods as brief as possible. Booking your appointment at the earliest opportunity gives you the best chance of securing a convenient interview date.

Family-based immigrant visa timelines can be considerably longer. As of 2025, the K-1 fiancé visa process takes roughly 8–11 months for applications filed at that time, while the spousal CR-1 visa process can range between 14.5 and 35 months depending on whether the sponsoring party is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Employment-based immigrant visas (Green Cards) can involve extensive waiting periods due to annual numerical caps and backlogs that are specific to certain nationalities. In some categories, applicants from particular countries may face waits spanning many years. You can track current priority dates in the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the State Department.

The status of your application can be monitored online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) using your case number. Visa interview wait times at your local embassy or consulate can also be checked online. Always consult the official embassy or consulate website for the most current processing time estimates before finalising any travel or relocation arrangements.

How much does it cost to apply for a US visa?

U.S. visa fees are set by the federal government and are subject to change at any time. All figures below should be confirmed against the official Fees for Visa Services page before submitting your application.

As of December 2025, the MRV fee for B-1/B-2 visitor visas (covering tourism and business travel), F and M student visas, and J exchange visitor visas is $185. Petition-based nonimmigrant visas — including the H-1B, L-1, O-1, P, Q, and R categories — carry a higher MRV fee of $205.

Those entering the US as new permanent residents (Green Card holders) are subject to an additional charge. As of 2024/2025, the USCIS Immigrant Fee is $235, and the majority of new immigrants must pay this before travelling to the United States once their visa has been approved.

A notable new fee has also come into effect. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces several new charges beginning in fiscal year 2025, among them a $250 “visa integrity fee” applicable to most nonimmigrant visa applicants. These charges are levied on top of existing USCIS application costs and, in many instances, cannot be waived.

In addition to government fees, applicants should account for the following potential costs:

• Medical examination fees: Mandatory for immigrant visa applicants — costs differ by approved physician.
• Document translation costs: Civil documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
• Legal or immigration adviser fees: Strongly advisable for complex applications; fees vary depending on the provider and case complexity.
• Visa issuance (reciprocity) fees: Applicants from countries subject to reciprocity arrangements with the US may be required to pay a visa issuance fee in addition to the standard application fee.
• ESTA fee: The $40 ESTA fee applies to citizens of the 42 Visa Waiver Programme countries (as of 2025).

The MRV fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application. Always use the USCIS Fee Calculator and the State Department’s official fees page to obtain accurate, up-to-date figures before making any payment.

Can my family members join me in the United States on a visa?

Whether your family members are able to accompany or join you in the United States depends largely on your visa category. Most nonimmigrant work visas include a designated dependent category that allows spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 to travel with or follow the primary visa holder.

H-1B visa holders, for example, may bring a spouse and children to the US under H-4 dependent visas. In certain circumstances, an H-4 spouse may apply for an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) to work in the US — though the eligibility rules governing this have shifted over time and should be verified with USCIS. Likewise, dependants of L-1 visa holders may enter on L-2 visas, with L-2 spouses generally entitled to work.

In the context of immigrant visas, spouses and unmarried minor children living abroad may be eligible to follow a refugee or asylee to the United States. Family-based immigrant visa categories are specifically structured to facilitate the reunification of U.S. citizens and permanent residents with close relatives overseas. A U.S. citizen may petition for a spouse, children, parents, and siblings; a lawful permanent resident may petition for a spouse and unmarried children.

Family members applying for dependent visas must generally complete separate visa applications, attend individual interviews, and pay their own application fees. Dependants are not automatically covered by or included on the primary applicant’s visa.

For family-based immigrant visa applications, the sponsoring U.S. citizen or permanent resident is ordinarily required to file an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), a legally binding document demonstrating the ability to financially support the immigrating relative. The income thresholds are set as a proportion of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines, which are updated annually — consult the USCIS website for the current figures before applying.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in the United States?

A significant number of people who initially arrive in the US on a nonimmigrant visa subsequently apply for a change of status or seek permanent residence through a Green Card. Many foreign nationals begin their time in the US on a nonimmigrant visa — such as an H-1B or F-1 student visa — and later pursue a Green Card via adjustment of status. USCIS examines the applicant’s intent, timing, and eligibility carefully in such cases.

To extend a nonimmigrant stay, you may file Form I-539 while remaining lawfully present in the US, provided your visa category permits an extension. Overstaying your authorised period of admission is a serious violation: failing to leave the United States on time results in a loss of status. Under U.S. law, visas held by individuals who fall out of status are automatically voided, and any multiple-entry visa cancelled in this way will not be valid for future travel to the United States.

The Green Card is the official document issued by USCIS to foreign nationals, confirming their status as permanent residents and entitling them to live and work anywhere in the United States without restriction. The most common routes to a Green Card include employer-sponsored petitions, family-based applications from a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and the Diversity Visa Lottery.

If you hold a Green Card that is approaching expiry or has already expired, you may renew it by filing Form I-90. Since 2024, USCIS automatically extends Green Card validity by 36 months for individuals who have properly submitted Form I-90 — an increase from the previously applied 24-month extension.

Once you have held a Green Card for the qualifying period — typically five years, or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen — you may become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalisation. The naturalisation process requires continuous residence, sufficient physical presence in the US, good moral character, familiarity with U.S. civics and history, and the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. Comprehensive eligibility criteria are available at USCIS Citizenship.

What are the most common reasons US visa applications are refused?

Being aware of the most frequent grounds for refusal can help you prepare a more robust application. When a visa application is denied, the consular officer will explain the basis for the ineligibility finding. Common reasons for refusal include:

• Inability to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent: For nonimmigrant visa categories, applicants must show that they have meaningful ties to their home country and a genuine intention to return. You should be ready to articulate your plans clearly, explain how you will spend your time in the US, and demonstrate your reasons for returning home.
• Insufficient financial evidence: A failure to show that you — or your sponsor — have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay is a common ground for denial.
• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation: Applications that are missing required documents, or where the information provided is contradictory or incomplete, may be placed on hold or refused outright.
• Criminal history or security-related grounds: Certain criminal convictions, prior misrepresentations to immigration authorities, or concerns relating to national security can render an applicant ineligible. These grounds are defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
• Previous immigration violations: A record of overstaying a prior US visa or entering the country without authorisation weighs heavily against an applicant.
• Ineligibility under current sanctions or entry restrictions: As noted earlier, nationals of certain countries may be subject to restrictions imposed by current U.S. government directives.

If your application is refused, it may be possible in some cases to apply for a waiver, and the consular officer will advise you if this option is available and how to pursue it. In many situations, you may also reapply if there has been a material change in your circumstances — for instance, if you have obtained stronger evidence of ties to your home country or resolved a documentation shortcoming. Seeking guidance from a qualified U.S. immigration attorney is strongly advisable following a refusal, particularly where complex legal grounds such as criminal inadmissibility are involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa if I already have ESTA authorisation?

ESTA is a travel authorisation available to citizens of Visa Waiver Programme countries — it is not a visa. It permits stays of up to 90 days for the purposes of tourism or business only, and does not allow you to work, study, or take up residency in the US. If you intend to relocate to the US for any reason beyond a brief visit, you must obtain the relevant visa before you travel.

Can I work in the US on a tourist or visitor visa (B-1/B-2)?

No. A B-1/B-2 visitor visa confers no right to work in the United States. Engaging in employment without proper authorisation is a serious breach of immigration rules and can result in your visa being cancelled and future entry being barred. To work legally in the US, you require a visa that expressly permits employment — such as an H-1B, L-1, O-1, or E-2, depending on your circumstances.

Is there a retirement visa for the United States?

In contrast to many other countries — such as Portugal with its D7 visa or Panama with its Pensionado visa — the United States does not offer a dedicated retirement visa. Retirees who wish to spend short periods in the US typically do so on a B-2 visitor visa, while those seeking long-term residency must qualify under another immigrant category, such as a family-based petition. No passive income or pension-based visa route exists as of 2025.

Where do I apply for a US visa if I am currently living outside my home country?

US nonimmigrant visa applicants are expected to book their interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate located in their country of nationality or residence. Nationals of countries where the US does not offer routine visa services must apply at a designated consular location. Refer to the State Department’s official guidance for the most current rules on where to apply.

Can I apply for a Green Card without a job offer?

Most employment-based Green Card pathways require a U.S. employer to act as your sponsor and to obtain labour certification from the Department of Labor. However, certain categories do not require an employer’s offer — the EB-1A category for persons of extraordinary ability, for example, allows self-petition. Family-based and Diversity Visa routes also proceed without employer sponsorship. Consulting USCIS or a qualified immigration attorney will help you identify the most appropriate route for your situation.

What is administrative processing and how long does it take?

Following your visa interview, a consular officer may refer your application for additional administrative processing. This supplementary review — which may involve security checks or requests for further documentation — can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. There is no defined timeframe, and the State Department recommends that applicants refrain from booking travel until they have their visa in hand.

Can I appeal a US visa refusal?

There is generally no formal appeals mechanism for nonimmigrant visa refusals, as consular decisions are treated as final. If your circumstances have changed significantly since the refusal, or if you believe the decision was based on inaccurate information, you may submit a new application. Some grounds for immigrant visa refusals may be waivable. A qualified U.S. immigration attorney can advise on the options available to you following a refusal.

How can I check how long I am allowed to stay in the US after entry?

When you are admitted to the United States, the CBP officer will provide you with either an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Your authorised period of stay is governed by your I-94 record — not by the expiry date printed on your visa stamp. Your electronic I-94 can be retrieved through the CBP I-94 website. Always review your I-94 record upon arrival and ensure you depart before the authorised date to avoid potentially serious immigration consequences.