Every day millions of individuals who live abroad are starting the visitor visa application process to the United States. These travelers are usually coming for one of two reasons, business or tourism through a B-1 visa or B-2 visa. To ensure you receive your visitor visa in time before your travel plans, you will want to know how long your visa will take to process. Although processing times can vary depending on a few factors, we’ve broken down your tourist visa options to the United States and gathered some important information before you get started.
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US Visitor Visa Processing Time
The processing time for tourist visas in the United States can vary depending on where you are applying from and how many applications are before yours. If a visa application is approved during a visa interview, the average processing time is 7-10 working days but if processing times are a bit slower, no more than several weeks.
Can I Get Premium Processing For My US Visitor Visa?
Unfortunately, the USCIS does not allow those applying for a tourist visa to pay for faster processing. We recommend that those looking to apply for a US Tourist Visa start the application process a month before your visit to be safe. You can learn more about speeding up your US visa application here for some tips!
US Visitor Visa Options
B-1 Visa for Business
The B-1 visa was created specifically for those coming to the United States solely for business reasons. Once an applicant is granted a B-1 visa, they are allowed to do things like attend business meetings, consult with associates, negotiate contracts, purchase property etc. Learn more about the B-1 Visa!
B-2 Visa for Tourism
The B-2 visa is best for those looking to travel to the US for visiting family, pleasure, medical treatment, etc. This allows citizens of foreign countries to enter the US for a specified length of time for social, recreational, or medical purposes. Learn more about the B-2 Visa!
How to Apply
To apply for one of these visitor visas, you must:
- Complete Form DS-160
- Pay visa application fees
- Provide supporting documents needed
- Attend your immigration interview
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is for citizens and nationals of 32 qualifying countries. Those who fall under this category are able to travel to the United States without a visa for 90 days or less. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor B1 or B2 visa. Those eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must be from the countries below:
| Andorra | Australia | Austria | Belgium | Brunei | Chile |
| Denmark | Estonia | Finland | France | Germany | Greece |
| Hungary | Iceland | Ireland | Italy | Japan | Latvia |
| Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malta | Monaco | Netherlands |
| New Zealand | Norway | Poland | Portugal | San Marino | Singapore |
| Slovakia | Slovenia | South Korea | Spain | Sweden | Switzerland |
| Taiwan | United Kingdom |
Need An Immigration Lawyer For Your US Visitor Visa Application?
If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
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VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Ella Bergquist
Hello! I am one of VisaPlace's many immigration news contributors. Comment below if you have any questions or comments about this article.
