US Visa Application Process: Complete the Visa guide

Are you a Bangladeshi citizen looking to travel to the United States for work, tourism, or business purposes? Navigating the U.S. visa application process can be overwhelming, but fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for different types of U.S. visas, including worker visas, tourist visas, and business visas from Bangladesh.

U.S. Worker Visas

If you have been offered a job in the United States and your employer is sponsoring your visa, you must apply for an employment-based visa. The most common types of employment-based visas are H-1B, H-2B, L-1, and O-1 visas.

1. H-1B Visa: This visa is for workers in a specialty occupation, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher. Your employer must file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you can apply for the visa. Once the petition is approved, you can proceed with the visa application process.
2.  H-2B Visa: This visa is for temporary non-agricultural workers. Your employer needs to obtain a temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) before you can apply for the visa. Once the certification is obtained, your employer can file a petition with USCIS on your behalf, and once it’s approved, you can proceed with the visa application process.
3.  L-1 Visa: This visa is for intracompany transferees, where you are transferred to a U.S. branch or subsidiary of your current employer. Your employer needs to file a petition with USCIS on your behalf, and once it’s approved, you can proceed with the visa application process.
4.  O-1 Visa: This visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. You can self-petition for this visa by filing a petition with USCIS, and once it’s approved, you can proceed with the visa application process.

It’s essential to note that the U.S. worker visa process can be complex, and it’s highly recommended to seek professional legal advice to ensure that you meet all the requirements and have a smooth application process.

U.S. Tourist Visas

If you plan to travel to the United States for tourism or leisure purposes, you must apply for a tourist visa, also known as a B-2 visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide for the U.S. tourist visa application process from Bangladesh:

1. Complete the DS-160 Form: The DS-160 form is the U.S. visa application form, and you will need to fill it out accurately with all the required information, including personal details, travel plans, and the purpose of the trip. You can access the DS-160 form online and submit it after completion.
2.  Pay the Visa Fee: Once you have submitted the DS-160 form, you must pay the visa fee, which can be done online. Please keep the fee payment receipt, as you will need it for the visa interview.
3.  Schedule a Visa Interview: After paying the visa fee, you must schedule an appointment for a visa.

Interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Bangladesh. You can do this online through the U.S. Embassy’s website or by calling the designated visa application center. Be sure to bring the DS-160 confirmation receipt and the visa fee receipt to the interview.

1. Attend the Visa Interview: On the scheduled date, arrive at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your visa interview. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, the purpose of your trip, and your ties to Bangladesh. It’s essential to be honest and provide accurate information during the interview.
2.  Submit Supporting Documents: Along with your visa interview, you must submit supporting documents, such as your passport, previous travel history, financial documents, and proof of ties to Bangladesh, to demonstrate your intention to return after your trip.
3.  Await Visa Decision: After the visa interview, your application will be reviewed, and you will be notified of the decision. You will receive a passport with a U.S. visa sticker if your visa is approved. If your visa is denied, you will be given a reason for the denial.

U.S. Business Visas

Suppose you plan to travel to the United States for business-related activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. In that case, you may need to apply for a business visa, also known as a B-1 visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide for the U.S. business visa application process from Bangladesh:

1. Determine the Need for a Business Visa: Determine if your business activities in the United States require a B-1 visa. The purpose of your trip should be temporary and strictly for business activities that do not involve gainful employment in the U.S.
2.  Complete the DS-160 Form: Just like the tourist visa, you must complete the DS-160 form accurately with all the required information about your business trip, including the purpose of the trip, the company you will be visiting, and your travel plans.
3.  Pay the Visa Fee: After submitting the DS-160 form, you must pay the visa fee online and keep the receipt as proof of payment.
4.  Schedule a Visa Interview: Similar to the tourist visa, you must schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Bangladesh. You can do this online or by calling the designated visa application center.
5.  Attend the Visa Interview: On the scheduled date, attend the visa interview and provide accurate information about your business trip, including the purpose, duration, and activities you will be engaged in.
6.  Submit Supporting Documents: Along with your visa interview, you may need to submit supporting documents such as a letter from the company you will be visiting, proof of business ties to Bangladesh, financial documents, and other relevant documents.
7.  Await Visa Decision: After the visa interview, your application will be reviewed, and you will be notified of the decision. You will receive a passport with a U.S. visa sticker if your visa is approved. If your visa is denied, you will be given a reason for the denial.

U.S. Visa Processing Time in Bangladesh

The processing time for U.S. visas in Bangladesh can vary depending on the type of visa, the time of year, and the volume of applications being processed. It’s always advisable to apply for a U.S. visa well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow for any potential delays in processing.

On average, the processing time for U.S. visas in Bangladesh can range from weeks to months. However, it’s important to note that this is just an estimate, and actual processing times can vary. It’s recommended to regularly check the U.S. Embassy’s website or contact the designated visa application center for the most up-to-date information on the current processing times.

U.S. Visa Application Login

To apply for a U.S. visa from Bangladesh, you must create an account and log in to the U.S. Embassy’s website or the designated visa application center’s website. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Visit the U.S. Embassy’s website or the designated visa application center’s website.
2.  Click on the “Apply” or “Visa Application” tab.
3.  Create an account by providing your personal information, including your name, email address, and password.
4.  Login to your account using the credentials you created.
5.  Fill out the DS-160 form online, upload any required documents, and pay the visa fee.
6.  Schedule a visa interview, if required, and print the DS-160 confirmation receipt and the visa fee receipt for your records.
7.  Attend the visa interview as scheduled and submit any additional documents as requested by the consular officer.
8.  Await the visa decision and check your account for updates.

U.S. Visa Application Fee

To apply for a U.S. visa from Bangladesh, you must pay a non-refundable visa application fee. The fee amount depends on the type of visa you are applying for and can be paid online using a credit card or through a designated bank. Here’s how you can pay the U.S. visa application fee:

1. Visit the U.S. Embassy’s website or the designated visa application center’s website.
2.  Click on the “Visa Fees” or “Payment” tab.
3.  Select the type of visa you are applying for and the fee amount.
4.  Follow the instructions to pay online using a credit card or a designated bank.
5.  Print the visa fee receipt for your records, as you must submit it during your visa interview.

U.S. Visa Application Status

After attending the visa interview and submitting all the required documents, you can check the status of your U.S. visa application from Bangladesh. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Visit the U.S. Embassy’s website or the designated visa application center’s website.
2.  Click the “Check Visa Status” or “Track Application” tab.
3.  Enter your DS-160 confirmation receipt number and your visa fee receipt number.
4.  Follow the instructions to check the status of your visa application.
5.  You will receive a passport with a U.S. visa sticker if your visa is approved. If your visa is denied, you will be given a reason for the denial.