There are a lot of US visa application mistakes you must avoid if you truly want to get approval and touch the United States soil.
The US visa is part and parcel of traveling to the country. But while visas are very important, the application process is not very easy to navigate. From sudden legislation changes to country-specific requirements, it can be a headache trying to submit a successful visa application before your trip.
To make your application for a US visa easier, we have gathered five mistakes you must avoid at all costs. We will also provide you with tips to get your visa application approved.
The Worst US Visa Application Mistakes You Must Not Make
Below are the common mistakes people make when applying for a US visa. You need to avoid them at all osts.
1. Submitting the Wrong Form
The United States offers different types of visas for different types of travelers. These visa types include:
- Work visas
- Student visas
- Tourist visas
- Resident visas
There are frequently dozens of distinct visa kinds for a single nation, each with its own application. So it’s obvious that one of the most prevalent mistakes is submitting incorrect documents.
Reading the instructions carefully, again and again, will ensure that you are using the correct form. If in doubt, consult the immigration service of the nation you’re visiting, or a visa and immigration expert.
2. Not Having the Needed Evidence or Information
Entering one incorrect digit in your passport number can cause your visa application to be rejected, so take your time and double-check everything before submitting it.
The most common wrongs include:
- Wrong sponsor information
- Wrong passport details
- Not submitting all the required information
Another frequent mistake is not having your bank statements authenticated. You cannot simply download and submit your bank statements; they must be validated by a specialist who can confirm the documents’ legitimacy.
Find out who can attest to a bank statement for your trip and make arrangements well in advance of your travel date.
Also Read: 10 Requirements for Getting a Canada Student Visa from Nigeria
3. Sending the Wrong Photo Size
United States visas require you to attach a recent photo. However, this isn’t usually the same specification or size as your passport photo itself. Cross-check the required photo specifications for the visa application before you snap them.
Not all photo booths offer photographs in various sizes. If you are convinced that you can meet the visa’s photo standards, you may take your own photo. Alternatively, several high-street photographers provide specialized visa photography services.
Make sure you follow passport photograph guidelines if you’re taking your own photo. Make sure the shot is well-lit, avoid hiding your face, maintain a neutral expression, and position yourself in front of a plain background.
4. Submitting Low-quality Scans
Sending low quality copies of important documents is a certain way to have your US visa application denied. Smartphone photo quality might vary significantly, therefore before sending your document copies, make sure that:
- The photo resolution is high
- All the edges of the document can be easily seen
- The texts and/or numbers are easy to read.
- The photos are clear and easy to identify.
If in doubt, get your documents checked by a US visa specialist before submitting them. They will be able to advise you on whether the copies will be accepted by an immigration officer.
5. Sending Your Visa Application Late
The United States has a timeframe for processing a visa application. To ensure that you receive your visa and passport in time for your trip, apply well in advance of your departure date.
You can sometimes expedite your visa application by visiting the appropriate embassy in your country. This may be important if you intend to travel in less than a month.
Tips for Getting Your US Visa Approved
We’ve put together a few tips to help you prepare a solid application and confidently handle the full visa procedure.
1. Make a Detailed Travel Itinerary
Creating a travel schedule for your planned trip to the United States is an important part of building a solid B1/B2 visa application.
The US government will need specific information about when, where, and why you intend to go. When planning your itinerary, keep your destination and trip objective in mind. The more information, the better!
For example, if you’re going to San Francisco for a friend’s wedding, add that information in your application rather than simply mentioning that you’ll be in California for an unclear event.
2. Gather Your Financial Information
Another important part of the travel visa application is demonstrating to the US government that you have the cash to pay the cost of your entire trip, including airline, housing, and any other expenses that may occur during your stay in the US.
You can improve your chances of getting a travel visa by including a detailed financial analysis in your application. This includes bank statements, pay stubs demonstrating consistent income or proof of assets.
3. Practice for the Visa Interview
The visa interview is the final critical step in the travel visa application procedure. Before receiving your visa, you must attend an interview at your local US Embassy or consulate.
During the interview, a consular officer will ask you questions about your planned trip and living in your home country, as well as confirm the information you provided in your application.
Interviews can be very stressful, so plan ahead of time and put your best foot forward! Before the interview, examine your application data and gather any supporting documents that you believe may help your case.
4. Prove You Have Enough Money to Cover Your Trip
The US government does not permit B1/B2 visa holders to work in the United States. As a result, immigration officers want to make sure you have enough funds to cover your expenses throughout your visit.
Provide paperwork proving that you have enough money in your bank account to cover your travel expenses.
If you’re living with a friend or family member, make sure you have proof to show that your travel expenses will be minimal. This may include a signed letter from a friend or family member stating that they would cover your accommodation and board for the duration of your stay.
There is no minimum amount to show in your bank account. It depends on the purpose of your visit, the number of dependents accompanying you, and the length of your stay.
Conclusion
Obtaining a US visa can be a difficult procedure, but by avoiding five common errors, you can improve your chances of a successful visa application.
Remember to submit the correct visa application, offer accurate and complete information, reveal any relevant facts, have adequate finances, and attend your visa interview. By following these guidelines, you can have a stress-free travel to the United States.
Have you been denied US visa before and which of these application mistakes did you make? Share with us in the comments section.
