Non-Immigrant Visas

General Information

For information on visa free travel please visit Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Information.

What is a visa?

A visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A visa entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry. An immigration inspector at the port of entry determines the visa holder's eligibility for admission into the United States.  The "B" Visitor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2). Persons planning to travel to the U.S. for a different purpose such as students, temporary workers, crewmen, journalists, etc., must apply for a different visa in the appropriate category. For additional information, please visit this site or contact the U.S. Visa Information Service by calling 0900 US VISA (0900 878 472).

Qualifying for a Visa

Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. The presumption in the law is that every visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:

1. The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business or pleasure;
   
2. They plan to remain for a specific, limited period;
   
3. That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding obligations which will ensure their return abroad at the conclusion of the visit.  Examples include: ownership of property, details of immediate family, letters of employment, bank statements.