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How Do You Get a Visitor Visa
If someone is a foreign national, let’s say Serbia, and wants to visit the United States, what are the procedures of getting a visitors VISA to the United States. How long does it take and what is the process?
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5 Replies
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When a Serbian citizen is interested in visiting the U.S., they usually need to apply for a B-2 Visitor Visa. This visa is typically used for vacationing, tourism, or visiting relatives and friends.
The summary below discusses the step-by-step process, timeline, and requirements.
Step-by-Step Process for a U.S. Visitor Visa (B-2)
Determine Visa Requirements
- Serbians from non-visa waiver program countries must have B-2 visas to enter the U.S. as tourists or on short visits.
Satisfy the DS-160 Form
What is the DS 160?
- It refers to an online form that collects visa processing information.
Where to Complete It?
- Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
What Information is Needed?
- Full names, including surname and given names
Passport details
- Travel plans such as expected dates of entry and exit from U.S. territory
Purpose of travel
- Details regarding past employment history.
- Contact Address within the United States (if applicable).
Pay the Visa Application Fee
Amount: $185 (non-refundable).
How to Pay:
- Methods vary by country, but most applicants can pay via the Internet, bank, or other authorized services.
- Refer to specific instructions on our Serbian Embassy website page.
Schedule a Visa Interview
Where to Schedule:
- Visit the U.S. Embassy in Serbia’s website.
Required Documents for Scheduling
- DS-160 confirmation page.
- Payment receipt.
- Passport.
- Email address for confirmation.
Prepare Required Documentation
- You’ll need to present at the visa interview.
- Valid Passport.
- Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the U.S.
- DS-160 Confirmation Page.
- The barcode confirmation from your completed application.
- Payment Receipt
- Proof of payment of the application fee.
- Photograph.
- A recent photograph (2×2 inches) that meets U.S. visa requirements.
Evidence of Ties to Serbia
Proof that you will go back after the trip, such as:
- Job letter.
- Ownership papers.
- Links with family,
- School attendance or enrollment details,
Proof of Travel Plans
- Round-trip flight itinerary or reservation (optional but recommended).
Financial Proof
- Bank account statements, salary slips, or proof demonstrating your ability to cover travel costs.
- Invitation Letter (if applicable).
- If staying with family or friends, include an invitation letter from your host.
Attend the Visa Interview
Location:
- U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia.
Interview Tips:
- Avoid being ambiguous about why you are going abroad.
- Answer all questions honestly and accurately.
- Show how Serbia is relevant to you and what indicates your intention to return there.
Waiting for Visa Processing
- A visa is normally processed in 7 to 15 working days, but depending on your circumstances, it may take longer.
- In some cases, administrative processing can take longer as it is specific to the application you have made.
Checking Status:
- You can check whether your visa has been issued on the Consular Electronic Application Centre (CEAC) website.
Receiving Your Visa
Once approved, your passport with the visa will be returned using the delivery method you selected during the application process.
More DetailsVisa Validity
Your date of entry in America and not the validity of your visa determine how long you can stay there. The majority of tourists are permitted to stay for at least six months.
Multiple Entries
B-2 visas may be granted for multiple entries within one to ten years, depending on an applicant’s profile and country of origin.
Success Tips
Demonstrate Strong Ties to Serbia:
- Show compelling reasons to return home after your trip.
Provide accurate information:
- Any inconsistencies can lead to delays or denials.
Prepare for the Interview:
- Practice answering questions confidently and concisely.
Apply Early:
Begin the process at least 2-3 months before your planned travel.
I would gladly provide more details should you need extra support or have any questions concerning particular aspects of the process.
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I am a Serbian foreign national and have multiple questions on getting a visitor’s visa to travel to the U.S.A. What are three activities you cannot do with a visitor visa? What are the documents required for a visiting visa to the USA? How long does it take to get a visa for USA from Serbia? What documents do I need to invite someone to the USA? How many times can you use a tourist visa in USA? What is a valid reason for visitor visa? How many times can you use a tourist visa in USA?
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To help you understand better U.S. Visitor Visas (B-1/B-2 visas), let me address your questions individually:
Prohibited Activities with a Visitor Visa
- Working as an employee for pay is not allowed in the United States.
- You cannot enroll in formal academic studies or take classes.
- You are not able to permanently reside or immigrate to the United States.
Required Documents for Visitor Visa Application
- A valid passport that has at least 6 months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Completed DS-160 form (online nonimmigrant visa application).
- Payment receipt for the visa application fee.
- Recent photograph meeting U.S. visa requirements.
- Evidence of your home country ties (property, employment, family).
- Bank statements or proof that you can support yourself during your stay.
- Travel itinerary and purpose of visit documentation.
- Proof of intent to return to Serbia.
Processing Time from Serbia
This can vary significantly. Typically, it ranges from several weeks to some months; hence, apply well before the day you wish to travel.”
You can check the State Department’s official website to find out the waiting period for a visa appointment at the embassy in Belgrade.
Inviting Someone to Visit America:
As an inviting person, you should prepare the following:
- A letter of invitation with your relationship specified.
- Your U.S. status (citizenship, permanent residency, etc.).
- Financial proof of your ability to sponsor your visitor (as applicable).
- Specifics about the visit.
Nevertheless, it does not mean that having such a letter of invitation automatically leads to obtaining a visa.
Tourist Visa Usage
Usually, a B1/B2 visitor’s visa is issued, allowing multiple entries over several years (often up to ten). Each entry is typically up to six months, with the actual duration determined by customs and border protection upon entry.
Valid Reasons for a Visitor Visa
- Tourism and Holidays.
- Visiting Friends and Family Members.
- Medicament Travel.
- Business meetings or conferences.
- Culture, arts, and sports events.
- Discussions with business associates.
- Coming for short courses (non-academic).
Important Notes
The consular officer has the final say in visa issuance.
You must show close family ties to Serbia and your intention to return.
Possession of a visa does not guarantee entry.
CBP officers will make a final determination at the point of entry.
Would you like more details on any of these or have other concerns about visitor visas?
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Yes. What happens The Serbian National needed to fly back to Serbja for two months because her visitor visa was going to expire, but she got a job offer from a large mortgage company. Can she easily get a work visa?
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Let me clarify some key points about this situation:
- It isn’t easy to convert from a visitor to a work visa.
- Most significantly, it does not involve simply switching from a B1/B2 visitor visa to a work visa while in the US.
- The right procedure would be taking the following steps below:
The mortgage company would need to:
- Sponsor the Serbian national for a work visa (usually H-1B – professional positions).
- File Labor Condition Application (LCA).
- It shows there were no qualified US employees interested.
- Make substantial filing fees.
Key Timing Challenges:
- H-1B visas are subject to a cap and lottery each year.
- New H-1B applications can be filed only during specific periods, usually in March.
- If selected, work typically cannot begin until October 1st.
- The process takes several months up to one year.
Important Legal Considerations
Using a visitor visa to enter the US and work there is illegal. Prior or almost overstaying any current or previous US Visa could affect future applications. Conducting employment activities on a visitor’s visa is strictly forbidden and can seriously affect immigration status.
Recommended Steps
- It should be ensured that the visitor visa does not expire before you go back to Serbia.
- Make sure you start the process of obtaining a work visa appropriately through your mortgage company. You could also obtain advice from an immigration lawyer.
- By abiding by all visa regulations, the clean immigration status will be preserved.
Do you need more clarity on any of these aspects of the work visa procedure I mentioned?