Here are steps to optimize your application process quickly:
- Apply Early: Consular workloads fluctuate, so applying well before your intended travel increases the chance of getting an appointment and processing your visa within your timeframe.
- Complete Application: Meticulously gather all required documents – financial statements, employment proofs, travel itinerary – to avoid delays due to missing information.
- Expedited Appointment: In urgent cases (medical emergencies, deaths in family), you can request an expedited interview at the US embassy/consulate. Be prepared to document the urgency with evidence.
- Contact Your US Representative: For compelling reasons, your local US Representative may be able to advocate for your case and potentially expedite the process, though success isn’t guaranteed.
- Choose the right visa type for your needs. Various US visa types are available; some are processed more quickly than others.
As for the great news, you can now apply for a B1/B2 US visa easily and conveniently through Visas for Future. Our user-friendly service ensures a hassle-free application process, with our team guiding you every step of the way. And that’s not all – for every visa sold, we plant a tree, allowing you to protect the environment while you travel. Don’t miss this chance to make your visa application experience stress-free and eco-friendly. Apply with Visas for Future today!
What We’re Offering
If you want to travel to the United States, you need a US visa unless you are eligible for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. We offer a B1/B2 visa, a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals to temporarily visit the United States for business and tourist purposes.1
Why choose us
Our visa forms are easy and simple.
We validate your application.
We answer your questions.
We plant a tree!
Types of US visas
Non-Immigrant Visas (Temporary Stays)
- Tourism and Visit (B1/B2 visas):
- B-1: Business visits, conferences, consultations, etc.
- B-2: Pleasure, tourism, visiting family and friends.
- Employment:
- H-1B: Specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- H-2A/H-2B: Temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers.
- L-1: Intra-company transfers for managers, executives, and specialized knowledge workers.
- Other employment visas for specific professions (e.g., teachers, athletes).
- Student and Exchange:
- F-1: Academic studies at accredited institutions.
- J-1: Exchange programs sponsored by the US government or approved organizations.
- Other Categories:
- C: Transit through the US without staying overnight.
- E: Treaty traders and treaty investors.
- I: Journalists and media representatives.
- R: Religious workers.
- O: Individuals with extraordinary ability in arts, sciences, etc.
- P: Athletes, entertainers, and artists for performance engagements.
- Q: International cultural exchange programs.
Immigrant Visas (Permanent Residence)
- Family-Sponsored:
- Immediate relatives (spouse, children, parents) of US citizens.
- Other relatives have preference categories based on relationship and availability.
- Employment-Based:
- EB-1: Priority workers (outstanding researchers, multinational executives, etc.).
- EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees and exceptional ability.
- EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
- EB-5: Investors creating jobs in the US.
- Diversity Visa Lottery: The DV program awards green cards to individuals from countries with low immigration rates.
Processing Times for Different Types of U.S. Visa
Types of U.S. Visa | Processing Time |
B1/B2 visas | Two (2) weeks to several months |
E-1 visas | Two (2) to Four (4) weeks |
E-2 visas | Four (4) to six (6) weeks. |
F-1 and F-2 visas | Processed quickly, often immediately before the embassy interview. |
J-1 visas | One (1) to four (4) months to process |
Q-1 visas | one of the fastest visas, but it can still take up to 4 weeks to process. |
M-1 visas | one of the fastest visas, but it can still take up to four (4) weeks to process. |
H-1 and H-1B visas | Four (4) to seven (7) months to process, but premium processing can reduce it to 15 days. |
H-1B1 | Four (4) to six (6) months to process |
H-2A | have priority processing. |
H-3 visas | Four (4) to six (6) weeks, but it’s recommended to start the application six (6) months in advance. |
H-4 visas | depend on the H visa holder. |
Shortest Processing Time
F1 Visas have the shortest processing time compared to other visas. The processing times for different visas vary. Due to their complexity, visas for establishing permanent residence in the U.S. generally take longer to process than short-term visitor visas. The average processing time for B1/B2 visa appointments varies from 3 weeks to 2 months in most countries.
What is Expedite Request?
An expedite request for a US visa is a request to get an earlier interview appointment than what’s normally available. It’s important to note that expedited requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and approval depends on the urgency of your travel and availability of interview slots.
Here are some reasons why a US visa interview expedited request might be approved:
- Medical emergency: A serious illness of yourself or an immediate family member requiring travel to the US for treatment. You’ll need a letter from a doctor documenting the emergency.
- Business travel: Urgent business travel that could be jeopardized by waiting for a regular interview date. You’ll need documentation from your employer to support this.
- Educational travel: Educational opportunities that you would miss if you don’t get a visa interview expedited. This could include enrollment deadlines or participation in a critical program. An I-20 or DS-2019 form is typically required.
The exact steps for requesting a US visa interview expedited can vary depending on the specific embassy or consulate you’re applying through. However, here’s a general guideline:
Step 1: Schedule the First Available Appointment
Even if your travel needs are urgent, always begin by scheduling the earliest possible interview date through the standard application process. This shows good faith and avoids any delays caused by forgetting this initial step.
Step 2: Find the Expedite Request Process
Head to the US embassy or consulate website to apply for the visa. Look for a section on visas, then try to find information on expedited appointments or interview requests. They might have a dedicated page or instructions within the general visa application process.
Step 3: Submit the Expedite Request (if applicable)
Some embassies/consulates might have an online form for expediting interviews, while others might require you to submit an email or physical letter explaining your urgency. Consult their website for specific instructions.
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documentation
Regardless of the submission method, be prepared to provide strong documentation explaining your urgent travel needs. This could include:
- Medical emergencies: A letter from a doctor detailing the situation.
- Business travel: Documentation from your employer proving the urgency of your trip (e.g., invitations, contracts).
- Educational travel: Proof of enrollment deadlines and program participation details (e.g., I-20 or DS-2019 form).
Step 5: Wait for the Decision
The embassy/consulate will review your expedited request and supporting documents. The processing time can vary, so be patient. They will notify you of their decision via email or through your online application profile.
Step 6: Follow-Up Actions (if applicable)
- Approval: If your expedited request is approved, you might receive instructions on scheduling your new interview date. You might also need to cancel your original appointment.
- Denial: If your expedited request is denied, you’ll still attend your initially scheduled interview. Consider if there’s any additional information you can provide to strengthen a possible future expedited request.
Expedited Processing Options
- Life-or-death medical emergencies: For seeking urgent treatment unavailable in your home country.
- Loss of a close family member: To attend a loved one’s funeral or visit a critically ill relative.
- Critical business needs: Preventing severe financial losses for US companies facing urgent situations.
- Time-sensitive academic deadlines: For students or exchange visitors who have an imminent program start or have been denied ESTA authorization.
- Compassionate circumstances: Covering unforeseen humanitarian or emergencies requiring immediate US entry.
Remember: Expedited appointments are not guaranteed; approval rests solely with the consular officer. Prepare to pay the regular visa application fee and potential reciprocity fee.
Easiest Application Process
The easiest application process for a US visa may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, here are some general steps that can make the process smoother:
- Determine the Visa Type: Identify the appropriate visa category for your purpose of travel, such as a tourist visa (B-2), business visa (B-1), or US ESTA.
- Complete the DS-160 Form: Here at Visas for Future, you can complete the DS-160 form, which is the standard nonimmigrant visa application form.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay the required visa application fee. The payment options may vary depending on the country where you are applying.
- Schedule the Visa Interview: Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The interview is a crucial step in the application process.
- Prepare Supporting Documents: Compile all the necessary supporting documents, such as your passport, photographs, proof of financial support, and any additional documents specific to your visa category.
- Attend the Visa Interview: Attend the scheduled visa interview on the appointed date and time. Be prepared to answer questions about your background and the purpose of your visit to the US.
- Wait for Processing: After the interview, you will need to wait for your application to be processed. Processing times can vary depending on the type of visa, ranging from a few days to a few months.
- Check the Status: You can check the status of your visa application online to stay updated on its progress.
- Receive the Visa: If your application is approved, you will receive your visa, usually stamped in your passport. If your application is denied, you will be informed of the reasons for the denial.
Priority or Premium Services
Priority Processing:
- $2,500 extra fee
- Decision within 15 days
- This is for urgent business, medical needs, etc.
Premium Processing:
- Usually, there is no extra fee
- For critical emergencies like life-threatening medical issues, urgent business with major financial implications, or attending a close relative’s funeral.
- Contact the embassy/consulate directly.
Special Programs or Initiatives that could Facilitate Faster Visa Approval
There are no sure ways to get a US visa faster. But some options may help, depending on your situation:
- Visa Interview Waiver Program (VWP):
Benefit: No interview for qualified citizens of some countries, which may speed up the process.
Eligibility: Check your country and criteria.
- Streamlined Processing for Specific Groups:
Certain professions: Faster processing for some visa types for skilled professionals (e.g., scientists, artists).
Government programs: Quicker pathways for participants of programs for cultural exchange, education, or development.
- Private Visa Expediting Services:
Commercial companies: Visas for Future helps with documents, appointments, and communication, which may save time and errors.
Benefits: Easier process and guidance but no guarantee of faster approval.
- Strong Application & Compelling Case:
Thorough preparation: Give correct and complete information, all documents, and a clear, persuasive case for your visa.
Demonstrating strong ties to your home country: Show proof of a stable job, family, and money that motivate your return after the US visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a US visa in 2 days?
No. Processing a US visa to get approved usually takes 5-7 days, depending on which type of visa you are applying for.
What is the waiting period for a US visa?
The average time it takes to process a visa application after a successful visa interview is 5-7 business days.
How long does a U.S. visa interview take?
The final stage in a two-step process is the interview with a consular officer, which usually takes only a few minutes. Before the interview, staff will gather, input, and check your application.
How do I know if the U.S. visa is approved?
To see the progress of your immigrant or nonimmigrant visa application online, go to the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Status Check portal. You will have to type in your case number when you access the portal.
- Visitor Visa. (2023c, December 1). Travel.state.gov. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html [↩] [↩]
- U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country. (2023, December 1). Travel.state.gov. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html [↩]
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Cite this article
MLA Style
Gajes, Apple. "Fastest Way To Get A US Visa." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/fastest-way-to-get-a-us-visa/. Accessed on 14 October 2023.
Chicago Style
Gajes, Apple. "Fastest Way To Get A US Visa." Visas For Future. October 14, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/fastest-way-to-get-a-us-visa/.