How do I Get a Visa to the USA?

The opportunity to legally travel to the USA on a temporary or permanent basis is one of the most sought-after types of visas. One of the most popular visa categories is the B1/B2, a tourist visa. Demand for it is so high that each year, US visa centers and consulates issue about 2 million permits worldwide!

Why is there such high interest in this type of visa? With a B1/B2 visa, one can travel to the US multiple times for various purposes. This visa category can be used for short-term business trips, medical treatment at American clinics, attending seminars, traveling to festivals or themed events, and personal visits.

The popularity of the US B-1/B-2 visa is so great that today, many countries with investment programs for obtaining residency or citizenship offer residents the right to apply for this visa through a simplified procedure. In which countries and under what conditions can one apply for a US tourist visa by participating in an investment program? How to get a visa? What actions should be taken to increase your chances? Specialists from the licensed agency GARANT.in already know the answers to these questions and are ready to share all the details in a new review.

Vanuatu

The Vanuatu passport is one of the most "mobile" in the world. Citizenship of this Pacific island nation can be obtained in just 1-2 months, which is one of the fastest time frames. The cost of a Vanuatu passport is also one of the lowest compared to investment programs in other countries—starting at $130,000, which must be invested in the country's economy to obtain second citizenship with privileges.

In addition to tax optimization, visa-free travel to more than 100 countries, and other benefits, a Vanuatu citizen can apply for a US B-1/B-2 tourist visa with a duration of 5 years. With this visa, the applicant can stay in the US for up to 180 days per year. The application is usually processed in 2-3 weeks. Most often, this visa is used for travel, short-term medical treatment, business trips, seminars, and conferences.

Turkey

Turkey offers several options for participating in its investment program. The most affordable option is investing in Turkish real estate starting from $400,000. There are other ways to join the program, but this is the most cost-effective. You can obtain a Turkish passport in 6-8 months, but you must first acquire a residence permit. The money can be recovered by selling the property five years after obtaining citizenship while keeping the passport and its benefits.

What advantages do Turkish citizens receive? With a Turkish passport, one can get a B-1/B-2 tourist visa for the US for up to 10 years. In addition to the tourist category, Turkish citizens can also obtain a 5-year E-2 American visa, provided that the applicant's business is operational and profitable. If the applicant is willing to invest at least $800,000 in the US economy, they can apply for an EB-5 immigrant visa. Due to high demand, the waiting time for this visa can take up to 2-3 years.

Cyprus

To obtain residency status in Cyprus, one needs to invest at least $300,000 in the island nation's economy. This amount must be used to purchase property on either the primary or secondary market. Permanent residency in Cyprus can be obtained within 5-6 months. After 5 years, the resident can apply for Cypriot citizenship and recoup their investment while retaining the associated benefits.

In addition to EU residency status, tax optimization, and the ability to register and conduct business in an offshore jurisdiction, applicants can apply for a U.S. B-1/B-2 tourist visa through a simplified process. Cypriot residents are eligible for a 10-year B-1/B-2 tourist visa, which allows the holder to stay in the U.S. for up to 180 days per year.

Caribbean Countries

Countries that grant citizenship through investment are part of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)—St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Lucia. Currently, only St. Lucia has begun accepting applications from citizens of Russia and Belarus for its investment program. Citizenship in other Caribbean countries can be obtained through the aforementioned programs in Vanuatu or Turkey.

Caribbean countries offer citizenship in exchange for participation in an investment program. The cost of entry starts at $200,000. The conditions for entry into the program were updated in the summer of 2024, and now the minimum investment amount is the same across all countries. Citizenship can be obtained in 6-8 months.

Citizens of any Caribbean country, in addition to visa-free travel to over 100 countries, favorable tax conditions, and business-friendly environments, are eligible for a 10-year U.S. B-1/B-2 visa, allowing stays of up to 180 days per year.

Grenadian citizens enjoy additional benefits. They are eligible for the E-2 visa, valid for 5 years. This visa allows them to invest in their own business or an existing franchise in the U.S., live and work in the country, and travel freely. Not only the investor but also their family can benefit from these privileges. Children of the visa holder can receive education in the U.S. on par with U.S. citizens. The E-2 visa can be renewed indefinitely, provided the business remains profitable.

While the E-2 visa does not allow for obtaining a U.S. Green Card, a profitable business under the E-2 visa may allow the holder to later apply for an EB-5 visa, which can eventually lead to a Green Card. The application can be submitted at any U.S. consulate worldwide.

UAE

Residents of the UAE include both citizens and foreign residents with a residence visa. In the Emirates, a residence visa serves as a form of residency. It can be obtained through investment by purchasing property in the UAE worth at least $204,000. With this investment, a resident visa can be granted for 2 years. The process takes 1-2 months and allows the holder to access medical services, receive discounts in malls, live, conduct business, and optimize taxes.

Citizens and residents of the UAE can apply for a U.S. B-1/B-2 guest visa either in person or remotely. The in-person process is typically faster. UAE residents can also help citizens of countries without a U.S. consulate or where the consulate doesn’t process visa applications. Foreign citizens residing in the UAE can also apply for a U.S. visa, although tourists applying through the UAE are more likely to be denied. It’s also possible to extend an existing visa or one that expired within the last 48 months.

The duration of the U.S. visa issued will depend on the applicant’s country of citizenship. A UAE citizen can obtain a B-1/B-2 visa for up to 10 years, while a citizen of another country with UAE residency may receive a visa for 3-5 years at most.

How to Obtain a U.S. Tourist, Business, or Guest Visa – Step-by-Step Guide

The requested B-1/B-2 visa can only be issued after the applicant completes an interview at a U.S. embassy. The interview is a mandatory step for all applicants aged 14-79.

Preliminary Assessment and Risk Evaluation for Obtaining a U.S. Visa

While this step is not officially required, it is highly recommended. Consult with specialists from the licensed agency GARANT.in for an individual assessment. Qualified lawyers will evaluate the applicant’s chances of obtaining a visa to minimize the risk of a negative outcome. How does the evaluation process work? A qualified specialist examines the applicant’s situation, taking into account the purpose of the trip, sources of funding, confirmation of financial status, and an analysis of the current economic situation in the country of residence.

Gathering and Preparing the Necessary Documents

Unfortunately, there is no universal list of documents that fits every candidate. However, the following documents are required:

• Documentation justifying the trip, such as a guest invitation, attendance at a seminar/training, or a doctor’s note for medical treatment;
• Proof of a stable source of income, such as salary, income from remote work, rental income, business profits, or interest from bank deposits;
• Evidence of stability in the candidate’s home country, such as employment (the longer the applicant has worked in one place, the better), home ownership, a car, other property, or owning a business.

Depending on the applicant’s situation and the purpose of the trip, specialists from the international company GARANT.in can recommend additional documents to include in the prepared list.

Filling out and Submitting the DS-160 Form

The DS-160 form is one of the most crucial components of a visa application. The information provided in this form is thoroughly reviewed by a visa officer before the interview. Based on the details the applicant provides in the form, a preliminary opinion about the candidate will be formed. The form contains over 100 questions directly related to the applicant and their upcoming trip. The form must be completed and submitted online; hand-filled or printed forms will not be accepted by the U.S. embassy. Along with the completed form, the applicant must upload a personal photo in electronic format. The photo must have been taken no more than six months prior.

Payment of the Visa Fee

The visa fee is paid based on a receipt generated from the official U.S. embassy website. The receipt must be printed and paid within one year. The payment will be valid for one year. If the applicant does not pay the visa fee, an interview date will not be assigned.

Preparation for the Interview

Before the scheduled interview, the applicant should gather all the information they plan to present during the interview, both in verbal and written form. All provided data must be organized logically, without contradictions, and should be consistent.

Attending the Interview at the U.S. Embassy

During the interview, it’s important to understand that the visa officer treats each applicant as a potential immigrant and will look for "hidden intentions" in the provided information. The primary goal of the applicant is to convince the visa officer that their intentions are honest, supported by documented reasons and that they will leave the U.S. immediately after their visit. Avoid giving only “yes” or “no” answers; instead, demonstrate a full readiness to provide all necessary details about your situation and the purpose of your trip.

The final decision on whether to issue the visa will be made by the visa officer, and it is impossible to predict with 100% certainty whether the outcome will be favorable.

If you need assistance with applying for a U.S. visa, obtaining residency, permanent residency, or citizenship in another country, the specialists at the licensed agency GARANT.in are ready to help. We assist with collecting, preparing, and submitting documents, and obtaining passports, visas, and driver's licenses. If necessary, we can handle a specific stage of the process or take care of the entire procedure "from start to finish." With our help, you can either consult with us or go through all the steps to obtain the desired document quickly, with minimal effort and time.