Tourist Visa(Non-Immigration Visa)

PLEASE NOTE: All visa options listed on this page are different types of non-immigrant visas. In general, they authorize you to live in the US for a limited period only. If you are interested in permanent residence in the US you will, sooner or later, need to apply for the Green Card.

B-2-Visa

This is a tourist visa. It is a single-entry visa and may be issued for up to six (6) months at each application. The visa may be also be issued as a ten-year, multiple-entry authorization. Applications must be filed with the nearest US consulate. The visa costs about DM 100. The application for this type of visa can be processed by the consulate in just a matter of days. You may also apply for it by mail or through a travel agency. Foreigners who have only lived in their current countries of residence for a short period of time are generally denied this type of visa.

Visa Waiver Program

This is a special program that allows you entry into the US without a visa. Under this program you will only be allowed a maximum of 90 days’ stay within the borders of the United States. There are some important conditions for eligibility, however. First, you must be entering the US as a tourist. Second, you must have a valid passport. Third, you must be the citizen or subject of one of these countries, kingdoms or municipalities: Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, and Spain.

There is no guarantee that all applicants will be granted this visa when they apply for it at a US port of entry. While it does not happen often, there are instances of rejection.

O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

Only persons with “extraordinary abilities” may apply for this type of visa. Normally this applies to prize winners and international award recipients. The visa may be extended indefinitely.