Navigating U.S. Tourist Visas Post-COVID: A Comprehensive Guide

The United States, a leading global powerhouse, remains a prime destination for international tourists every year. So, what's the process for obtaining a U.S. tourist visa post-COVID-19?

Navigating U.S. Tourist Visas Post-COVID: A Comprehensive Guide

The U.S., often referred to as the United States, can be considered one of the most influential countries in the world regarding visa authority. Therefore, to successfully apply for a U.S. tourist visa, meticulous preparation of documents and a stable mindset are crucial. This article provides an overview of what you need to prepare for your U.S. tourist visa application.

Currently, the U.S. no longer requires a negative test before entry, but you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and present valid vaccination proof according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Refer to details HERE.

Obtaining a U.S. tourist visa has become more challenging due to the country's leading status and excellent social welfare. Many people from other countries often visit the U.S. on tourist visas and attempt illegal immigration. Consequently, the U.S. government has implemented stricter visa approval measures to mitigate this issue.

Secondly, here are the benefits of owning a U.S. tourist visa:

– Visa exemption for certain countries such as those in Europe, the Americas, etc.

– Exemption from financial proof when applying for a South Korean visa

– Transit visa exemption in South Korea

– Eligibility for E-visa when entering Oman and Turkey

– Visa applications for other countries will be more favorable and easily approved.

There are various types of U.S. visas, but this article will focus on the U.S. tourist visa, also known as Visa B2. It is a visa for foreigners who want to travel to the U.S. for tourism, visiting relatives, and other friendly activities. Similar to other tourist visas, the duration of the U.S. tourist visa is 12 months, with a maximum stay of 1 – 3 months depending on the Customs and Border Protection officer's decision, allowing multiple entries within that 12-month period. Additionally, within 24 months from the expiration date, you can apply for a U.S. visa extension by mail without an interview.

Especially at a time when the world is reopening for travel after two years of the rampant pandemic, the number of U.S. tourist visa applications is increasing. Therefore, you need to prepare thoroughly to become a 'quality' tourist and increase the success rate of obtaining a U.S. tourist visa.

Documents to prepare when applying for a U.S. tourist visa

Note: U.S. visa applications do not require translation like many other countries. You bring all the original visa application documents to the Embassy/Consulate, they will check and return them to you, only keeping the passport if you pass the visa interview.

Passport

Must have complete information, a signature, be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from the U.S., and have at least 1 blank page. Even children must have their own passports.

Passport Photo

Both digital and hard copy passport photos are required. The digital file is for uploading when submitting the DS-160 form, while the hard copy is needed for the Embassy or U.S. Consulate on the interview day. The photo must strictly adhere to the following conditions:

– Taken within the last 6 months

– Size: 5x5cm

– White background

– Clearly show the face, forehead, and both ears

– Avoid wearing glasses

– The height of the head, including hair, from the top to the bottom of the chin, should account for 50% to 70% of the total height of the photo. The height of your eyes, measured from the bottom edge of the photo to the level of your eyes, should be between 55% and 70% – or about 2/3 – of the photo's height.

– For digital files: The photo must be square, meaning the length and width of the image must be equal. The minimum size of the photo is 600 pixels x 600 pixels (length x width). The maximum size is 1200 pixels x 1200 pixels (length x width).

If the image does not meet the requirements, you must submit a new photo before your VISA application is reviewed. Therefore, to save time, it's advisable to take a standard photo at professional photo studios.

Read detailed instructions HERE.

ID Card/Citizen ID and Certified Household Registration Book

Marital Status Confirmation Document

If married, provide the marriage registration certificate with confirmation from the local authorities.

Work Verification

– For employees: 3-month salary statement, employment contract/position appointment letter, and a leave request for traveling to the U.S. with confirmation from the company's supervisor.

– For business owners: Provide the company's business license and the latest tax payment receipt for at least 3 months.

– For retirees: Provide retirement certificate and pension payment voucher.

Financial Proof

– Bank savings account statement for a minimum of 3 months with a balance of at least 100 million VND.

– Other ownership documents such as real estate papers, car documents, securities, etc. (if any)

Travel Itinerary to the U.S.

– Hotel booking confirmation in the U.S. or provide information about the sponsoring resident in the U.S. if staying with relatives/friends.

– Round-trip flight ticket confirmation

– Detailed itinerary for U.S. trip, specifying daily activities, locations, and timings.

DS-160 Application Confirmation

This is the online application form for U.S. tourist visa, printed with a barcode for submission alongside the U.S. visa application. It is a mandatory declaration for scheduling a U.S. visa interview. Each individual, including children, must have their own form.

This is the most crucial declaration in the document set, serving as the foundation for verifying the information you provide and evaluating the level of reliability. You will need to address any points of concern (if any) in the declaration. Providing incorrect information may jeopardize your eligibility for entry into the U.S.

DS-160 Form Filling Guide

– The embassy or consulate you select when starting the DS-160 form must be the same as the one where you schedule your visa interview appointment.

– Answer all questions in English, using only the English language characters unless asked to provide your name in the alphabet of your country.

– Upload a soft file of a passport-sized photo.

– If you pause filling out this form for 20 minutes, the allowed time will expire. You will have to start over unless you save the Application ID or have saved the application to a file on your computer. Save the Application ID displayed in the upper right corner of the page. If you need to close the browser before submitting the application, you will need this Application ID to continue your application.

Complete the FORM HERE

– A fully filled DS-160 form will activate a confirmation page with an alphanumeric barcode. Print this confirmation page. The confirmation page is a mandatory requirement for the interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

– After printing the barcode confirmation page, click the 'Back' button on the browser and then email yourself a backup copy of the DS-160. The emailed file will be in PDF format; you will need Adobe Acrobat to view or print it.

Visa Application Fee and Payment Receipt

Visa application fee paid via postal service is non-refundable, non-transferable, valid for one year, and inclusive of children. The fee depends on the type of visa application and is paid in the local currency.

Refer to the visa application fees HERE.

A payment receipt for the visa fee must be submitted with the application at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate for the interview.

Read the detailed instructions HERE.

Schedule the Interview

After completing all necessary documents and procedures, schedule your interview appointment HERE. The website will display the nearest available dates for quick registration. Fill in your passport number, visa fee payment receipt number, and the 10-character barcode from DS-160 electronic form.

Choose the type of visa, provide personal information, select the document submission location, confirm visa payment, and schedule a specific appointment. Once done, print the appointment letter and submit it to the U.S. consulate office.

You are allowed to reschedule the interview appointment a maximum of 2 times (excluding the first appointment). After 2 cancellations or no-shows, you must wait for 90 days before scheduling a new appointment.

Note: If you pay the fee before 5 PM, you can schedule an appointment from 11 AM on the next working day. After 5 PM, you can schedule from 11 AM on the second working day after the payment date.

Document Submission

– Electronic devices such as phones, recording devices, computers, cameras, etc., must be left at the security office. To save time, it's advisable to leave these items at home or in your motorcycle/car.

– If submitting documents at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, present your ID card (CMND/CCCD) to the security guard (or other personal photo identification such as a driver's license or student ID) until you leave the building. Afterward, the guard will instruct you to wear a customer badge in a visible location on your clothing. Once these procedures are completed, proceed to the waiting room on the 2nd floor and await your turn for document submission.

– If submitting documents at the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, show your passport and interview appointment letter to the security guard. The waiting room is located on the left side, past the security gate.

In Ho Chi Minh City:

– U.S. Consulate General

– Address: 4 Le Duan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

– Phone: (08) 3520 4200

– Email: [email protected]

In Hanoi:

– Consular Section, U.S. Embassy

– Nonimmigrant Visa Unit

– Address: 2nd Floor, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

Working hours: Customer support staff fluent in English and Vietnamese are available to assist you from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Vietnam time. The hotline is closed on weekends and Vietnamese and U.S. holidays.

Interview

When attending a U.S. visa interview, consider the following to make a positive impression on the reviewing authorities.

– Dress professionally and maintain a polite, tidy, and appropriate demeanor. Create a poised, courteous, and comfortable demeanor to start the interview confidently. The first impression is crucial.

– Ensure all documents are well-prepared, organized in the order specified by the authorities. Pre-sort your documents to easily find and retrieve them when requested.

– When answering interview questions, provide logical responses based on the information you declared in your application. Express your honesty and straightforwardness concisely. Answers should be brief, precise, and coherent. This is crucial for scoring points in the eyes of the interviewing officers.

If you pass the interview, you'll get back your documents and leave your passport. After approximately 1 to 3 business days, you will receive your passport and U.S. visa through the registered mail you provided during the application submission.

If the interview is unsuccessful, all documents and your passport will be returned to you immediately upon leaving. Avoid asking for the reason and focus on better preparing your documents for the next interview.

According to Mytour

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide