Recently, there have been concerns about travel to the United States of America as a standard visitor due to a sharp increase in detainments, refusals and arrests at the U..S border. In this article, we walk you through how to prepare a strong visitor application to the USA and how to properly prove your status when returning to the U.K.
This information pertains to those with U.K Passports and Settlement status in the U.K.
Preparation
As you may know, travelling to the USA requires careful preparation to ensure that you meet the immigration requirements and prove your status.
Entry rules to the USA are very strict therefore, you should adhere to conditions. Failure to do this may result in arrest or detention.
This information is for those with a full British citizens passport.
What documents do I need to bring?
To travel to the U.S as a visitor, you need to bring your:
- U.K passport
- Generate a share code
- eVisa
We strongly recommend that you also carry some additional physical documentation of your immigration status when travelling to the USA.
The application process:
Travelling to the USA as a visitor:
Firstly, you need to understand what visa category you fall under in order to obtain a visa. As this article pertains to a visit visa, it is likely that you will require a nonimmigrant visa. Nonimmigrant visas are for those wishing to enter the United States temporarily.
There are 3 main categories:
- (B-1) Business
- (B-2) Tourism
- (B-1/B-2) Business and Tourism
Do I need an ESTA or a US Visa?
When applying to visit the USA, you will require either an ESTA or a U.S visa.
An ESTA is an automated system, that determines the eligibility of visitors to trave to the USA.
You can apply for an ESTA via the official ESTA Application Website or using the ESTA Mobile app.
ESTA eligibility:
To be eligible for an ESTA you must:
- Be a British citizen or have settlement status.
- Not hold a visit visa.
- Plan to travel to the U.S for 90 days or less.
- You plan to travel to the U.S for business or pleasure.
How to apply for an ESTA
To apply for an ESTA, visit ESTA application website or apply via the app.
To apply you need:
- Your valid email address.
- Your home address and phone number.
- The details of an emergency contact.
You may also be required to provide:
- Any aliases or other names.
- Any National ID’s or Personal ID number’s.
- Your employer address and phone number.
- Your U.S point of contacts name address and phone (if applicable).
Above is page one of the ESTA application process. You must upload your passport in the ‘sample passport’ style to continue.
U.S Visa applications
Nonimmigrant visas
If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must apply for a U.S visa in order to travel to the U.S.
You can apply for a USA visa via the U.S’ Consular Electronic Application Center website.
Once you enter the Consular website, you will be required to select your location and start an application. You will be required to upload a photo of yourself.
The visa application process:
- Complete the online application form and upload all of your personal information.
- Pay the application fee.
- Schedule an interview at the U.S embassy in London or the consulate in Belfast.
It is very important to book an appointment well in advance as appointments are often booked. Prepare to schedule an interview at least a 2 months before you plan to travel to the U.S.
Prepare your supporting documents. You will need to prepare your:
- Valid passport.
- Passport sized photograph.
- Application submission confirmation page.
- Evidence of ties to the U.K such as employer letters, property ownership documents, payslips etc.
- Proof of financial support.
- Any other documents specific to your visa type.
After you have gathered and prepared al of your documents, attend the interview and bring all of your required documents. Then, wait for your decision and check your status via the U.S Consular website.
Proving your status when returning to the U.K.
This is one of the most important parts of your application. You must prove your immigration status and ties to the UK. If you have an eVisa, generate a share code to prove your status to U.S immigration prior to your travel.
It is also recommended to bring physical copies of your immigration status regardless of whether or not you have an eVisa to prove your status at the U.S and U.K borders. It is important to carry physical copies to prove your status at the U.S border.
How we can help you
Thomas Chase Immigration offer immigration assistance to individuals, families and businesses.
If you have questions or concerns or you would like straightforward immigration advice, or help with applying for a visa, contact us.
Our processes are tried and tested and have proven successful. Yet, we know that each person’s circumstances are different and requires that individual touch when assisting you and when presenting the matter to UKVI.
