Visitors Requiring Visas

If you do not fit any of the other categories listed on this page (citizen of the United States, Canada, or Mexico, entering under the Visa Waiver Program, or a Lawful Permanent Resident of the U.S.), you require a visa to visit the United States. For example, a tourist with Greek citizenship requires a visa, as does a U.K. citizen who wants to study, work, or stay for more than 90 days in the United States.

A visa tells the United States government who you are, why you are traveling to America, when you are arriving and when you plan to leave. To obtain a visa for travel to (or through) the United States,

There are a few things you should know about obtaining a visa. First of all, the approval rate for visa applicants is very high (about 75%), and even higher for those applying for student visas. However, a visa does not guarantee entrance to American borders. At the port-of-entry where you clear immigration, the immigration officer present has the final say on whether you may enter the country. The visa only tells the immigration staff the purpose for your travel to that port-of-entry. That said, it is rare for a traveler with a valid visa to be held at the borders.