Are you planning an upcoming trip to the U.S.? Before you can make your travel dreams a reality, you’ll need to complete the B-1/B-2 tourist visa application and receive your visa to enter the U.S.
Applying for a visitor visa can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be! We’ve put together some tips to help you prepare a strong application and navigate the entire travel process with confidence:
- Make a Detailed Travel Itinerary
Part of preparing a strong B1/B2 visa application is creating a travel itinerary for your intended trip to the U.S. The U.S. government will ask for detailed information about when and where you intend to travel, and for what purpose. Be sure to have a clear location and travel intention in mind when creating your itinerary. The more details, the better!
For example, if you’re traveling to San Francisco for a friend’s wedding, include these details in your application, rather than stating you plan on traveling to California for an unspecified event.
- Gather Your Financial Information
Another important aspect of the travel visa application is proving to the U.S. government that you have enough funds to cover the cost of your entire trip, including airfare, accommodations, and any other expenses that may arise during your time in the U.S.
You can increase your chances of travel visa approval by providing a comprehensive overview of your finances on your application. This could include bank statements, pay stubs showing a steady income, or proof of assets. You can find more information on financial evidence and other supporting documents needed for the travel visa process in Boundless’ guide.
- Prove Strong Ties to Home
It’s important to note that the B1/B2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, meaning that the applicant intends to visit the U.S. for a temporary period only and return to their home country when their visa expires. The U.S. government can deny your travel visa if they suspect you will misuse your visa — in other words, stay in the U.S. past the expiration of your visa and try to remain in the country permanently.
A good way to navigate this requirement is to prove you have good reason to return to your home country after your trip to the U.S. This could be family members you support at home, a job you’re obligated to return to, or a school program you’re enrolled in. We’ve put together a more detailed breakdown on how to prove strong ties to your home country and what types of evidence to provide here.
- Practice for the Visa Interview
The last crucial step in the travel visa process is the visa interview. Before you can receive your visa, you’ll need to attend the interview at your local U.S. Embassy or consulate. During the interview, a consular officer will ask you several questions about your intended trip and life in your home country, as well as corroborate the information you’ve included in your application.
Interviews can feel especially nerve-wracking, so it’s important to prepare ahead of time and put your best foot forward! Be sure to review your application details and gather any supporting documents you feel may strengthen your case before interview day. You can even practice your responses with our list of the most commonly asked travel visa interview questions. Check out Boundless’ travel visa interview guide for more tips.
- Reach Out to Family and Friends
If you have any family members or friends who have applied for a U.S. visa before, it’s worthwhile to ask them about their experiences! Each application and case is different, but it can be helpful to hear from others what they found challenging or surprising about the visa process.
If you have friends or relatives you plan to visit in the U.S., they may even increase your chances of approval by writing a letter of invitation to include in your application. A letter of invitation is not required on the B1/B2 application, but it can demonstrate to the U.S. government that you have a place to stay during your time in the U.S. Learn more about the letter of invitation and view a sample letter here!
Applying for a B-1/B-2 visa is never a guarantee, but Boundless can help you file the strongest application possible. Our software assesses your risk of travel visa denial based on your specific situation and our experienced team helps you avoid common mistakes. Get started today!