#E1 Visa Consultants for USA immigration

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A Comprehensive Guide on How to Get Visa for USA

Different Categories of U.S. Visas

There are two main types of U.S. visas. There's the non-immigrant visa which is used to travel to the United States on a temporary basis, and there's the immigrant visa that's used for those who want to migrate and live permanently in the country.

Common Non-Immigrant Visas 

There are different kinds of non-immigrant visas and each specifies a purpose to travel to the U.S. We will discuss in detail the common non-immigrant U.S. visas:

Business Visa (B-1): This visa is issued for foreign nationals traveling to the United States for business purposes, such as attending business meetings or consultations, conventions, and conferences, or negotiating contracts.

Tourist Visa (B-2): This visa is used for foreign nationals who want to travel to the United States for tourism purposes. This is also the same visa issued for foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in the U.S.

Student Visa (F, M): This visa is used for academic and vocational studies.

Media Visa (I): This visa is issued for foreign media, press, and radio.

Exchange Visitor Visa (J): This visa is for foreign nationals who are traveling to the U.S. to participate in a cultural exchange program. To be more specific, the different purposes of travel include categories of au pair, physician, professor, scholar, teacher, and exchange visitor.

Temporary Employment Visa (H, L, O, P, Q): The Temporary Employment Visa is issued for petition-based temporary employment in the U.S. The different visa categories under these are H-1B issued for people in a specialty occupation, H-1B1 for Free Trade Agreement professionals, H-2A for temporary agricultural workers, H-2B for temporary non-agricultural work, H-3 for trainee or special education visitors, L visas are issued for the purpose of intracompany transferee, O for individuals with extraordinary ability and achievement, P-1 for individuals, team athlete, or member of an entertainment group, P-2 and P-3 for artists and entertainers, and Q-1 visas are for participants in an international cultural exchange program.

Transit Visa (C): This visa is issued for travelers who have immediate and continuous transit that passes through the U.S. (a.k.a. layovers) en route to another country.

Common Immigrant U.S. Visas

The immigrant Visas are categorized into three, namely family-sponsored visas, employment-based visas, and diversity visa programs.

Immediate Relative & Family Sponsored (IR1, IR2, IR3, IR4, IR5, IH3, IH4, CRI, CR2, K-3, K-1, F1, F2A, F2B, F3, and F4): These visa categories are for applicants who are either a spouse of a U.S. citizen, fiancé/fiancée who will marry a U.S. citizen and live in the U.S., adoption of an orphan child by a U.S. citizen, or for certain family members of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent residents.

Employer-Sponsored (E1, E2, E3, EW3, C5, T5, R5, I5, S, SD, SR, SI, and SQ): These visas are issued for employment-based immigrants such as religious workers, Iraqi and Afghan translators and interpreters, and Iraqis and Afghans who worked for/on behalf of the U.S. government.

Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV): This visa is issued for those who successfully registered for the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program.

Returning Resident (SB): This visa is for permanent U.S. residents or conditional residents who stayed outside of the U.S. for more than one year or beyond the validity period of a re-entry permit, that need a new immigrant visit to re-enter the country.

For those who do not see a visa category that fits their reason for traveling to the U.S., it is best to refer to the U.S. Embassy of the Philippines' list of visas.

How to Determine the Right Visa Category to Apply For?

The U.S. Embassy has what you call a "Visa Wizard" which guides you in identifying which visa category to apply for. It asks questions such as, "What country/authority or area issued your passport?" and "Why are you traveling to the U.S.?"

This does not determine if you are or aren't eligible to receive a U.S. visa. It is still up to the U.S. Embassy to decide your eligibility and the visa category suitable for your purpose of travel.

List of U.S. Visa Requirements

The specific requirements for a U.S. visa depend on the type of visa you're applying for. However, there are similar or general requirements that apply to most types of visa categories. Here is a list of those requirements:

Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay in the U.S.

A completed visa application: Depending on the visa category you're applying for, the visa application can be accomplished online or in person at a U.S. consulate or embassy.

Receipt of payment of visa fees: Visa fees, which are non-refundable, vary depending on the type of visa being sought. 

Photo: Most visa categories will require a colored 2x2 photo of you within the last six months. There are specific requirements for the photo, i.e. that the applicant's photo should be of in a full-face view and with a neutral facial expression, taken behind a plain white or off-white background, and wearing clothes normally worn on a daily basis. See the list of requirements.

Evidence of ties to home country: Especially for tourist visas, it is best to have evidence of your employment or family ties in the Philippines. This is to show that you, the applicant, have a purpose to return to your home country. This may include proof of employment, family ties, property ownership, or other evidence.

Health and character requirements: Some visa categories require applicants to undergo medical examinations and/or provide police clearance certificates. For example, immigrant visas require a medical exam in the Philippines prior to the visa interview, specifically at St. Luke's Medical Extension Clinic at 1177 Jorge Bocobo St, Ermita, Manila.

Supporting documents: Supporting documents vary depending on the visa category, such as bank statements and travel itineraries. For those applying for a student visa (F, M), a consular officer may require documents such as transcripts, diplomas, and degrees. 

U.S. Visa Application Forms and Links

The U.S. Embassy has standardized visa application forms, both in print and online, depending on the visa category you want to apply for. These need to be fulfilled before the scheduled visa interview.

Non-Immigrant Visa Forms and Links

DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

DS-156E: Non-immigrant Treaty Trader or Investor Application

DS-158: Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant

DS-1648 Online: Application for A, G, or NATO Visa

DS-2019: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. : This does not have a downloadable form or link. It is advised that the applicant contact their exchange visitor program sponsor.

DS-3035: J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation

Immigrant Visa Forms and Links

DS-117: Application to Determine Returning Resident Status

DS-157: Petition for Special Immigrant Classification for Afghan SIV Applicant

DS-230: Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Cuban Family Reunification Parole applications only)

DS-260: Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (Immigrant Visa and Diversity Visa Program applications only) (Sample)

DS-261: Choice of Address and Agent

DS-234: Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form

DS-1981: Affidavit Concerning Exemption from Immigration Requirements for a Foreign Adopted Child

DS-1884: Petition to Classify Special Immigrant Under INA 203(b)(4) as an Employee or Former Employee of the U.S. Government Abroad

FAQs on the U.S. Visa Application Process

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a U.S. Visa?

For non-immigrant visas, the fee starts at U.S. $160 or P8,929, while an immigrant visa application processing fee starts at U.S. $205 or P11,441. These visa fees are non-refundable. In some visa categories (i.e. E-1, E-2, H-1B, H4, L-1, L-2, R-1, and R-2) there is a need to pay for an additional visa issuance fee that ranges from U.S. $363 or P20,278 to U.S. $813 or P45,417.

*United States Dollar to Philippine Peso exchange rate used as of May 15, 2023.

How Can I Pay For My U.S. Visa Application Fee?

You can pay for the visa application fee online via PesoNet or RCBC, or through bank transfers via RCBC. Here's what you need to know:

Online payment: All payments made from midnight to 3 p.m. via RCBC, will receive the receipt purchase date on the same day. It is best to book the interview four to 24 hours after the payment.

Bank transfer: For online payments made through RCBC and PesoNet, the receipt purchase date will be given the next day. It is best to book the interview a day after the receipt purchase date and after 11 a.m.

How to Schedule a USA Visa Interview Appointment?

There are two ways to schedule the interview: online and live chat.

Online: First, you must register and create a profile on the U.S. Department of State's website. This will ask for your visa type, visa category, visa class, and personal data (passport details, contact information, mailing address), then you can proceed to the calendar which will tell what dates are available for the interview.

Live Chat: You may also opt to schedule an appointment through the U.S. Embassy's live chat by clicking the red LIVE CHAT button. This is available from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except during Philippine and U.S. holidays).

What Do I Need to Bring to the U.S. Embassy on the Day of My Interview?

There are different requirements per visa category, but below are the common documents that need to be hand-carried and submitted to the U.S. Embassy by non-immigrant (B-1 and B-2) visa applicants on the day of the scheduled interview:

A valid passport and if applicable, old passport/s with a U.S. visa

A printed copy of DS-26

Visa application fee receipt

One 2x2 colored photo

Supporting documents: current proof of income, tax payments, travel itinerary, a letter from employer detailing your employment, criminal/court records pertaining to any arrest or conviction.

For students: latest school results, transcripts, and degrees/diplomas. Best to bring monthly bank statements, and fixed deposit slips to show financial support.

For working adults: employment letter from employer and payslips from the most recent three months.

For business visitors: evidence of your position in the company and remuneration.

For those visiting a relative: photocopies of your relative's proof of status (e.g. Green Card, naturalization certificate, valid visa, etc).

For previous visitors to the U.S.: any documents attesting to your immigration or visa status.

For those seeking medical treatment: medical diagnosis from a local physician, a letter from a physician or medical facility based in the U.S. that's willing to treat the medical condition, and a statement of financial responsibility from the individual/organization paying for your transportation, medical, and living expenses.

IMPORTANT: If you're not applying for a B-1 or a B-2 visa category, check this list of requirements needed for the visa category you're applying for.

For security reasons, visa applicants are not allowed to bring any battery-operated or electronic device (mobile phones, digital watches, cameras, laptops, et cetera) inside the U.S. Embassy. 

The following items, but not limited to, are also not allowed inside the U.S. Embassy: large shoulder bags, backpacks, briefcases, food items, sealed envelopes or packages, cigarettes, cigars, lighters, sharp objects, weapons, and explosive materials. The embassy does not have a storage facility or lockers where you can store your phone and other prohibited items.

Where is the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines?

The interview is held at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines. For inquiries, the U.S. Embassy can be contacted at (632) 5301-2000. 

The U.S. Consular Agency is at Waterfront Hotel, Lower Ground Floor, 6000 Salinas Dr, Lahug, Cebu City. You can contact them at 32 231-1261. The agency does not provide any visa services to Filipinos, they only assist U.S. citizens based in the area and U.S. citizens in nearby provinces who are in need of passport and citizenship services.

How Much Money Should I Have In My Bank?

There is no specific predetermined amount balance needed. In fact, in some cases, the consul officer doesn't ask for the bank records, while in some, even having more than a hundred thousand pesos doesn't guarantee an approved U.S. visa application. Remember that show money isn't the only factor the consul officer considers in approving or denying your application.

How Long Before My U.S. Visa Application Gets Approved?

Applicants will know during the interview itself if the application is approved or denied. The consul officer who will conduct the interview will notify you of your visa status by the end of the interview. If denied, a reason for the denial is provided.

How Long Is the Validity of My U.S. Visa?

Part of the admission process is that the consul officer decides right after the interview, on the spot, whether to grant the U.S. visa. However, in most cases, the consul officer won't specify the period of validity and whether the visa is single-entry or multiple-entry. 

You, the applicant, will know of the period validity and the travel permit once you receive back your passport with the approved visa.

How to check the status of receiving the U.S. visa? In the case that your U.S. visa application is approved, you will be notified of the specific time when you can pick up your passport at the U.S. Embassy. There is also an option to check the status online via the U.S. Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center's Visa Status Check.

To claim the passport, bring the blue ticket stub that was given after the interview.

What Are the Common Reasons for U.S. Visa Denials?

The common reasons for U.S. visa denials are incomplete or inaccurate forms, insufficient financial proof that you can sustain the trip, and lack of ties to the home country. It is also important to answer the consul officer's answers honestly, as they are meticulous and will cross-examine your answers.

Source: spot.ph

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How immigration lawyer Houston professional services can assist you in the case of an E1 visa?

The E1 visa is a special visa for business people who wants to do business in the USA. This visa allows you to carry out substantial trade between individuals and firms in the United States and the country of which they are a citizen or national. Remember that, unlike the E2 visa, the E1 Visa does not need investment. For better guidance, you should take assistance from a professional Houston Immigration Lawyer.

Main things to know for obtaining the E1 visa:

There are some E1 visa tips:

���                    Foreign businesses can show evidence that supports that they are engaging in international trade.

•                    The proofs presented must prove that over 50% of their international trade is with the U.S.

•                    Professional services companies in advertising, management consulting, accounting, design, marketing, public relations, and engineering are some examples of eligible E1 Visa business services.

If you are living outside of the USA, you will have to apply for an E1 visa at a consulate or embassy abroad. For a better chance of getting the visa, you should contact an experienced immigration lawyer or company such as "THE LAW OFFICES OF C. ANTONIO DELGADO" who can assist you in the necessary documentation. You should know that different consulates have different requirements on the types of documentation, and how the documentation is to be presented.

[rcmck]

An E-2 Visa Demands A Considerable Investment

The E-2 visa is a great solution for U. franchises as visa applications based on these sorts of businesses generally have a greater approval rate. An E-2 visa is the best visa option for many foreign national entrepreneurs looking to either start or purchase a company in the usa.

A visa can be valid for as much as ten decades, but it doesn’t indicate that you are able to be present in the USA for 10 decades. An E2 visa has many advantages which other visas can’t provide. You also don’t will need to employ lots of people in the US below the E2 Visa and E1 Visa schemes.

If a visa is issued, there can be an extra visa issuance reciprocity fee, based on your nationality. Actually, you cannot get the visa should you not own a Chinese passport because both documents are integrated while the consulate officials stamp your passport. Please consult with a certified and professional immigration law firm to verify your enterprise qualifies for this kind of visa. Instead, you can make an application for a B visa (temporary visa) for work or pleasure that will permit you to see the usa for 6 months from the year.

To meet the qualifications for an E2 visa, you ought to be a national of a nation with a qualifying treaty with the usa. In the event you were born in one of these nations, or you’ve come to be a citizen of any one among these countries then you’re eligible. You have to be a national of one of the enumerated nations in order to be eligible for the E-2 visa.

The E2 Visa is a good alternative for you to think about if you’re able to put money into a US business. If your E2 visa is valid for 5 decades, this doesn’t indicate that you may remain in the usa for five years at a moment. So that the E2 visa might be rather helpful for those sorts of those who desire to set a company. The E2 visa is an excellent temporary choice for nationals from treaty countries appearing to commit a considerable quantity of capital in a bona fide U. The E2 visa is a strong alternative for those people who are eligible in part since there aren’t any limitations on the range of extensions of stay an E2 visa holder may obtain.

The visa is issued for an amount of time and then should be renewed. A visa is an entry document which allows foreign nationals to find entry to america. It is also feasible to submit an application for E2 Visa for key managerial and specialist employees that are essential to support the business, and their spouses and immediate relatives.

A visa isn’t going to be issued without a valid small business program and investment monies in escrow. You are able to continue to extend your E2 visa free of limit. You’re able to continue to renew your E2 visa so long as your company meets all of the E2 visa requirements.us treaty countries list Really the E2 visa doesn’t supply the holder with permanent residence status. At the present time the E2 Treaty Investor Visa does not provide any chance to make an application for Legal Permanent Status

If you are a citizen of ð??¦ð??·ð??¦ð??ºð??¦ð??±ð??¦ð??¹ð??¦ð??¿ð??§ð??©ð??§ð??ªð??§ð??´ð??§ð??¦ð??§ð??³ð??§ð??¬ð??§ð??«ð??¨ð??¦ð??¨ð??±ð??¨ð??´ð??­ð??·ð??¨ð??·ð??¨ð??¿ð??ªð??¨ð??«ð??®ð??«ð??·ð??©ð??ªð??¬ð??©ð??¬ð??ªð??­ð??³ð??®ð??·ð??®ð??ªð??¯ð??µð??®ð??¹ð??¯ð??²ð??¯ð??´ð??°ð??¿ð??°ð??·ð??½ð??°ð??°ð??¬ð??±ð??»ð??±ð??·ð??±ð??¹ð??±ð??ºð??²ð??°ð??²ð??½ð??²ð??©ð??²ð??³ð??²ð??ªð??²ð??¦ð??³ð??±ð??³ð??´ð??´ð??²ð??µð??°ð??µð??��ð??µð??¾ð??µð??­ð??µð??±ð??·ð??´ð??·ð??¸ð??¸ð??³ð??¸ð??¬ð??¸ð??°ð??¸ð??®ð??ªð??¸ð??±ð??°ð??¸ð??·ð??¨ð??­ð??¸ð??ªð??¹ð??¼ð??¹ð??­ð??¹ð??¬ð??¹ð??¹ð??¹ð??·ð??¹ð??³ð??ºð??¦ð??¬ð??§ You may reside in the United States ð??ºð??¸ for up to 5 years in some cases; and work in a company which you are an investor / principal controlling shareholder. This benefit extends to your dependent spouse and also to your children who are single and under 21 years of age. Your spouse may work for any employer in the United States without any restrictions, after entering the USA as an E2 spouse visa holder and have an approved employment authorization card issued by DHS. Let us help you become an E-2 Visa holder and live in the United States! ð??ºð??¸ð??½ð??°ð??µð??¡â?? #E2Visa #E2VisaRequirements #E2VisaHolders #USA #Immigration #VisaSupport #LiveInAmerica #SelectUSA #InvestInYourself

A post shared by HAYMAN-WOODWARD (@haymanwoodward) on Jan 5, 2016 at 8:13pm PST

from Reddy Charlton McKnight, Solicitors http://rcmck.com/an-e-2-visa-demands-a-considerable-investment/

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E-1 Treaty Traders Visa Program

The US E1 visa enables international traders or their senior or skilled employees to enter the U.S. for substantial trading purposes. This US Employment-based visa category has been founded to allow business interactions between the United States and countries with which it has a trade and navigation treaty. “Trades” may include Goods, Services, International banking, Insurance, Transportation, Tourism, Technology & its transfer, some news-gathering activities, and so on. So there's no limit on the amount of trade that needs to take place, although more emphasis is placed on the number of transactions over the net value.

E1 Visa Requirements are as follows:

At least 50% of the total trade between the United States and the designated treaty country must be carried out.

The E1 visa holder must show that they intend to take part in "substantial trade" which is not strictly defined.

This visa holder has to be a citizen of one of the treaty countries.

The applicant must provide evidence that as the validity period ends, they return to their home nation.

The E1 treaty countries are as follows:

Argentina, China, France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Japan, Norway,Switzerland, Austria, Costa Rica, Greece, Korea, Oman, Thailand, Belgium, Denmark, Honduras,Latvia, Pakistan, Togo, Bolivia, Estonia, Iran, Liberia, Philippines, Turkey, Brunei, Ethiopia, Ireland,Luxembourg, Spain, U.K., Canada, Finland, Israel, Mexico, Suriname, New Zealand, and Yugoslavia.

Benefits:

Strengthen relationship, Commerce and Navigation with other countries

Initial valid stay is 2 years and unlimited extension (2 years each time)

Relatively quick visa process (2-3months).

E1 visa holders can travel freely to and from the United States

Spouse and children under the age of 21 years can accompany

The spouse can work anywhere in the US with EAD (Employment Authorization Document).

If you are present in the US, you can apply for the United States Consulate abroad or apply for a change of status.

A child can attend school, college, and university.

If your child educated in US culture, he/she will have many opportunities that most people can't have.

You can get a Social Security Number (which makes living in America much easier).

Apply Procedure:

Complete Form DS-160, US Non-immigrant Visa Application

Complete Form DS-160, Non-immigrant Treaty Trader / Investor Application

Make an online fee payment.

Fix your visa interview

Keep required document ready

Attend the interview

XIPHIAS IMMIGRATION, the most awarded and reliable immigration firm in India, in providing visa services for the last 14 years. Reach out to us if you have the plan to obtain USA E1 Visa in a smooth and easy way. Call us today at +971-43626565 or email us at dubai@xiphiasimmigration.com for more information.

Source:  https://blog.xiphiasimmigration.ae/2019/09/e-1-treaty-traders-visa-program.html

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