US Transit Visas: Everything You Need to Know

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is a US Transit Visa?
• Who is Exempted from US Transit Visas?
• How to Apply for a US Transit Visa?
• Required Documents for a US Transit Visa
• US Transit Visa Processing Time
• Cost of Applying for a US Transit Visa
• Restrictions of a US Transit Visa
• Validity of a US Transit Visa
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Introduction

Assuming you have to go through the US on your way to another country, you may be wondering what you should do. In this blog, we will answer that question for you. You will likely need a US transit visa, which is a non-immigrant visa with short validity. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about US transit visas.

What is a US Transit Visa?

A US transit visa allows you to land in the US for a layover. However, if you have other reasons for a layover, such as visiting friends, you will need to qualify for a different type of visa. Let's explore the different reasons and purposes for which people can apply for a US transit visa.

Purposes for Applying for a US Transit Visa

1. Foreign travelers who stay in the US for a short time to reach their final destination in another country, such as a shipping crew, can apply for a C-1 or general transit visa.
2. Non-US government officials who pass through the US to enter their destination country for government-related missions can apply for a C-3 or foreign government transit visa.
3. Non-American people or UN officials who need to go to their organization's headquarters in New York can apply for a C-2 or UN headquarters transit visa.

Purposes for Which You Cannot Apply for a US Transit Visa

1. Travelers who have a layover in the US for reasons other than transit, such as visiting friends, must apply for B visas.
2. Coasting officers usually require a visitor visa or B visa to enter the United States.
3. A crew on a private boat sailing out of a foreign seaport, which will be cruising in US waters for over 29 days, is usually required to have a visitor visa.
4. With a G-4 visa, an officer of an international organization with a special relationship to the United States may cross the border in immediate and continuous transit.

Who is Exempted from US Transit Visas?

There are certain individuals who are exempted from obtaining a US transit visa:

1. Citizens of countries that are in the US Visa Waiver Program. Currently, there are 39 countries in the program.
2. People who hold another type of US visa that is still valid. For example, people with B visas are permitted to transit in the United States.

How to Apply for a US Transit Visa?

There are several steps to follow when applying for a US transit visa:

1. Complete the online application form known as DS-160. The form is available US Official website.
2. Submit a photo of yourself when completing the form.
3. Save the confirmation page that will be sent to you. You will need to bring it to your interview along with other documents.
4. Schedule an interview with a US embassy. The waiting time for the interview depends on various factors, so it is recommended to arrange an appointment as soon as possible.
5. Attend the interview at the US Embassy conducted by consular officers. After the interview, your application may need further processing.

Required Documents for a US Transit Visa

When applying for a US transit visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. Online application form (DS-160) and the confirmation page.
2. A passport with validity for at least six months longer than your expected stay in the US. Your passport should also have a blank page for the visa entry.
3. A recent photo.
4. Evidence that you are traveling to the destination country and do not plan to stay in the US.
5. Payment receipt for the transit visa.
6. Details of your social network activity over the past five years.
7. Ticket or planned route to your final destination.
8. A letter indicating your purpose of travel to the destination country.
9. Documents demonstrating that you have the financial means to support yourself during the transit in the US.
10. Evidence that you are authorized to enter the country of your destination.
11. If you are HIV positive, a letter from a doctor indicating your health status and associated risks.
12. If you have been arrested before in the US, a letter explaining the offense, reasons for the arrest, and whether you were convicted or not.

US Transit Visa Processing Time

It usually takes at least five working days to receive a response regarding your US transit visa application. However, the processing time can vary based on factors such as the embassy's workload. It is important to take this into consideration and plan accordingly.

Cost of Applying for a US Transit Visa

When applying for a US transit visa, you will need to pay a non-refundable visa application fee. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality. The visa cost is approximately $160. It is important to keep the receipt after paying this fee, as you may need it later. Additional costs may be required based on your country and the embassy you apply from. Please note that C-2 visa applicants do not need to pay a visa issuance fee.

Restrictions of a US Transit Visa

A US transit visa comes with certain restrictions. The holder of a transit visa is not allowed to:

1. Stay in the US for more than the defined time.
2. Travel, work, or study in America.
3. Extend the transit visa.
4. Apply for a Green Card under the transit visa.
5. Have dependents with one transit visa.
6. Allow dependents to work or study in America.

Validity of a US Transit Visa

A US transit visa is usually valid for a short period of time. All types of transit visas allow the holder to stay in the US for up to 29 days or until the departure date on the ticket, whichever comes first.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are planning to travel through the US on your way to another country, you will likely need a US transit visa. This non-immigrant visa allows you to settle in the US for a layover. Make sure to gather all the required documents and follow the application process carefully.

FAQ

1. Who needs a US transit visa?

A US transit visa is required for foreign travelers who stay in the US for a short time to reach their final destination in another country, as well as non-US government officials and UN officials who pass through the US for specific purposes.

2. Can I apply for a US transit visa if I have a layover for reasons other than transit?

No, if you have a layover in the US for reasons other than transit, such as visiting friends, you will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a B visa.

3. Can my dependents come to the United States under a transit visa?

No, all individuals transiting through the US must have a separate visa. Dependents cannot travel under a transit visa.

4. How long does it take to process a US transit visa?

It usually takes at least five working days to receive a response regarding your US transit visa application. However, the processing time can vary based on factors such as the embassy's workload.

5. How much does it cost to apply for a US transit visa?

The visa application fee for a US transit visa is non-refundable and costs approximately $160. Additional costs may be required based on your nationality and the embassy you apply from.

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