All about visa validity for the USA
Would you like to immigrate to the USA for a shorter or longer period? Are you planning to work, do an internship, study at an American university or simply travel to the USA for tourism ? If so, you’ll need to apply for a visa. The visa is not easy to obtain, and the procedure is often very long. In this article, you’ll find all the answers to your questions about visa validity.
If you’re planning to travel to the USA, you’ll need the right documents to enter Uncle Sam’s country legally. Unfortunately, unlike the Schengen area, a valid identity card is not enough. What’s more, if you’re planning a trip lasting more than 90 days, the ESTA form won’t be valid. You’ll need to go to the US embassy to apply for an American visa.
The USA visa grants authorization to a foreign national to visit the USA for a specific purpose: it could be for an internship, to work or to study in the USA.
There are many different visas to choose from, adapted to every situation the immigrant may encounter.
There are 2 main categories of visa:
- Non-immigrant visas: are intended for people who do not intend to live in the USA their entire lives, but stay for a defined temporary period. For example, a tourist visit, an internship in an American company, or for study purposes.
- Immigrant visas: for people wishing to move to the USA permanently.
Visa or ESTA?
There are differences between the ESTA and the visa. Compared with ESTA, which is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization and Visa Waiver, the visa allows you to stay much longer and is open to more possibilities.
ESTA authorization is recommended for tourist, transit or business stays of up to 90 days.
The visa is more expensive and less straightforward to obtain (the ESTA costs $14 and can be obtained quickly via an online application), but it offers the possibility of staying for very long periods in the USA.
Apply for a valid visa
Applying for a U.S. visa is no easy task, as it takes time and several administrative steps to obtain the document. You must apply for a visa at the American embassy or consulate.
Visa applicants will need to be interviewed at consular services, and the waiting period varies depending on the consulate or US embassy. You’ll need to answer a few questions.
You must bring your visa file, which includes the following documents:
- a valid biometric passport (or electronic passport) ;
- birth certificate ;
- marriage certificate ;
- passport photos ;
- proof of sufficient financial resources (photocopy of bank statement, for example);
- criminal record ;
- letter from your future employer, if you are going to the USA to work;
- etc.
Documents that are not in English must be translated in order to apply for a valid visa. Other necessary documents will also be requested: vaccination records, proof that you have passed a medical examination and a receipt showing that you have paid the visa application administration fee (approx. $335).
If you pass the interview, you will be fingerprinted at . Once your visa has been issued, you must enter within 6 months.
Validity of a USA visa
The type of visa you need depends on the type of trip and its purpose. In fact, there are over 20 different visas for non-immigrants making a temporary trip to the USA.
The period of validity of a USA visa also varies according to the type of trip you wish to make to the USA.
| Reason for trip | Type of visa | Visa validity period |
| business travel | B1 | from 1 month to 10 years |
| tourist trips | B2 | from 1 month to 10 years |
| medical treatments | B2 | from 1 month to 10 years |
| transit | C | 29 days |
| student | F,M | covers the duration of studies |
| specialized worker | H-1B | 3 years renewable |
| agricultural worker | H-2A | one year renewable |
| teacher, teacher | J1,Q | the duration of the contract or exchange program |
| spouse of an American citizen | K-1 | 6 months |
| extraordinary skills | O | 3 years |
| religious | R | 2 years renewable |
| border crossing to Mexico | BCC | 10 years |
| crew member | D | 2 years |
For example, a person wishing to visit the USA and discover Florida, Louisiana or California for several months will need to apply for a tourist B2 visa. Students wishing to obtain a university degree should apply for an F visa. The length of validity of a visa will also depend on the customs officer who receives you at the US border.
Alternative to the USA visa
There are other documents enabling you to reside in the USA legally: the Green Card and ESTA.
The Green Card can be obtained by lottery and allows you to become a permanent resident on American soil, while the ESTA only allows a temporary stay of up to 90 days, for tourism, transit or business purposes.
There are many requirements to obtain a Green Card, whereas an ESTA can be issued much more easily.
Whatever happens, your American dream can come true!