Each year, millions of people enter the U.S. on a temporary basis under a visitor visa for pleasure, tourism, business or medical treatment. A visitor visa restricts what you can do while you are in the country.
Tourist or Visitor Visa
Under the visitor visa to the U.S., you will not be permitted to work for any U.S. companies, and you must depart the U.S. before the date specified on your visa.
Read More: Requirements for a Tourist Visa in the USA
Visa Waiver Program
If you enter the U.S. from a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program for tourism or business that will last less than 90 days, you do not need a visa.
Qualifications
If you are not eligible for the Visa Waiver, you must prove your trip to the U.S. is for business, pleasure or medical treatment, and that you plan to leave after a specific time period.
Application
You should apply for your visitor visa at the U.S. consular office within the country where you are a permanent resident. An interview is usually required.
Documentation
You will be required to prove your intent to depart the U.S. A return plane ticket, proof of your employment outside the U.S., or information about dependents is sufficient.
Work Permit
If you wish to apply for a temporary work permit within the U.S., your employer must file the application for you. You will then enter the U.S. on a Temporary Workers Visa.
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Resources
Writer Bio
Ellen Goodlett has been a writer since 1999. Her work has been published in the "Pittsburgh Post-Gazette" and "Nimbus" magazine. Goodlett holds a bachelor’s degree in linguistics and languages from Bryn Mawr College.