Tourist or visitor visas to the U.S. can be almost impossible to get from some countries, especially if the U.S. government believes your country has a high rate of tourist visa fraud, or visitors to the U.S. who don’t return to their country when their visa expires. The biggest challenge when you apply for a visitor visa is to show you intend to return to your country when your visa expires.  By law, the U.S. government presumes you have immigrant intent when you apply. This means you must prove to their satisfaction that you have strong ties to your home country which gives you reasons to return at the end of your stay.

On the other hand, no visa is required from citizens of 39 countries who participate in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows them to visit the U.S. for 90 days.  The Visa Waiver countries include many European countries, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Chile, and others. Visa Waiver Program visitors will still be questioned about their visit when they enter the U.S.

You will have very little time at your tourist visa interview to convince the interviewing officer. It is important for you to explain your case clearly and extremely quickly. They won’t want to look at your documents. Here are some documents to take along just in case they ask – to help prove your ties to your country. This list shows what kinds of ties they’re looking for.

• Proof of residence in your home country that you do not intend to abandon. If you own your own home, take proof of ownership such as mortgage documents and statements and deed of ownership. If you rent, take a copy of your lease and a letter from your landlord confirming how long you have lived there.
• Proof of employment, including a current letter of employment and recent paystubs.
• Bank statements of your own account to show you have funds and do not intend to work in the U.S.
• If you own a business, bring documents proving ownership and your role in day-to-day operations.
• Evidence of close family ties in your country. If a close relative in your country has medical problems, take proof of those problems, such as a doctor’s letter, and your role in caring for the relative.
• Evidence of other social and cultural ties to your country. For example, if you hold an important role in your church or faith organization, take a letter from a leader confirming your important role.
• A brief letter explaining the purpose and specific length and itinerary for your trip.

The non-refundable online application fee is $160.  See the State Department’s explanation of the process for more details.