Applying For or Renewing Your U.S. Visa

What is a visa?  A visa (see the sample) is a document stamped in your passport that gives you permission to apply to enter the U.S.  A valid visa allows you to apply at a U.S. port of entry for admission into the U.S.  It does not govern how long you can remain.  This is determined by a U.S. immigration officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who decides whether to allow you to enter and how long you can stay for any particular visit.   Your U.S. visa is issued for a certain period of time and permits either one, two or multiple entries during its validity.  Your U.S. visa can expire while you are in the U.S. and you will remain in lawful status as long as you adhere to the requirements of your immigration status as indicated on your I-94 card (see the sample).

If your U.S. visa has expired and you travel outside the U.S., you must obtain a new visa before you return.  Applying for a new visa usually requires several weeks so you must plan your travel accordingly.   If you are from one of the countries now requiring additional name check/security screening or in a high technology or technologically sensitive field, you may be subject to processing delays of 3-5 weeks.

Applying for a visa in a third country – If you are traveling outside the U.S. but not to your home country and need a new visa, you must check the U.S. consulate website for the country you are visiting. If you plan to visit Canada or Mexico to apply for a U.S. visa, it is particularly important that you check the website of the U.S. consulate to which you will submit your application.  You will find instructions about how to make the visa appointment.   If you are from one of the countries now requiring additional name check/security screening or in a high technology or technologically sensitive field, you will want to think carefully about applying for a U.S. visa in a third country.