USA
VISITOR VISA
TRAVEL TO THE US FOR VISITS & TOURISM
Visiting friends and family in the US? Looking to travel for tourism or medical purposes? The US B2 visa is ideal for short term travellers visiting the US for non-business purposes. African Black Lion Trading PLC Overseas has helped thousands of people successfully apply for Visas across the World. Our in-depth knowledge of the US visa process makes us the best option for you to file your US B2 Visa application. The B-2 visa is a non-immigrant US visa. The visa gives permission to individuals to enter the US for a short period either for tourism, recreation or for family visits.B-visa holders can engage in the following activities when they are in the US:
Come to the country on a holiday
Visit the various cities in the country
Visit their friends or family
Take part in social events conducted by organizations
Visit the country for medical treatment
Participate in sports or music events
Participate in short term courses
US B2 VISA DETAILS
The US B2 visa is the best way for short term visitors to visit the US. It is typically issued for a period of 6 months. In some cases, it is issued as a multiple entry visa for a period of up to 10 years. Key details of the B2 visa are:You must be able to persuade US consular officials at a US Embassy/Consulate that they are not visiting the country with an intention to become an immigrant of that country
You must show reasons and evidence that you would definitely return to your home country
You must book appointments for giving your biometrics (finger scan) and visa interview
Children below 14 years and adults above 80 years are not required to visit the Consulate/Embassy for an interview and can submit the documents at the visa application centre
People who already had a US Visit Visa and now applying for renewal can get the visa renewed by booking the visa appointment at visa application centre and submitting the documents in person
Typically the visa is processed within 2-3 days and your passport can either be collected from the VAC centre or couriered to you.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR USA B2 VISITOR VISA
The documentation required for the B2 visa includes:
Your passport
Proof of funds
Letters supporting your reason of visiting the US
Adequate insurance coverage
Details of who you are staying with and where
Air tickets
Evidence that you will return to your home country
Financial documents
Insurance and other supporting documents
THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE B-2 VISA
Submit the Form DS-160
Pay the visa fees
Schedule the tourist visa interview at the US embassy or consulate
Complete the B-2 visa document file
Attend the visa interview
If you have applied for the US tourist visa, you will be required to attend a visa interview where you will be asked questions about the purpose of your trip and your travel plans.
Preparing for the visa interview
Schedule an appointment for your visa interview in the country where you reside: While your interview may be scheduled at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate, it may be more difficult to obtain a visa outside the country where you live permanently.) Search for your country of residence at USEmbassy.gov to find the nearest embassy or consulate — and its contact details. Check on the wait time: Understand that wait times differ according to the venue, visa category and even season, which is why applying early is crucial.
Pay the visa application fee which is non-refundable
Gather the required documents: These include:
Passport valid 6 months after your scheduled departure from the US
Type DS-160 confirmation page for non-immigrant visa application
Receipt of Transaction Fee
One printed photo that satisfies visitor visa requirements
Prepare for the interview by rehearsing answers for frequently asked questions
Visa interviews are generally required of travelers between the ages of 14-79, Typically, interviews are not required of applicants 13 years of age and younger or 80 years of age and older—through consular officers can choose to interview any visa applicant, regardless of age.
US C1 VISA:
You might be traveling to a destination but have to necessarily stop for a layover within the United States. This means that you will have to transit through the US. For this you will need the C1 visa or the Transit Visa for USA.A US Transit Visa gives you permission to enter the US and stay for a layover. When your planned flight or ship leaves for your next destination, you will have to leave the US.
The US government issues C1 visas for immediate and continuous transit through the country. This means that if travel to your final destination requires a layover in the US and you will be allowed to stop in the US but will have no other privileges.
The Transit visa allows you to stay in the US only for the approved time because this is not a visa for tourism or business.
Typically, the visa is processed within 5 days. Processing times for any US visa depends on the workload of the US Embassy from where you are applying. If there are more applications, it will take a longer time. Since the C1 visa has a shorter duration, its processing time will be faster compared to other visas.
Documents Required For US C1 Transit Visa
Completed DS-160 application form.
Your passport with at least one blank page to be able to affix visa.
One photograph fulfilling the requirements set by the US authorities.
Proof of having paid transit visa fees.
Social media details.
Proof that you are allowed to enter the country of your final destination.
Ticket or itinerary to your final destination.
Letter stating the purpose of your visit to your final destination.
Proof of having funds to cover your expenses during your transit.
Proof that you will return to your home or another country after your stay in the US.
Proof of medical health insurance.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE C1 VISA
Submit the Form DS-160Pay the visa fees
Schedule the transit visa interview at the US embassy or consulate
Submit the required documents
Attend the visa interview
What Are the Restrictions of the C1 Visa?
Since the C1 visa does not allow you to stay in the US, there are several restrictions which you will have to follow with the C1 visa, you cannot:
Stay in the US for more than the designated time.
Travel or study in the US.
Find employment in the US.
Extend the C1 visa.
Adjust or change the status of the C1 visa.
Apply for a Green Card with a C1 visa.
Bring dependents with only one transit visa.
Dependents cannot travel, work, or study in the US on the C1 visa
How Long Can I Stay in the US with a C1 Visa?
Since transiting is for aa short duration, the validity of the C1 visa is short. The visa is valid for a period of a maximum of 29 days or until the date of departure from the US on your ticket, whichever is earlier.
U.S D VISA DETAILS
D visa or Crewmember visa is one of the non-immigrant visas issued by the U.S government. This visa is specifically for those people who work on commercial sea vessels or international airlines that go through the U.S. For these sea vessels and airlines to run normal operations, their crew must be allowed to pass through the U.S and make short stops.With the D visa, the crew members can go through to the U.S and stay in the country for a maximum of 29 days.
The D visa allows the crews to go through the U.S and stay for a maximum of 29 days. Holders of the D visa can leave the dock or airport for this duration but must also leave the country within 29 days. The D visa can only be used for the purpose of passing through the U.S.
The visa processing time can vary between 3 to 5 days or even up to 2 weeks. Processing times for any U.S visa depends on the workload of the U.S Embassy from where you are applying. If there are more applications, it will take a longer time.
Requirements to get the D visa
To get the D visa, the person must be working on a vessel or airline travelling to the U.S and only passing through. The following job positions qualify for a D visa:
Flight attendant or pilot on a commercial airplane
Captain, deckhand, or engineer on a sea vessel
Lifeguard, waiter, cook, or other supporting staff on cruise ships
Trainee on board of a training vessel
Individuals who perform the following duties cannot apply for a D visa:
Dry dock duties such as repairs while the boat is docked on a U.S port
Occupants of a fishing vessel which has an operating base or home port in the U.S
Substitute coasting officer
Workers on a private yacht which will be docked in the U.S for more than 29 days
Crewmembers on a vessel going to the Outer Continental Shelf
Documents required for U.S D visa
Completed DS-160 application form.
Your passport with at least one blank page to be able to affix visa.
One photograph fulfilling the requirements set by the U.S authorities.
Proof of having paid transit visa fees.
Interview confirmation page and its copy
Letter describing the purpose of your trip from your company or employer
Proof of ties to your home country such as family documents, job contract, lease, or property deed, which prove you do not intend to stay in the U.S for more than 29 days
Letter from your employer with these details:
Name of the vessel
Period of time you will be in the U.S.
Date and port of entry
Date and port of exit
Your job position with description of duties
Your salary while in the U.S.
Copies of employer work records from your employer
The Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)
Travel authorization from your company
Certificates and diplomas verifying your qualifications;
Criminal records or letter from authorities stating that you do not have prior convictions
THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE D VISA
Submit the Form DS-160Pay the visa fees
Submit the required documents
Attend the visa interview
HOW African Black Lion Trading PLC OVERSEAS CAN HELP YOU?
African Black Lion Trading PLC Overseas offers end to end assistance to help you with your B2 visa. Talk to us to learn how our consultants can help you at each step of your visa process.
STUDENT VISA
PURSUE YOUR HIGHER EDUCATION IN ONE OF THE US UNIVERSITIES
The United States is the world’s leading student destination. It offers unparalleled scope for students from all streams to study and excel in their chosen fields. Coupled with an economy that requires new talent every year, it is the ideal destination for students looking to study and make a life after graduation. With a US student visa, it is possible to study in USA.African Black Lion Trading PLC Overseas offers authoritative support students need to study in US universities with a US student visa. Our understanding of the US education system and vast experience with its student visa process make us your best bet to study in the US.
WHY STUDY IN USA?
The US universities are able to provide the best possible platform to international students with a student visa. This is evident from their high rankings making it worthwhile to study in USA. The country’s education system offers the most comprehensive coursework to students with an equal emphasis on both practical and theoretical learning.
Affordable Education
Diversity and Flexibility
Outstanding support system for overseas students
Healthy and Safe Communities
Access to internships
Exciting Campus Lifestyle
COST OF STUDYING IN THE USA
The US Universities fall under two major categories: public-funded and private institutions.International students’ tuition expenses at state schools are based on non-resident costs, which are still usually less expensive than those of private universities. This is excluding the student visa fees. You will need approximately $10,000 to $55,000 annually to cover your tuition fees when you study in USA.
STUDY PROGRAM APPROXIMATE TUITION FEES IN USD$
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree $15,000 to $40,000 per year
Graduate programs $20,000 to $40,000 per year
Doctoral Degree $20,000 to $45,000 per year
UPCOMING INTAKES IN THE USA
US universities have 3 intakes.Students have the option of choosing the term of their study from three main flexible intakes, Spring (January), Fall (September) and Summer (May) when they study in USA.
Intake 1: Fall Semester – It commences in August/September and is the major intake.
Intake 2: Spring Semester – It commences in January/February intake is also available.
Intake 3: Summer Semester – It commences in May/June and is available for selected Courses.
You will have to choose an intake that best suits your requirements and make your application accordingly. Remember the deadline to submit applications are usually a few months before the starting date of the semester. You will also have to plan your US student visa application to sync with your college application process.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS IN US UNIVERSITIES:
Student Applicant
Students must be over 18 years of age.International students can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week or less during the academic terms and full-time during the academic break periods including the summertime.
Off-campus employment requires some form of written or documented authorization issued by either the USCIS or OISS.
You must be currently in legal status and have been enrolled as a student on a F-1 student visa in the US for a minimum of one academic year to be eligible for any form of off-campus employment.
US STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS (F1 VISA)
You will generally need the following for your US Student Visa application for US universities:A valid passport with a validity date at least six months beyond your period of stay.
Recent passport size photograph.
Confirmation page of DS-160.
Form I -20.
Payment of application fees for SEVIS.
Application as a non-immigrant.
Your University will make you aware of additional requirements if any prior to your application.
AFTER YOU GRADUATE:
F1 Student Visa holders are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT (optional practical training) on completion of graduation. That means you can work for a year after you finish your studies. It is temporary employment permission allowing students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study.After that, you’ll be required to apply for a work visa if you have to continue working in the US. You can remain in the US up to 60 days after the completion of your course in US universities even if you don’t have a job offer or haven’t applied for OPT
STUDENT DEPENDENT VISA
The student dependent visa is called the F2 Visa. The F2 visa is a non-immigrant dependent visa where the immediate family members of the F1 student visa holders can come to the US. Dependents include the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of the individual who is studying in US.
ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS FOR THE F2 VISA
Must be the spouse of an F1 student visa holder.Must be the dependent child (under 21 years and unmarried) of an F1 visa holder.
Applicant must have enough financial resources to support the family in the US
F2 VISA REQUIREMENTS
Passport (both original and photocopies)Visa application confirmation (DS-160)
A photograph conforming to U.S. visa rules
Birth certificate for dependent children
Marriage certificate for spouses
Visa fee payment receipt
Applicant’s I-20 form
Copy of F1 visa holder’s I-20 form
Applicant’s bank statements, tax records, and employment documents as proof of financial stability
BENEFITS OF F2 VISA
Extended visa staysIf the primary F1 student visa holder extends his / her stay, then the F2 visa dependents are also automatically eligible to apply for the extension. Filing Form I-539 is enough to renew your F2 visa along with proof of your financial status.
Change of visa status
You can enter the U.S. on an F2 visa and subsequently request a change of visa status. By enrolling in a US higher education program in US universities, you can change your visa status to F1. If you find an appropriate job, you can request a change of visa status.
Getting a Green Card
While you get a Green Card automatically when your primary F1 visa holder receives one, you are also eligible to apply for one on your own. You can change your visa status to a different one which allows for dual purpose (e.g., L1 visa) and then apply for a Green Card. If you find employment, you become eligible for a Green Card.
Access to healthcare
F2 visa holders have access to medical services and hospitals in the US. However, if you plan on a long stay or expect a medical situation, it makes sense to buy a health insurance plan to cover the high costs of health care.
F2 VISA RESTRICTIONS
No permission to workNot eligible for Social Security Number
Not allowed to pursue higher education
Cannot enter the U.S. before the F1 student visa holder
As you are not eligible to work, you can’t get a Social Security Number (SSN).
You can’t get employment in the United States on an F2 visa. But you’re allowed to do unpaid voluntary work
You cannot do a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in US universites on the F2 visa. Yet you are eligible for recreational and vocational training courses. Dependent children on an F2 visa can complete primary, middle and high school education. If you are looking to pursue higher studies, you must first apply for a visa status change.
You must either be accompanied by the primary F1 visa holder or fly later after the F1 holder for first-time travel to the U.S. on an F2 visa. You can’t enter the United States before the F1 visa holder. This only applies when you are first entering the U.S. and not for subsequent travel
M1 VISA – STUDENT VISA (VOCATIONAL COURSE)
M1 visa is a type of non-immigrant student visa issued by the USCIS to foreign students looking to study in the United States, but not every student receives an M1 visa. This is primarily intended for those who want to pursue vocational training in the U.S.
Students can enter the US with an M1 visa and complete their full-time vocational studies.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH AN M1 VISA
Using the M1 visa, as a student, you can obtain a driver’s license, a bank account based in the U.S., access to health care services, and apply for work under certain restrictions.
What you cannot do-.
Requirements for student visa application
You cannot apply for non-academic or vocational training courses in the US
You meet the minimum education qualification required for admission into the vocational course.
You were admitted by a U.S.-based educational school and got the Form I-20.
You have the appropriate level of proficiency in English
You’ve shown you’ve got enough funds to cover your expenses while you’re in the US
You have permanent residence in your country of origin
You have no intention of remaining in the US and will leave after your education is complete
The institution is convinced that the education you are receiving will benefit your country of origin
Documents required
Passport valid for at least six months
DS-160 confirmation
Visa appointment letter
Recent photographs
Fee receipts
Educational certificates
Proof of financial stability
Apply for full-time employment outside the campus
Study the full-time course as part-time operation (which means strict monitoring of attendance)
West Virginia University
WORK PERMIT
APPLY FOR THE US B1 BUSINESS VISA
As the centre of global commerce, the US attracts millions of business visitors every year. The US B1 Business Visa is designed for short term business travel to the US. This visa is typically issued for a period of 6-12 months and is used for supporting business activities such as attending conferences, conducting negotiations etc. The scope of this visa is wide and allows for all sorts of activities other than actively running a business. African Black Lion Trading PLC Overseas can help you identify the right approach to applying for your B1 visa. Our teams will assist you with your application creation and filing and ensure you have the highest chance of receiving a visa quickly. The B1 visa is valid for six months.US B1 VISA DETAILS
The B1 Visa is used by visitors for a wide variety of business activities. It is used by businesspersons and executives visiting the US for purposes such as:Conducting negotiations
For sales or investment meetings
Discuss planned investment or purchases
For business investment purposes
To attend meetings
To interview and hire staff
For research purposes
Ideally, you should apply for the visa a minimum of 2-3 months in advance to allow for all security clearance and processing while meeting all the US business visa requirements. In some cases, there may be a personal interview as well.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Since there is no quota on the B1 visa, the documentation required is not as strenuous as for migrant visas. Typically, your application package must contain:Your passport
Proof of funds
Letters supporting your reason of visiting the US
Letter from your employer if traveling as an employee
Proof of business ownership if you are traveling as a businessperson
Insurance and other supporting documents