Prepare and gather all the necessary documents for your US visa application. This article covers the visas available and tips for fast approval.
Most of the websites or apps are in English. If you need to, use Google Translate or any other translation service.
How To Apply For USA Visa From Germany
To apply for a US visa from Germany earlier, you need to know the following:
If you are a Visa Waiver Program member.
So, German citizens can travel for 90 days or less without a visa if they meet these requirements:
- Have a chipped passport (electronic passport);
- Register online for ESTA and
- Meet VWP standards
For specific visa categories and age groups, German citizens or people with permanent residence may apply for a United States visa by mail .
To enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program, you must:
- Be a citizen of a qualifying country with a VWP.
- They have THIS authorization.
- Stay for 90 days or less.
- Plan to travel for business, pleasure/tourism, or transit.
Those coming to the US by air or sea must:
Get a return ticket. The immigration inspector should see a copy of the e-ticket itinerary. Travelers holding tickets to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean Islands must be legal residents.
Types of visas you can apply for:
The type of visa you need to obtain to travel to the US is determined by US Immigration Law and corresponds to the purpose of your visit.
There are several types of visas you can apply for:
B-2 visa: for tourism and visit visa.
B-1 visa: for a business visa.
F-1, M-1, J-1, Q-1: These types of visas are for Study and Exchange Visas.
H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, H-4, L-1, L-2, O, P, and Q: These types of visas are for work visas.
For other types of visas, you can find more here.
Do German citizens need a US visa?
To obtain a US tourist visa for Germany, you must apply for an ESTA authorization, valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
German citizens complete a short online application form to acquire authorization under the visa waiver program.
The following documents are required for Germans to apply for a US ESTA:
- A valid passport is required.
- To pay the processing fee, you must use a valid bank card.
- The email address is currently in use.
How to Get USA Work Visa For Germany
You will need a nonimmigrant work visa to work in the United States temporarily. On a tourist or business visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you cannot work.
To work temporarily in the US, you need a specific visa based on the work you will be doing. Your prospective employer or agent must file an I-129 petition. Approval of a petition does not guarantee a visa if you are not eligible under US immigration law.
There are several visa categories for the United States, including:
H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, H-4, L-1, L-2, O, P and Q.
The application process varies depending on the type of visa, and it is generally recommended to apply up to 90 days before the start of employment status.
To apply for H, L, O, P, or Q visas, you must submit the following:
- Form DS-160
- A valid passport.
- recent photograph
- Book your appointment by visiting this.
- Payment of the application fee.
If you are applying for an L-1 visa on a blanket petition, you must also pay a fraud detection and prevention fee.
When to apply
If you intend to apply for an H, L, O, P, or Q visa, the US Embassy or Consulate may process your application up to 90 days before the start of your employment status listed on the I-797.
However, it is essential to note that you can use the visa to enter the US only, beginning ten days before the period of approved status indicated on your I-797.
How to Get a USA Student Visa
All student visa applicants must be recognized and cleared by their school or program prior to applying.
The United States has two types of visas:
F-1 Visa: is for academic studies at an approved US school and;
M-1 Visa: is for non-academic or vocational study/training at a US institution.
To apply for a US student visa for Germany, follow these steps:
- Fill out the Nonimmigrant Electronic Visa Application (DS-160).
- You must pay the visa application fee.
- Book your appointment online with your passport number, CGI reference number, and the ten-digit barcode from your DS-160 confirmation page.
- Attend your visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.
Note:
If someone under the age of 21 wants to come to the US with the primary visa holder, they must apply for an F or M visa. Parents of F or M holders cannot obtain this type of visa. If family members only want to visit, they can apply for a B-2 visitor visa.
But if a spouse or dependent wants to work, they need their work visa; You cannot work on a derivative F or M visa.
How to Get USA Family Visa for Germany
To apply for a family visa to bring non-US citizen family members to the US from Germany, follow these steps:
Determine which family visa category applies.
File a petition with USCIS – Form I-130. and wait for USCIS approval.
After USCIS approves your petition, NVC creates your case in their system. They send you a Welcome Letter with instructions to manage your case through CEAC.
Pay fees, if applicable in CEAC
Complete an Affidavit of Support ( Form I-864. )
After completing the Affidavit of Sponsorship, sponsors must gather financial proof and supporting documents.
After paying the fees and getting a ‘PAID’ status with the CEAC, fill out the DS-260 form. You may want to see a sample .
Collect Civil Documents. Use the Document Finder to know the civil document.
The documents collected must be Scanned and sent documents, login CEAC
Attend a visa interview through the official US Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Wait for visa approval.