10 Most Common U.S. Visitor Visa Questions (With Answers)

The United States welcomes millions of visitors every year and it seems you’re planning to join the club. If you want to travel for tourism or business, you need to obtain the B1 Business or B2 Tourist visa. You’re probably wondering how to apply or what you can and can’t do. Here is a collection of the frequently asked questions about the U.S. visitor visa.

• My passport with a valid U.S. tourist visa will expire after I enter the United States. Do I need a new passport with a new visa?

To put this simply - you can generally enter the United States with a valid visa placed in a valid passport. In case your old passport with a valid visa has expired, you might travel with your new passport together with your old passport. Your new passport needs to be valid for six months beyond your expected stay in the United States. Unless exempted, your new passport is supposed to be valid throughout your stay in the United States. If your passport will expire after you enter the United States and you haven’t applied for your visa yet, apply for a new passport before you obtain your U.S. tourist visa.

• My U.S. visitor visa will expire after I arrive in the United States. Do I need to apply for a new one before I enter the country?

This is a tricky one. When you come to your Port of Entry, the CBP Officer might let you in and specify the date until you’re allowed to stay in the United States. To reduce the risk of denied entry, we recommend you have a valid visa during your stay. We also offer you online support and professional consulting, and you can learn more on our official Visitor visa page.

• I want to visit the United States just to get married as I won’t live there. Which visa do I need?

If you’re not planning to apply for the Green Card after you marry your United States fiancé(e), apply for the B2 Tourist visa. This visa allows you to have your wedding ceremony in the U.S. and leave the country before your visa expires. You cannot apply for a Green Card while you’re in the United States on the B2 Tourist visa. In case you change your mind and want to gain permanent residence in the United States, start the K1 Fiancé(e) visa process.

• I want to receive medical treatment in the United States. Which visa do I need?

Even though this activity is usually not pleasurable, it falls into the tourism category. You need the B2 Tourist visa to get all your planned medical treatments and have time for recovery in the United States. To take all the necessary precautions before you travel to the United States, simply contact our U.S. visa online consultants and we’ll gladly answer all your questions.

• Does my baby need a visa?

Your baby needs a United States visa if they’re planning to travel to the United States. Due to the Interview Waiver Program, your child doesn’t have to attend their interview when they’re under 14 years of age unless requested otherwise. You as a parent will attend your baby’s interview instead.

• Can I extend my visa?

Yes, if you have a good reason. Once you’re in the United States, you can file a request with the USCIS and state why you need to extend your visa. The extensions are granted if there is an emergency or an acceptable reason.

• Do I need an invitation letter for the B1 Business visa?

Having an invitation letter for this visa type is not a requirement. However, you need to secure enough money to cover your stay in the United States. If your employer or a company in the United States is sponsoring your trip, it is good to have an invitation letter where the necessary details. Your personal visa online agent at VisaExpress creates an invitation letter on behalf of your contact in the United States and takes care of the signing and delivery process.

• How much time do I need to spend outside the United States before I enter again?

Once you legally exit the country and in case you didn’t overstay your visit in the United States, you can enter the country again as long as your visa is valid. There is no required period between your past and future entries to the country.

• I want to enter the United States on a private yacht. Which visa do I need?

You can enter the United States on the B1/B2 visa if you’re either the owner of the yacht or its guest. Providing you want to work as a crew member of the yacht, you’ll need the C1/D Crewmember visa. This visa allows you to make a stop in the U.S. while you’re working on a sea vessel or aircraft. Start your C1/D Crewmember visa journey.

• I have had a small criminal transgression in the past. Will I still get my U.S. tourist visa?

There is a possibility that the Consular Officers will disregard these details from your biography. Generally, you need to have an agreeable background and no criminal record.

Hopefully, you’ve found the answer you were looking for among the frequently asked questions about the U.S. visitor visa. When you start your journey with VisaExpress, you’ll be assigned your personal visa agent that will take full care of your visa application. They fill out forms for you, submit your application, and prepare other necessary files that demonstrate your suitability for getting a U.S. visitor visa. We’re looking forward to meeting you!