Types of USA Visa in the UK

The United States of America is a land of opportunities and unparalleled experiences, constantly appealing to everyone. Whether you are a business traveller, a student looking for academic opportunities, or a leisure-seeking adventurer, understanding the different visa types available can be overwhelming. Let’s break it down

TYPES OF USA VISA

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

British citizens can travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). To do so, you need to get an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before your trip. The ESTA lasts for up to two years or until your passport expires. It’s recommended to apply at least 72 hours before you leave.

Schengen Visas for UK Resident

Nonimmigrant Visas

Non-immigrant visas are for temporary stays in the United States. They include visas for tourism, business, study, exchange programs, and temporary work. Non-immigrant visa holders must maintain a residence abroad and intend to return after their authorised stay.

Business and Tourism:
  • B-1 Business Visitor Visa:  This allows UK residents to engage in professional activities like attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or conducting market research. Remember, this visa is for activities that benefit your UK-based company, not receiving payment from a US source.
  • B-2 Tourist Visa: the B-2 Tourist Visa unlocks the door to exploring iconic US landmarks, diverse landscapes, and pristine beaches. Reunite with loved ones, attend special occasions, or immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the US.
  • C-1 Visa:  is relevant for those transiting the US to a final destination outside the country or experiencing a lengthy layover with plans to leave the airport terminal.
Investor and Trader Visas:
  • The E-1 Treaty Trader visa is ideal if you have an existing business in the UK that trades substantially with the US. You can live in the US to manage this trade, whether it’s importing goods or exporting services.
  • The E-2 Treaty Investor visa allows you to invest a significant amount of capital in a US business and reside there to run it. This is perfect if you have a business idea or want to revitalize an existing US company. Remember, the E-2 investment must be “at risk,” meaning its success is tied to the business.
Work Visas
  • H Visas (H-1B, H-2): The H visa category caters to temporary workers in the US. The H-1B visa is for highly skilled “specialty occupations” requiring a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, while the H-2 visa caters to seasonal workers in specific industries like agriculture or landscaping.
  • L-1 Visa: This visa is ideal if you’re an established employee of a UK company with a US branch, affiliate, or subsidiary. The L-1 allows you to transfer to the US location in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge position.
  • O Visa: Are you a UK citizen with exceptional talent in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics? The prestigious O Visa recognizes individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, allowing them to work and reside in the UK
  • P Visas: This visa caters to athletes, entertainers, and artists of international recognition.
  • Q Visa:This visa facilitates participation in approved international cultural exchange programs that provide practical training, teaching, sharing, or demonstrating your art form.
  • R-1 Visa: Religious workers from the UK can apply for an R-1 visa to work in a religious occupation for a qualified religious organization in the US.
Student Visas
  • F-1 Visa: The F-1 visa is the ideal choice for those pursuing a traditional academic degree at a US university or college. It allows full-time enrollment in accredited degree programs, opening doors to a diverse and enriching educational experience.
  • M-1 Visa: the M-1 visa offers a valuable pathway. This visa caters to vocational or technical training programs, equipping them with the expertise needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
  • J-1 Visa:  UK residents who wish to participate in approved exchange programs. These programs provide immersive experiences that foster cultural exchange and professional development, allowing students to gain valuable international exposure and build lifelong connections.
usa visa in uk

Other Immigration Visas

Immigrant visas are for individuals seeking to live permanently in the US. They include family-sponsored visas, employment-based visas, and diversity lottery visas. Immigrant visa holders can eventually apply for permanent residency (Green Card) and US citizenship.

Family-Based Immigrant Visas:
  • Immediate Relative Visas (CR/IR1, IR2, CR2, IR5): This category prioritizes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of US citizens. These visas offer a faster path to permanent residency.
  • Family Preference Visas (F-1, F-3, F-4, F-2A, F-2B): This category is for a wider range of family members, such as married children of US citizens, siblings of US citizens, and certain adult children. Wait times for these visas can vary depending on the specific visa class.
  • Fiancé(e) and Spouse Visas (K-1, K-3 & K-4 Visas): This category allows UK citizens to obtain a visa to marry a US citizen in the US and then apply for permanent residency after marriage. There are also visas available for the US citizen’s minor children from a previous relationship.
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas:
  • EB-1 Visa:  The EB-1 visa category caters to individuals with extraordinary talent in their field, such as researchers, professors, or multinational executives.
  • EB-2 Visa: If you possess an advanced degree or exceptional ability in your profession, the EB-2 visa might be the right fit
  • EB-3 Visa: For skilled workers and professionals with experience in areas of need for US employers, the EB-3 visa offers a path to permanent residency.
Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV):

Also known as the Green Card Lottery, this program randomly selects individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the US.UK citizens seeking a chance at permanent residency in the US can participate in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV), also known as the Green Card Lottery. This unique program offers a pathway to US citizenship through a random selection process. Unlike traditional visa applications that prioritize specific skills or investments, the DV program focuses on increasing diversity in the US immigrant population.

Special Immigrant Visas:

For individuals with special immigrant status, including religious workers, Iraqis or Afghans who worked for the US government, and others.Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) exist for those who qualify under specific categories. This could include religious workers from the UK who will be employed by a religious organization in the US. Additionally, Iraqi and Afghan nationals who were employed by the US government in those countries may be eligible for SIVs in recognition of their service.

Requirement For US Visa for UK Citizens

While the specific requirements can vary depending on the visa type, here’s a general overview for UK citizens applying for a US visa:

Documents

  • Completed online application form (DS-160)
  • Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
  • Passport-sized photograph
  • Proof of financial support (employment documents, bank statements)
  • Evidence of ties to the UK (property ownership, employment letter)
  • Visa application fee payment confirmation
Steps By Application
  • Determine your visa type: Research the different visa categories (tourist, business, student, etc.) to find the one that aligns with your purpose of travel.
  • Determine your visa type: Research the different visa categories (tourist, business, student, etc.) to find the one that aligns with your purpose of travel.
  • Complete the DS-160 form: This online application form requires detailed information about you, your travel plans, and your background.
  • Schedule an interview and pay the visa fee: Once you submit the DS-160, schedule a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate in the UK. You’ll also need to pay the visa application fee at this stage.
  • Schedule an interview and pay the visa fee: Once you submit the DS-160, schedule a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate in the UK. You’ll also need to pay the visa application fee at this stage.
  • Attend the interview: Be prepared to answer questions about your application and demonstrate your eligibility for the visa.
  • Await the decision: Processing times can vary, so plan accordingly. Once a decision is made, you’ll be notified and your passport will be returned (with the visa if approved).
Emergencies:

If you have a genuine emergency requiring urgent travel to the US, you might be eligible for expedited processing. However, this is on a case-by-case basis and requires strong justification. Contact the US embassy or consulate directly to explore your options.

Lost or Stolen Passport:

Report a lost or stolen passport immediately to the nearest UK police station and obtain a police report. Contact the UK Passport Office for an emergency passport if needed for urgent travel. Inform the US embassy or consulate about the situation as soon as your replacement passport is issued.

GPS Global Plug Services

GPS Global Plug Services helps UK residents with travel document processing, and visa applications for various countries, including the United States. Our team of experienced professionals are committed to customer satisfaction, making the process hassle-free for you. We offer expert guidance on visa requirements, help with application forms, and expedited appointment assistance.

Contact Global Plug Services for assistance with your USA tourist visa application and make your travel dreams a reality