- 1- Determining the purpose of your trip
- Before traveling, it is important to clearly define the purpose of your visit, as this will determine the type of visa you will apply for.
- 1. tourist visa (B1/B2)
- Obtaining a visa:
- DS-160 Questionnaire: Complete the DS-160 form at https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/.
- Visa Fee: Approximately $180, payable prior to appointment for interview.
- Make an appointment for an interview: Schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S. Consulate.
- Interview Documents:Passport (valid for at least 6 months). Proof of submission of DS-160 application form and payment of fee. Photo according to embassy standards. Documents confirming intent to return (real estate documents, employment references, etc.). Travel plan, including hotel reservations and tickets.
- Necessary actions before arrival
- 1.Health insurance: It is recommended to take out insurance to cover possible medical expenses.
- 2.Cell Phone: Purchase a prepaid SIM card (e.g. T-Mobile, AT&T).
- 3.Transportation: Decide if you will rent a car (international license may be required).
- 4.Customs regulations: Find out what you can bring into the U.S., including restrictions on food and medicine.
- 2.Study Visa (F-1)Obtaining a visa
- Enrollment: Obtain proof of enrollment from a U.S. educational institution (Form I-20).
- SEVIS Fee: Pay the SEVIS fee (approximately $350) through https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html.
- DS-160 Questionnaire: Complete and submit the DS-160 form.
- Visa Fee: Approximately $180.
- Schedule an interview: Schedule an interview at the consulate.
- Documents for the interview: Passport with a valid expiration date. DS-160 questionnaire and SEVIS payment. Form I-20. Letter of Enrollment. Proof of financial solvency (bank statements). Documentation of intent to return home upon completion of studies.
- Required pre-arrival activities
- Health insurance: Students often require compulsory insurance, which can be provided by the university.
- Housing: Book housing in advance if the university does not provide a dormitory. Use websites such as Zillow or Apartments.com.
- Cell phone and internet: Get a SIM card or look into contract tariff offers.
- Document preparation: Take all originals and copies of documents such as I-20, passport, and insurance.
- What to do upon arrival:
- Register with the university: Notify the institution of your arrival in the United States.
- Social Adjustment: Find out about opportunities for student clubs and adjustment programs.
3. Employment Visa (H-1B)Obtaining a Visa
Job Offer: Get a formal offer from an employer willing to file an H-1B visa petition.
I-129 Petition: The employer must file Form I-129 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Petition Approval Notice: Once the petition is approved, receive a Form I-797.
DS-160 Questionnaire: Complete the DS-160 form.
Visa Fee: The fee is approximately $190.
Make an appointment for an interview: Schedule an appointment at the consulate.
Interview Documents: Passport. DS-160 application form and proof of payment. Form I-797 (notice of approval of petition). Contract with employer. Documents proving qualifications (diplomas, certificates, etc.).
Required pre-arrival activities
Health insurance: Work visas require insurance before you start work.
Cell phone and internet: Get a SIM card or a contract with a mobile operator.
Housing: If your employer does not provide housing, find temporary or long-term accommodation.
Transportation: Decide whether you will rent a car or use public transportation, depending on the location of the job.
What to do when you arrive:
Obtain a tax number: Get a Social Security Number (SSN) from the nearest Social Security Administration office.
Getting Started: Notify your employer of your arrival and go through the company's paperwork process.
Financial matters for all types of visas
Opening a bank account: Prepare documents to open an account in the U.S. (passport, visa, proof of address).
International Transfers: Use systems such as Wise or PayPal to transfer funds to the US.
Credit History: In the US, credit history is important for renting a home, getting credit cards and loans. It is recommended to open a credit card right away and use it for small purchases with regular bill payments.
Additional tips for all visas
Documents: Make copies of all important documents (passport, visa, insurance, etc.) and keep them separately.
Plan for the first days: Make a plan of action for the first days after arrival (how to get from the airport, where to stay, what to do in case of force majeure).
Vaccinations: Check to see if vaccinations are required to enter the U.S., especially in a COVID-19 pandemic.
This guide covers the basic aspects of preparing for travel to the U.S. on tourist, study and work visas so that your adjustment process is comfortable and organized.