Obtaining a US Nonimmigrant Visa
Once the BCIS has approved a visa petition, it is necessary to
have the visa stamped into the candidate's passport.
The visa is stamped into the candidate's passport at a local
US Embassy or Consulate; this process generally takes from 1 to 3 weeks from the visa interview.
Candidates already in the US may, if they are on a
non-immigrant visa (such as a B1/B2 visit visa), be able to apply to the BCIS
for adjustment (if changing to immigrant) or change (if changing to other
non-immigrant) of status while remaining in the US. This option is not open to
candidates who are present in the US under the visa-waiver scheme. Also, if the
candidate did not advise of the possibility of a change of status to the
relevant US Embassy or Consulate beforehand, the BCIS
may be reluctant to permit an application for adjustment of status.
Where a visa is being stamped into a passport at a US
Embassy, the following documents should be provided:
| F-156 Form |
This is the standard non-immigrant visa form for entry to the US. In most cases, it must be completed before a visa can be issued. |
| DS-157 Form |
Check Embassy or Consulate regarding who must complete this |
| I-797 |
Notice of Approval of petition by BCIS, if relevant. |
| Letter from Employer |
Necessary for the B1 in lieu of H-1, ‘blanket’ L1 and E visas for employees, useful in other cases. |
| The Applicant's Passport |
The passport should be valid for at least six months (not necessary for British Citizens and certain other nationals), and should have two pages free for endorsements. |
| Passport Photograph |
This is the usual passport sized photograph commonly available. |
| Other |
Various other supporting documentation depending on visa classification and location of Consulate/Embassy |
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