The main visas for the United States
To travel to the United States, you need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization. The U.S. government’s immigration policy is known to be strict in order to protect the country against any threat. All travelers must first apply to enter the country, and then obtain a U.S. visa or ESTA.
For a stay of less than 90 days in the United States: You can complete the formalities for entry into the United States directly by Internet by clicking on the online form. You don’t need an appointment at the embassy, nor do you need a visa.
How to obtain a visa for the USA?
In order to travel to the United States, you need administrative authorization. All you need to do is make an appointment with the American embassy closest to your place of residence. There are different types of visa: tourist visa, work visa, cultural exchange visa, J1 or F1 visa for studies, etc… The choice of visa depends on the reason for your trip and your professional situation.
Another option is to obtain a Green Card. The Green Card is a permanent residence permit issued by the U.S. government, allowing you to live and work freely on American soil. It is accessible according to drastic regulations based on work, family reunification or marriage.
Regardless of the type of visa sought, interview at the US Embassy is an inevitable step in the visa application process. In English, you will have to explain your reasons for going to the United States. So be sure to be well prepared, by gathering all the necessary documents and preparing the answers to the questions that will be asked.
Here is the type of visa you will need to apply depending on your situation:
| Travel motif | Visa Type |
| Border crossing: Mexico | BCC |
| Business travel | B1 |
| Sightseeing tour usa | B2 |
| Medical treatments | B2 |
| Transit through the USA | C |
| Crew member (plane / boat) | D |
| Student | F, M |
| Specialized worker | H1B |
| Worker in agriculture | H2A |
| Professor, teacher, trainee | J, Q |
| Spouse / wife of a US citizen | K |
| Athletes or artists with extraordinary skills | O, P |
| Religious wishing to work temporarily | R |
E1/E2 visas, B1/B2 visas and L1 visas are described in greater detail in the relevant articles.
What is the alternative to the visa for the USA?
If you are a national of one of the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, you won’t necessarily need a visa to travel to the United States. The ESTA program authorizes travelers to enter the USA for tourism or business. This is a more economical alternative, as the minimum application fee is $21. The process is also faster than for a visa: you will receive a reply to your application within 72 hours.
To obtain an ESTA, nothing could be easier: you just have to fill out the form available on the official website of the American customs.