Visitors traveling to the United States temporarily for business or pleasure typically arrive on a tourist visa. For specific purposes that are legitimate, such as for medical treatment, attend a business conference, an expo or fair, or certain types of training.
Visitors can request a notation on their tourist visa indicating the purpose of their trip in the event that a visa extension or visa change is required later on.
Tourists from certain countries and who meet certain visa requirements may not have to apply for a visa in advance if they are a national from a country that is party to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP.) The VWP enables nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business (visitor B visa purposes only) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established to eliminate unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas.
For individuals who are from countries not participating in the VWP, they will have to apply for a tourist visa at the US Embassy or Consulate in their country and request an interview appointment. Prospective visitor has to show strong ties, and a steady employment history, consistent income, and a valid and legitimate purpose for the trip.
The consular officer has a very short time to decide on whether the tourist applicant is qualified for the visa. The visa applicant will be questioned as to the intent and purpose of the trip, whether the applicant has violated any laws or visa violation in the past, and most importantly, the consular officer will determine based on the evidence submitted whether the applicant has strong ties to their home country.
The most frequent basis for refusal concerns the requirement that the prospective visitor possess a residence abroad he/she has no intention of abandoning. Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have ties abroad that would compel them to leave the US at the end of the temporary stay. The law places this burden of proof on the applicant.
Please note: If you want to travel to the United States to study or to work, you will need a different kind of visa.
Please note: If you are in Thailand, please read here about applying for a tourist visa for your Thai girlfriend.
UPDATE: DS-160 Form is now required by the US Embassy in Bangkok, other forms will not be accepted. DS-160 Tourist Visa Application is submitted electronically and the photo is also electronically submitted. Email or call us to find out how this may affect you.
Before heading to the US Embassy with your application in hand, be prepared and review your documents. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have proof that I have strong ties to my home country, such as a business, dependents, employment, or family to substantiate my desire to return to my home country after my visit to the US?
- Do I have enough financial proof that I will be able to support myself during my stay without having to resort to public funds or public assistance?
- Do I have a letter from the friend, company, or person sponsoring my trip to the US so to demonstrate that that person or organization would be responsible for me while I’m there?
- Do I have the time and patient to sit through an interview and respond honestly to the questions the interviewing officer will pose?
Testimonial
Cathy Tran Reck helped my Thai girlfriend, Pam, obtain a B-2 Tourist Visa to the US. Despite the fact that Pam does not have strong financial ties to Thailand, Cathy encouraged us to focus on my background of having worked and lived in Thailand for several years. Cathy provided extremely valuable advice to Pam and I regarding the DS-160 application, the interview process and how to provide user friendly supporting documents to the US Embassy personnel.
- William Rowley
Cathy Tran Reck & Associates Ltd. can assist you in navigating through this tourist visa process with little hassle. We review your strong ties evidence, assist you in obtaining meaningful supplementary evidence, and prepare the visa applicant to respond to each question with confidence, honesty, and in a clear and concise manner.