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The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel. Please visit our Visa Wizard to find out what visa type is appropriate for you. You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions or find out about the Visa Waiver Program .
Other useful links: Visa Categories | Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate | Glossary
Nonimmigrant Visas
Nonimmigrant visas allow people to visit the United States for short periods and for specific purposes. If you want to move here permanently, please see the information below on immigrant visas .
Tourism & Visit A foreign national traveling to the United States for tourism needs a visitor visa (B-2) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Tourism is a short visit for vacation, for visiting family and friends, or for medical treatment.
Study & Exchange The United States supports international education and welcomes foreign students and exchange visitors. Before applying for a visa, students and exchange visitors must be accepted by their schools or program sponsors.
Business A foreign national traveling to the United States to conduct temporary business needs a visitor visa (B-1) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
Employment To work in the United States temporarily as a lawful nonimmigrant, temporary workers must qualify for the available visa category based on the planned employment purpose.
Other Visa Categories In addition to tourism, visits, business, employment, study and exchange, and immigration, there are other reasons for traveling to the United States, which also generally require a visa.
Immigrant Visas
Do you want to immigrate to the United States, meaning you want to move here permanently? Do you want to sponsor someone to immigrate? Immigrant visas are based on family ties, employment, and the diversity visa. If you want to visit for a short period for a specific purpose, please learn about nonimmigrant visas above.
Family Based For certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders).
Employment For permanent employment or investment by entrepreneurs.
Diversity Visa Annual program making a limited number of visas available to persons who meet strict eligibility requirements.
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With All the Talk about Illegal Immigration, a Look at the Legal Kind
Latvia, Estonia Sign Deals with US on Visa-Free Travel
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17-Month Extension of Optional Practical Training for Certain Highly Skilled Foreign Students
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Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption Enters into Force
USCIS to Accept H-1B Petitions Sent to California or Vermont Service Centers Temporary Accommodation Made for FY 09 Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions
USCIS Revises Filing Instructions for Petition for Alien Relative
USCIS Announces Update for Processing Petitions for Nonimmigrant Victims of Criminal Activity
USCIS to Allow F-1 Students Opportunity to Request Change of Status
Immigration Tops Agenda at North American Summit
USCIS Issues Guidance for Approved Violence against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petitioners
USCIS Modifies Application for Employment Authorization Previous Versions of Form I-765 Accepted until July 8, 2008
Overseas Education More Attainable for Chinese Students
New York Business Group Seeks Fewer Restrictions on Foreign Worker Visas
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The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé(e)) visas. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal interview, determine an applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.
Visa applicants must submit a completed DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application for all nonimmigrant visa categories, including applicants applying for K visas. ( Note: For K visa cases in process at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate prior to October 7, 2013, review the limited exceptions explained in the FAQs below.)
Review the Frequently Asked Questions for instructions about using the DS-160.
Access the online DS-160 by clicking: Consular Electronic Application Center website .
Important Notice to Visa Applicants: After you have completed the DS-160, you must take these next steps below:
- Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. (You will not need to print the full application.)
- You must schedule a visa interview appointment. (The U.S. Embassy or Consulate does not schedule an appointment for you.) Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will be interviewed for country-specific instructions.;
- Pay the visa application processing fee . Review country-specific instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.
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More From Forbes
A guide to non-immigrant u.s. visas for entrepreneurs.
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Mark Shihady, Esq. Principle Attorney at Root Law Firm .
In the globalized landscape of business, non-immigrant U.S. visas play a pivotal role in facilitating international trade, investment and talent acquisition.
This guide aims to unravel the complexities of various visa categories, shedding light on those with expedited approval processes and high success rates, all while emphasizing best practices when working with immigration attorneys.
The Mosaic Of Non-Immigrant U.S. Visas For Business Professionals
• Tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2). These visas are designed for short visits to the United States for business-related activities like meetings, conferences or tourism. They don't allow for long-term residence or employment in the U.S. They are very common and cover a wide range of short-term travel purposes.
• Work visas (H-1B, L-1). H-1B visas are for individuals in specialty occupations requiring specific expertise, while L-1 visas are for intracompany transfers. These are essential for foreign workers who possess specialized skills or are being transferred within multinational companies.
• Investor visas (E-2). These visas are for investors from countries that have a treaty of commerce with the U.S. They require a substantial investment in a U.S. business and are critical for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to own or expand an operation in the U.S. market.
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• Specialty visas (O and P). O visas are for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the fields of science, art, business, education and entertainment. P visas are for athletes, entertainers and artists. These visas cater to a specific and talented group of individuals contributing to cultural, educational and professional exchange.
Each type of non-immigrant visa fulfills a specific function and contributes uniquely to enabling global travel and exchanges. They cater to diverse purposes and include educational pursuits and professional opportunities.
Navigating Global Talent: How Businesses Can Leverage Visas For Growth And Innovation
• Accessing specialized skills. Some visas allow people with special skills to work. Businesses may meet talent gaps in technology, engineering and healthcare by knowing and using these visa categories. For instance, the H-1B visa lets U.S. firms hire overseas specialty workers.
• Facilitating international expansion. U.S. intra-company transfer visas (L-1 visas) can move staff to new or existing international operations. Maintaining a steadfast culture and transferring institutional expertise is essential for smooth expansion.
• Enhancing diversity and innovation. A varied workforce boosts creativity and innovation. Visas allow firms to hire global talent with new perspectives and ideas. Diversity may inspire new goods, services and solutions, promoting business growth and competitiveness.
• Temporary projects and contracts. Businesses can use temporary work visas for short-term projects that require foreign talent. These visas let organizations hire expertise for specialized jobs without a long-term commitment, offering flexibility and speed in project execution.
• Training and development. Certain visa categories allow overseas workers to get training unavailable at home. This helps the employee develop professionally and improves the company's workforce.
• Responding to labor shortages. Businesses can use visas to hire competent foreign workers in sectors with domestic labor shortages. This method ensures project and service delivery on schedule by maintaining operational efficiency and productivity.
Tips For Businesses Working With Fast-Track Visas
Of the visas I outlined, the E-2 investor visa, L-1 intracompany transferee visa and O and P visas are the ones that are structured to be streamlined. For example, with E-2 visas, expedited approval can be obtained for investors from treaty countries, facilitating international business ventures and investment in the U.S. economy.
Here is vital information to ensure businesses can utilize employees with the different types of visas efficiently.
Be aware of investment needs. An E-2 visa requires a "substantial investment" in a U.S. firm. Business executives should guarantee their investment is significant enough and in a real operational business—planning and documentation matter.
The E-2 visa does not necessitate job creation, but showing that the business will hire U.S. workers can boost the application. E-2 visas can be renewed indefinitely but ordinarily last two to five years. Business leaders should track their progress and success to prepare for renewal.
For the L-1 intracompany transferee visa, make sure to document the qualifying relationship between international and U.S. entities. Ownership records and proof of managerial, executive or specialist knowledge positions are included.
For L-1 visas relating to new U.S. offices, make sure you prove the business's growth potential, including financial predictions and business plans, to support a managerial or executive post within one year. Document the transferee's qualifications and why they're needed in the U.S. Promote their particular abilities and knowledge that benefits the country as a whole.
O and P Visas
O and P Visas highlight extraordinary ability or achievement. O visas need substantial verification of the individual's remarkable talent or achievements, including honors, publications and industry leader testimonials.
P visas are for sports, entertainers and artists. Highlight the performance, event or competition in which the individual or group will participate, including any worldwide recognition or exceptional performance. For O and P visas, peer groups, unions or specialists can help attest to the applicant's abilities or the event's significance.
General Visa Advice For Business Leaders
• Inform yourself of policy changes. Immigration rules and practices change often. Compliance and application success necessitate being current on regulations and standards.
• Consult immigration experts. Visa applications are complicated. An expert immigration attorney can help you avoid mistakes, streamline the procedure and boost your chances of success.
• Prepare for delays. Visa applications might take time. Start the application procedure early to account for delays.
• Maintain compliance. Follow visa terms, including employment, reporting, and renewals. Non-compliance might result in visa revocation and future applications.
Non-immigrant U.S. visas can be your gateways to international business success. In the intricate realm of immigration law, having an experienced immigration attorney by your side can help tremendously for a smooth and successful journey.
With knowledge, strategy and expert guidance, entrepreneurs and professionals can better navigate the complex immigration landscape, ensuring a prosperous and compliant journey into the heart of the American dream.
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Who Needs a Travel Visa? Requirements Are Easing
Rashaad Jorden , Skift
March 13th, 2024 at 2:06 PM EDT
While international travel has gotten easier in some regards coming out of the pandemic, far too many travelers are still dealing with lengthy visa processing delays that have hurt the industry's recovery.
Rashaad Jorden
The percentage of people required to have a traditional visa for international travel is decreasing, according to a recently published report by UN Tourism.
The agency’s latest Tourism Visa Openness Report revealed that 47% of people in 2023 needed a traditional visa — a standard paper visa placed in a passport after submitting paperwork and/or conducting an in-person interview. That was down from 59% in 2018 and 77% five years prior.
The Middle East and Africa in particular have registered noticeable drops. In 2015, roughly 71% of the world’s population needed a visa prior to visiting the Middle East. That figure dropped to 57% in 2023.
For Africa, it dropped from 45% to 33%.
Several U.S. travel executives have argued visa processing delays have hurt the country’s recovery from the pandemic : 84% of the world’s population needs a traditional visa to enter North America.
UN Tourism said that traditional visas, which often entail application fees as well as lengthy processing times, still remain the most common form of entry regulation.
The percentage of travelers able to obtain an e-visa has increased significantly throughout the years: 18% of the world’s population can apply for e-visas, up from 3% in 2013 and 7% in 2018. E-visas have become more common for entering destinations in both West and East Africa. Roughly 36% of the world’s population use e-visas for these regions.
The report cited North Africa, Central America, Northern and Western Europe as regions where e-visa programs don’t exist.
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Photo credit: The number of travelers needing visa stamps like the one issued by the Chinese government is decreasing. kris krüg / Wikimedia Commons
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When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas: April 2024
Are you seeking to adjust your status and become a U.S. permanent resident under a family-sponsored or employment-based preference immigrant visa? If you have not yet had a relative or employer file an immigrant visa petition on your behalf, please learn more about the Adjustment of Status Filing Process . If you already have a petition filed or approved on your behalf, you may have to wait for an available visa in your category (if applicable) before you can file your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status . This page will help you determine when to file your adjustment of status application.
When to File
Use the Visa Bulletin charts below to determine when to file your adjustment of status application.
To use the charts:
- Find your visa type in the first column (on the left) of the appropriate chart (Family-sponsored or Employment-based).
- Stay in that row and move directly to the right to find the corresponding date under the country of your birth (as listed in the boldface columns across the top).
- If the date on the chart is current (“C”), or your priority date is earlier than the date on the chart, you may file your adjustment of status application, if otherwise eligible to do so.
- “U” means unauthorized; for example, numbers are not authorized for issuance.
Your priority date is generally the date when your relative or employer properly filed the immigrant visa petition on your behalf with USCIS. If a labor certification is required to be filed with your immigrant visa petition, the priority date is the date the labor certification application was accepted for processing by the Department of Labor.
About the Visa Bulletin
DOS publishes current immigrant visa availability information in a monthly Visa Bulletin . The Visa Bulletin indicates when statutorily limited visas are available for issuance to prospective immigrants based on their individual priority date.
On Nov. 20, 2014, the Secretary of Homeland Security directed USCIS to work with DOS to:
- Ensure that all immigrant visas authorized by Congress are issued to eligible individuals when there is sufficient demand for such visas, and
- Improve the Visa Bulletin system for determining when immigrant visas are available to applicants during the fiscal year.
Additionally, in July 2015, the Administration issued its report on Modernizing and Streamlining Our Legal Immigration System for the 21st Century (PDF) . This report included detailed recommendations to revise and update the monthly Visa Bulletin to better estimate immigrant visa availability and provide needed predictability to nonimmigrant workers seeking permanent residency.
USCIS, in coordination with DOS, revised the procedures for determining visa availability for applicants waiting to file for adjustment of status. The revised process will better align with procedures DOS uses for noncitizens who seek to become U.S. permanent residents by applying for immigrant visas at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad.
This revised process will enhance DOS’s ability to more accurately predict overall immigrant visa demand in determining the cut-off dates for the Visa Bulletin. This will help ensure that the maximum number of immigrant visas are issued annually as intended by Congress, and minimize month-to-month fluctuations in Visa Bulletin final action dates. Additional goals are outlined in the White House report, Modernizing and Streamlining Our Legal Immigration System for the 21st Century (PDF) .
New Visa Bulletin Charts
The Visa Bulletin will now have two different charts because of the revised procedures. DOS will post two charts per visa preference category in the DOS Visa Bulletin. The charts are:
- Application Final Action Dates (dates when visas may finally be issued); and
- Dates for Filing Applications (earliest dates when applicants may be able to apply).
When USCIS determines there are immigrant visas available for the filing of additional adjustment of status applications, the Dates for Filing Applications chart may be used to determine when to file an adjustment of status application with USCIS. Otherwise, the Application Final Action Dates chart must be used to determine when to file an adjustment of status application with USCIS.
In coordination with the DOS, USCIS will monitor visa numbers each month and post the relevant chart on this page under When to File.
Determining Visa Availability
USCIS considers several factors to determine if there is a greater supply of visas than the demand for those visas. To determine visa availability, USCIS will compare the number of visas available for the remainder of the fiscal year with:
- Documentarily qualified visa applications reported by DOS;
- Pending adjustment of status applications reported by USCIS; and
- Historical drop off rate of applicants for adjustment of status (for example, denials, withdrawals and abandonments)
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Senators urge congressional leaders to make visas available for Afghans who aided the US
The state department has also appealed to congress to raise the visa cap.
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- Senators are urging congressional leaders to increase the number of visas available to Afghans who have worked with U.S. troops.
- A bipartisan group of senators, led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, voiced the need to raise the limit on special immigrant visas for Afghans.
- The State Department has also appealed to Congress to raise the visa cap, citing the obligation owed to Afghans who risked their lives.
Senators from both major political parties are urging congressional leaders to ensure that more visas are made available to Afghans who worked alongside U.S. troops in America’s longest war before a crucial pathway to safety in the United States abruptly closes.
In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, more than a dozen Republican and Democratic senators said Congress needs to raise the limit on the number of special immigrant visas the U.S. can process for Afghans. They said an additional 20,000 are needed before the end of the fiscal year in September.
"This critical program has already saved the lives of thousands of Afghans who served with bravery and honor alongside United States troops and diplomats in support of the mission in Afghanistan," the lawmakers, led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, wrote in the letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. "We must now uphold our commitment to these individuals and ensure that those qualified applicants are able to find safety in the United States."
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State Department spokesman Matthew Miller also called on Congress last week to increase the visa cap, saying that it would allow the U.S. to "meet our obligation to those Afghans who put their lives on the line for the United States, make sure that they are not forgotten."
Afghan refugees hold placards during a gathering on July 21, 2023, in Islamabad, Pakistan. Senators from both parties are urging congressional leaders to ensure that more visas are made available to Afghans who worked alongside U.S. troops in America's longest war. The senators say an additional 20,000 visas are needed before the end of the fiscal year in September. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul, File)
Senators included an increase in the annual cap of visas in a funding bill last year, but it's unclear whether that provision will make it into the final package lawmakers are racing to finish by the March 22 government funding deadline.
The special immigrant visa, or SIV, program allows eligible Afghans who helped Americans despite great personal risk to themselves and their loved ones to apply for entry into America with their families. Eligible Afghans include interpreters for the U.S. military as well as individuals integral to the American embassy in Kabul.
While the program has existed since 2009, the number of applicants skyrocketed after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. With the Taliban now back in power, advocates say Afghans who helped the U.S. are often living in hiding and facing torture and death if they’re found.
"Congress’ inaction to honor our commitments not only undermines our national conscience but erodes the very principles America claims to stand for," said Shawn VanDiver, a Navy veteran and head of #AfghanEvac, a coalition supporting Afghan resettlement efforts. "It’s high time Congress proves its integrity is more than just lip service; our Afghan allies deserve nothing less."
Since the program's inception, tens of thousands of visas have been issued to eligible Afghans, according to the State Department, with more than 30% of the total applications processed just since the withdrawal. A similar U.S. program exists for Iraqis, but both programs have come under criticism from lawmakers and advocates who say that cases move much too slowly, leaving applicants in a dangerous limbo.
It's up to Congress to set the cap on the number of visas available under the program. But when that cap is reached, Congress has had to go back periodically to increase the number of visas available.
Andrew Sullivan, the director of advocacy for No One Left Behind, which advocates for SIV applicants, said they’re down to roughly 7,000 visas left and if the State Department keeps approving visas at the current rate, they could run out of visas by the end of summer.
"It’s massive. It fundamentally amounts to a death knell for the program" if Congress doesn’t approve more visas, Sullivan said. "You’re going to have tens of thousands of people who are left behind through no fault of their own."
Advocates have previously complained about the slow pace of processing visas, but in recent months the numbers have been climbing and could hit 1,000 this month after the State Department streamlined the process for considering applications. The improvements have resulted in Afghans who helped the U.S. reaching safe harbor more quickly.
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But if lawmakers fail to authorize any more visas, hundreds of thousands of Afghan allies would remain in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has labeled them and their families as traitors. Sullivan said his nonprofit has identified more than 100 people who were killed by the ruling militant group and were either SIV applicants or were likely eligible for the visa program.
Failure to approve more visas would be another disappointment for Afghans as they wait for more concrete action from Congress. A bipartisan effort to permanently provide a pathway to citizenship for Afghan allies fell apart last month, thwarted by larger disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over border policy.
"For two decades, the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan relied on trusted Afghan allies who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with American troops," Shaheen, the New Hampshire senator, said in a statement. "We promised to protect them — just as they did for us, yet they are now at grave risk as the Taliban continue to hunt for them."
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Reports Australia cancelled visas of Palestinians fleeing Gaza ‘disgraceful’, advocates say
Amnesty coordinator says move sends ‘mixed messages’ to refugees and government should clarify what has happened
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Refugee advocates have urged the government to provide immediate clarity over visas for refugees fleeing the war zone in Gaza, after several Palestinians claimed their visas were cancelled at the last minute as they prepared to board planes.
Amnesty International’s national refugee coordinator, Dr Graham Thom, said the government’s reported move to cancel visas that had previously been issued “doesn’t make sense”. He said Australia was sending “mixed messages” to other refugees trying to flee Gaza.
“There must be a way out for people trapped in this circumstance and there must be a way for Australians to bring their families to safety,” he told Guardian Australia.
On Tuesday morning a Palestinian-Australian woman in Egypt claimed on social media that families who had escaped Gaza and made it to an airport in Cairo had been told their Australian visas were cancelled. The woman, who Guardian Australia contacted for more information, claimed the families had been told that the government cancelled the visas on the basis the visa-holders did not “intend for their visit to be temporary”.
Government sources earlier in the week branded as incorrect the claim that visas had been cancelled because of concerns about people overstaying.
More than 30,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Israel’s bombing campaign on Gaza, coming after the 7 October terrorist attack by Hamas which killed more than 1,200 Israelis. Aid trucks are struggling to reach people inside the besieged Palestinian territory.
One woman, who spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald , claimed she had been allowed to board a plane from Cairo to Australia with a stopover at another Middle Eastern airport. But she said when attempting to board the final leg to Australia, she was told her family’s visas had been cancelled. The newspaper reported the contents of a letter from the Department of Home Affairs addressed to the woman, which said the department believed “you never intended a genuine stay temporarily in Australia and therefore the visa was granted based on circumstances that never existed”.
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The government letter reportedly pointed to “the situation in your home country, including the current conflict, the internal displacement of persons and the difficult circumstances facing ordinary citizens there” as factors leading them to believe the woman would not stay in Australia only temporarily.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for the home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil, said the government “will not comment on individual cases”, but didn’t dispute claims that people had their visas cancelled.
“The Australian government recognises that this is an incredibly distressing time for Australians with extended family members in Gaza,” O’Neil’s spokesperson said.
“All visa applicants undergo security checks and are subject to ongoing security assessments. The Australian government reserves the right to cancel any issued visas if circumstances change.”
It’s understood that letters confirming a visa cancellation may state one specific ground for revoking the visa, but that other factors may exist.
Government data showed that between 7 October and 6 February, Australia issued 2,273 visitor visas to people declaring Palestinian citizenship. Only a small number of Palestinians have actually made it to Australia owing to travel difficulties. 460 visitor visas for Palestinian applicants were refused in the same period.
The government has previously strongly backed its security processes.
Thom, Amnesty’s refugee coordinator, said on social media: “This is absolutely disgraceful, these were the visas people fleeing Gaza were told to apply for on the DHA website, the same visas people fleeing Ukraine applied for, never any expectation they were tourists, this is abhorrent.”
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Palestinians trying to flee Gaza were told to apply for a 600 class Australian visa, Thom said, which allows overseas residents to temporarily visit family and friends. He said that refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine had been told to apply for the same visa class without any incidents of cancellation reported.
“We need to see some clarity from government on what has happened in this situation. The advice on the government website is very clear, that these are the visas people should apply for,” Thom said.
“If it’s an issue with security, people need to be told that and informed what mechanisms exist for appeal. If it’s not security and it’s the type of visas they’re applying for, the government needs to change their website and give different advice.”
“People are still trying to get out, who have visas to Australia. They need to know they’ll be able to get on the plane.”
The Greens immigration spokesperson, Nick McKim, condemned the situation as an “injustice”, calling for the visas to be reinstated.
“To cancel visas for those fleeing such horrendous conditions shows a lack of humanity and causes unnecessary further suffering. The minister urgently needs to intervene and fix this mess,” he said.
“At the very least, those affected must be granted temporary visas immediately so they can stay safely in Australia while any issues are resolved. It’s time for Labor to step up and show some leadership in the face of a humanitarian crisis.”
Jana Favero, director of advocacy at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, said she was deeply shocked by the reports.
“We are seeking urgent clarification, as the reason for visa cancellations is unclear and confusing. This causes unnecessary distress for people fleeing Palestine,” she told Guardian Australia.
“At times of international humanitarian crisis, safe passage and quick responsive leadership and action is needed by governments, including the Australian government.
“Our international humanitarian obligations are clear and we are simply demanding fair and equal treatment of Palestinians that were afforded to people fleeing persecution such as our response to the situation in Ukraine.”
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The US visa application process requires attention to detail. Any mistakes or omissions in the application form can lead to delays or complete rejection. It’s important to go through the visa form carefully, understand each questi … Read more
The US visa application process requires attention to detail. Any mistakes or omissions in the application form can lead to delays or complete rejection. It’s important to go through the visa form carefully, understand each question asked and provide accurate and complete information. Read less
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The US visa application process requires attention to detail. Any mistakes or omissions in the application form can lead to delays or complete rejection. It’s important to go through the visa form car...
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Learn how to apply for a visitor visa to enter the United States temporarily for business, tourism, or both purposes. Find out the requirements, fees, documents, and steps for a visa application, including the online form, the interview, and the visa issuance.
Learn how to get or renew a visitor visa for tourism or business in the U.S. Find out if you need a visa, how to prepare for your interview, and what documents you will need. Check if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and apply online.
Learn about the types, requirements, and process of obtaining a U.S. visa for foreign citizens who want to travel to the United States. Find out if you are eligible for visa-free travel, use the Visa Wizard to choose the appropriate visa type, and check the visa appointment wait time at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Learn about the different visa types and purposes for traveling to the United States, such as tourism, study, business, employment, and immigration. Find out how to apply for a visa, check the visa status, and access useful links and resources.
Learn how to apply for or renew a tourist visa, also known as a visitor visa, if you plan to visit the U.S. for tourism or business. Find out how to check the status of your visa application, update your address, and extend your stay in the U.S. See what travel documents you need to enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda.
Learn how to fill out the DS-160 form for temporary travel to the U.S. or K (fiancé (e)) visas. Find out how to schedule an interview, pay the fee, and access the online application.
Learn how to apply for a visitor visa to travel to the United States for business or pleasure. Find out if you are exempt from the visa requirement, how to extend your stay, and what to do if you lose your Form I-94.
Learn how to obtain a visa and apply for your visa online for travel to the United States. Find visa application forms, fees, interview schedules and locations for your specific country.
Welcome. Welcome to the Consular Electronic Application Center! On this website, you can apply for a U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa; apply to renew an A, G, or NATO Visa; apply for an Immigrant Visa; or check the status of your visa application. On this website, you can also pay certain fees associated with your Immigrant Visa application. Please note ...
If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel abroad, you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements. While not all countries require visas for American travelers, many do. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool.
The Visa section of this website is about U.S. visas for foreign citizens and nationals to travel to the United States. Visit Travel.State.gov for additional information. Note: U.S. citizens do not need a U.S. visa for travel to the United States. When planning travel abroad a U.S. citizen may need a visa issued by the embassy or consulate of ...
You are a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program country. You are currently not in possession of a visitor's visa. Your travel is for 90 days or less. You plan to travel to the United States for business or pleasure. You want to apply for a new authorization for one person or a group of applications for two or more persons.
Learn how to apply for a U.S. visa, what type of visa you need, and where to find visa information for your country. Use the Visa Wizard to find out the best visa option for your travel purpose and eligibility.
Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States. (Note: U.S. citizens don't need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad ...
If you are applying for a visa for the first time, or are applying to renew a visa, you are required to take the same steps. Step One: Complete the online DS-160 and print the confirmation page for each person applying for a visa, regardless of age. Answer the questions to the best of your ability; we cannot assist you in completing the form.
The U.S. Consulate General in Sydney processes all diplomatic and official visa applications in Australia. If the application is complete and subsequently approved, standard processing time is ten (10) business days from receipt of all required documentation. All officials traveling on behalf of the Australian federal government require visas ...
The Mosaic Of Non-Immigrant U.S. Visas For Business Professionals • Tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2).These visas are designed for short visits to the United States for business-related ...
Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States. (Note: U.S. citizens don't need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad ...
When planning travel abroad a U.S. citizen may need a visa issued by the embassy or consulate of the country they wish to visit. What Type of Visa Do You Need? For short-term visits to the United States (for tourism, business, education, and more), you can go directly to the online application (form DS-160). For immigrant visas, which are ...
The percentage of travelers able to obtain an e-visa has increased significantly throughout the years: 18% of the world's population can apply for e-visas, up from 3% in 2013 and 7% in 2018.
The Visa Bulletin will now have two different charts because of the revised procedures. DOS will post two charts per visa preference category in the DOS Visa Bulletin. The charts are: Application Final Action Dates (dates when visas may finally be issued); and; Dates for Filing Applications (earliest dates when applicants may be able to apply).
Omani citizens: Beginning June 1, 2017, certain qualified Omanis who are renewing their U.S. tourist and business visas (B1/B2 or B2) may be eligible to apply for their visa online without coming to the embassy for an interview. For more information on whether or not you qualify, please visit the U.S. Embassy in Muscat's Global Support ...
Senators are urging congressional leaders to increase the number of visas available to Afghans who have worked with U.S. troops. A bipartisan group of senators, led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, voiced ...
Palestinians trying to flee Gaza were told to apply for a 600 class Australian visa, Thom said, which allows overseas residents to temporarily visit family and friends.
China will offer visa-free travel to nationals from Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg from March 14, foreign minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.
TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS, UNITED STATES / Created : Mar 14, 2024, 19:00 IST. aa ... It's common knowledge that the United States visa application process is a long one, it's important to ...