Visa requirements for travel to the USA
Going to the United States is no mean feat, but it’s an achievable mission all the same. There are a few administrative formalities to be completed before departure, so that you can travel to the USA legally and with peace of mind.
To protect the country and strengthen domestic security, U.S. immigration policy is fairly strict: all applications to enter the U.S. must be submitted on a U.S. visa or ESTA. In this article, you’ll find out about the different visas available for staying in the United States.
What are the steps involved in obtaining a visa?
You must obtain authorization to stay in the United States before your departure. To do so, you need to make an appointment with the nearest U.S. embassy to your place of residence.
There are different visas, adapted to each type of stay (tourism, work, internship in the USA, studies, etc.) and to your profile.
The interview at the American embassy or consulate is an important and unavoidable step in the visa application process. You’ll need to explain, in English, the various reasons why you want to visit the USA (a good level of English is therefore required): you’ll need to prepare well for this stage so as not to face a refusal from the American authorities.
Make sure you take your valid e-passport or biometric passport (with fingerprints) and other necessary documents with you, and prepare your answers to the questions you will be asked.
What are the different USA visas?
As mentioned above, there are many different types of visa, to suit every situation. Here is a table summarizing the different USA visas currently available for travel to the United States.
| visa | Reasons for travel |
| B1 | Business travel |
| B2 | Tourist visit (tourist visa) |
| B2 | Stay for medical treatment |
| C | Stopover or transit for the United States |
| F, M | visa to study in the USA |
| J1, Q | visas for teachers, professors and interns |
| K | visa for spouse of american citizen |
| O and P | visas for extraordinary skills (artists, athletes, scientists, etc.) |
| R | religious visa |
| BCC | visa for border crossing from Mexico |
| D | visas for crew members (plane, boat) |
| H-1B | specialized worker visa |
| H-2A | visa for agricultural workers |
So there are quite a few different visas, depending on your situation: if you want to work in the USA, you’ll need to apply for an H1B visa (work permit). If you’re planning to set up a business, you’ll need to apply for an E1/E2 visa (investor visa).
If you want to study at a major American university, you’ll need to apply for an F or M visa.
What are the alternatives to a USA visa?
There are alternatives to the various U.S. visas, to enable you to live in the U.S. for shorter or longer periods.
ESTA as an alternative to a USA visa
ESTA authorization is an electronic travel authorization system that enables its holder to travel to the USA without having to apply for a USA visa. It is available to nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). There are currently 38 such countries, including France and Belgium.
To do this, you need to apply online via the official U.S. government website , or use an independent site that will help you and verify your data.
The green card
The Green Card is a U.S. resident card that allows you to live in the USA on a permanent basis. People holding this document do not have the status of American citizens, but can work in the USA and settle there quite legally without needing a visa. This document can be obtained in a number of ways, for example through one’s employer, one’s family, or through exceptional skills. There is also a green card lottery system that enables millions of immigrants around the world to realize their American dream.
If you’re planning to immigrate to the USA, don’t hesitate to contact for any questions you may have about expatriation, , ESTA applications or visas for the USA.