Visitor Visas: All You Need to Know (2024)

Key Highlights

  • What is a Visit Visa?
  • Visa Types, Eligibility, Documents
  • Application Process: Four Simple Steps!
  • Cost of a Visitor Visa
  • Visitor Visa Processing Time - By country
  • Other FAQS

Traveling abroad need not be confusing if you have all the details worked out. Here, we shall be discussing the common visitor visa types, eligibility, costs involved, as well as the documentation required.

What is a visit visa?

A visitor visa for any country is a kind of nonimmigrant visa permitting you to stay in a specific country for a certain period of time.

Generally, as a temporary visitor in a country, you can either attend short-term business activities, visit family/friends, or go as a tourist. A visitor visa also allows you to visit overseas for medical treatment.

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What are the types of visitor visas?

Different kinds of visitor visas are available, depending on the reason behind traveling to a particular country. Each of the countries have their own eligibility criteria and application process.

Visitor visas can be classified based on the reason for travel - tourism, visiting family/friends, business, or transit.

Additionally, the different types of visas available can be as per the number of entries allowed. A visit visa can be - single entry, double entry, or multiple entry.

Visitor Visa/Tourist Visa

This type of visa is required by the host country purely for visiting and tourism purposes. Rules and regulations for this type of visa are normally found on the host country’s embassy or consulate website.

This visa is required by those planning to conduct business in the host country. It is useful for businessmen travelling for meetings in regard to negotiations, sales, and/or research purposes.

Work Visa/Employment Visa

Issued by the host country to allow the visitor to work legally in the country. The process of issuing this visa also differs from one country to another. Processing time for this visa can take anywhere from 10 days to 3 months.

Transit Visa

It is required by some countries emphasizing political security. Transit Visas are required when you land in a country but want to move further within a short period. These visas are generally only good for 3 days at most.

Single-Entry, Double-Entry or Multiple-Entry Visas

These types of visas fall into all of the above categories. Single-entry means that you can only enter the country once. Double-entry means twice, and the multiple-entry visas allow you to enter as many times as you like during the valid period.

Sponsored Family Visitor Visa

This type of visa is issued to family members living outside the host country. It is recommended to avail this for visiting a citizen or permanent resident of the country you are visiting.

What is the eligibility criteria for a visit visa?

The specific eligibility criteria that you must fulfill will vary from country to country.

Australia Visitor Visa - Eligibility

Visa to apply for: Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream (apply outside Australia)

Australia subclass 600 visa lets you visit Australia as a tourist, see family and friends in Australia, or go on a cruise.

Applicants satisfying the following criteria are eligible to apply for the Australia Visitor Visa -

  • Genuine intention to temporarily stay in Australia.
  • Visiting for purposes other than business or medical treatment.
  • Sponsored or able to support themselves during the visit.
  • Satisfy the relevant public interest criteria, including that of character and health.

Canada Visitor Visa - Eligibility

You will need a Canada visitor visa if you plan to travel, do business, visit family and friends, or transit through Canada. Most travelers will require a visitor visa to travel to Canada.

Transiting through a Canadian airport on your way to a final destination might also require a Canada visitor visa.

A Canada visitor visa, an official document showing that the requirements for entering the country have been duly met, is affixed in the passport of the traveler.

The Canada visitor visa can be applied for online or on paper.

The Canada Visitor Visa requires you to meet the following -

  • Proof of sufficient funds as financial support during the visit.
  • Be in good health.
  • Not be seeking or undertaking a job during the visit.
  • No criminal or immigration-related convictions.
  • Visitors staying with relatives or friends need to provide invitation letters from sponsors.
  • Applicants from certain countries will require a temporary residence permit.
  • Be able to convince immigration officers of ties with the home country.
  • Be a genuine visitor who will leave Canada at the end of their visit.
  • Other requirements based on the profile may be required.

US Visitor Visa - Eligibility

Visitor visas for the United States of America come under the ‘B’ visa category. US visitor visas available are - B-1 visa for business, B-2 visa for tourism, and B-1/B-2 visa that combines B-1 and B-2 in a single visa.

You must fulfill these general eligibility criteria for a Visitor Visa of the USA.

  • Genuine intention regarding your purpose of visit which can be temporary, such as - business, tourism, or medical treatment.
  • Visit to be only for a specific time.
  • Demonstrate a sufficient amount of funds to cover your US stay.
  • Establish ties with your home country proving that you will go back after your visit.

UK Visitor Visa - Eligibility

Visa to apply for: Standard Visitor visa

US Standard Visitor visa allows you to visit the United Kingdom for business, tourism, study courses (up to six months in duration), and other activities.

Application to be made online, followed by attending an appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC).

Kinds of UK Standard Visitor visas available -

  1. Standard Visitor visa, for six months
  2. Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons, for 11 months
  3. Standard Visitor visa for academics, for 12 months
  4. Two-year long-term Standard Visitor visa, six months per visit
  5. Five-year long-term Standard Visitor visa, six months per visit
  6. Ten-year long-term Standard Visitor visa, six months per visit

If you wish to visit the UK, you must fulfill these eligibility criteria to receive the UK Visitor Visa -

  • Intent to leave the United Kingdom at the end of your visit or trip.
  • Funds to cover your stay in the UK.
  • Demonstrate the proof of activities or business that you intend to do in the UK that comply with the visitor rules.

New Zealand Visitor Visa - Eligibility

With the visitor visa, you can explore New Zealand or enjoy amateur sports, visit friends and family, or take part in any adventure activity. You can also study in New Zealand for up to three months while in the country on a visitor visa.

You will have to meet the following criteria to qualify for the New Zealand Visitor Visa -

  • Proof of your identity.
  • Good health.
  • Good character and certificate of conduct.
  • Proof of funds while you stay in New Zealand, or you must be sponsored by someone who is residing in the country.
  • Lastly, you must show proof of your return ticket back to your home country after the end of your visit.

Schengen Visa - Eligibility

As they have all signed the Schengen Agreement, 26 countries in Europe are known as the Schengen countries.

These are - France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, Austria, Sweden, Belgium, Malta, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Liechtenstein, Greece, Slovakia, Italy, Portugal, Finland, Latvia, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, and Norway.

With a Uniform Schengen Visa (USV), you can visit any country in the Schengen Area and stay up to 90 days in every six-month period starting from the date of entry.

Eligibility criteria to be met for being granted a Schengen Visa -

  • Visa application form
  • Proof of having paid the visa fees, €80 for adults and €45 for children from 6 to 12 years old.
  • Proof of financial means to cover duration of stay
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Travel health insurance for the entire Schengen Area, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
  • Round trip reservation

How to apply for a visitor visa for business purposes?

A visitor visa for business purposes, often called simply a business visa, has different eligibility criteria depending on the country. However, there are some documents that will generally be required.

These include -

  • A valid passport.
  • Travel itinerary that includes flight details and accommodation.
  • Academic credentials.
  • Business and professional credentials.
  • Evidence of your plan to return to the home country.
  • Proof of adequate financial resources.
  • Evidence of adequate insurance and medical examination.
  • Requisite application form duly filled and signed.
  • Copy of the fee paid for the visa application.

What is the processing time for a visitor visa?

The tourist/visitor visa processing times vary depending upon the nation which is offering you the visa. It also depends on the applicant’s nationality.

What Documents are Required for a Tourist/Visitor Visa?

The basic requirements of the Tourist Visa are as follows:

  • Health check-up
  • Financial documents
  • Certificates of your character
  • Insurance
  • Proof of accommodation

Other documents include:

  • Completed and filled form of the visa application
  • Upload photographs digitally per the specifications
  • Your valid passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of intended departure from India
  • Valid passport bio page photocopy
  • Copy of your two-way tickets that you have to submit at the time of your application
  • Latest bank statements as proof of sufficient funds
  • An invitation letter from the sponsor, family member, or friend residing overseas
  • Financial statement of the sponsor, family member, or friend
  • Passport photocopy of the sponsor
  • Marriage certificate, if you are married to a foreign national
  • In the case of minors, the marriage certificate and birth certificate of the parents
  • Proof of enough funds
  • Invitation letter: If visiting relatives or friends, a letter of invitation from the relative or friend in Australia
  • Hotel booking confirmation

What is the standard procedure to get a visitor visa?

There is a simple standard procedure to get a visitor visa for most of the countries.

To get the tourist visa, you will have to:

  1. Fill in the visa application form of the electronic tourist visa.
  2. Complete the payment of the fees for your visa application.
  3. Schedule your appointment at the embassy for the visa interview.
  4. Attend your visa interview at the embassy on the assigned date and time.

How much does a visitor visa cost?

The visitor visa fee varies based on the country. For example,

  • Australian Visitor Visa - AUD 145
  • Canada Visitor Visa - CAD 100
  • US Tourist Visa - USD 160
  • UK Standard Visitor Visa - £95
  • New Zealand Tourist Visa - USD 57

Processing time for tourist visas

The visitor visa application processing time normally varies from one country to another.

  • Australia - Typical processing time for a 6-month-visitor-visa application to Australia is about 2 - 4 weeks from the date of submitting the visa application.
  • Canada - Ideal processing time for the Canada visitor visa application is a maximum of 15 days from the date of submitting the application.
  • USA - It can take anywhere from 3 - 5 weeks' time for processing the USA Visitor Visa.The visa application processing time for the US generally depends on the type of visa and the workload.
  • United Kingdom - Expect a decision within 3 weeks of attending the appointment at the visa application center when you are applying for a UK Standard Visitor Visa.
  • New Zealand - Again, the processing time for visitor visa applications depends on the workload. A majority of visa applications are cleared within three months.

Visitor Visas to the Most Popular Countries

Some of the most common countries that offer visitor visas:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • USA
  • United Kingdom
  • New Zealand
  • Schengen countries

1. Australian Visitor Visa

The different types of visit visas for Australia are as follows:

Visitor visa (subclass 600):

  • The visitor visa or subclass 600 visa is either for general visits or business purposes and is valid for up to three, six, or 12 months.
  • There are separate streams under subclass 600 visa of Australia - the family sponsored stream, the business visitor stream, the approved destination status stream, and the frequent traveler stream.

Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602):

The purpose of the medical treatment visa is to allow people of any country to visit Australia. This may be for either of the following purposes:

  • Medical treatments or consultations
  • For supporting someone who needs a medical treatment that holds or has applied for this particular visa
  • For donating an organ

Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405):

The investor retirement visa is for people who are self-funded retirees without any dependents and who are willing to spend the rest of their lives in Australia.

Special Program visa (subclass 416):

Usually, subclass 416 Australia visa is given in situations where a special program sponsor, which is approved, has sent an invitation to you to participate in that particular program.

The purpose of this visa is for enhancing international relations and the exchange of cultures between the community of Australia and the rest of the world.

Transit visa (subclass 771):

The Transit Visa or the subclass 771 visa is for you and your dependent children while you are on transit through Australia and is valid for up to 72 hours.

2. Canada Visitor Visa

There are two ways in which the applicant can apply for the Canadian Visitor Visa. One way is via the online portal, and the other is through the paper-based process.

You can go to Canada as a temporary visitor for visiting family and friends, for holiday, or for business purposes.

3. USA Visitor Visa

The B-1 and B-2 Visas of the USA allows you to travel to the United States of America. While the B-1 Visa is for business purposes, the B 2 Visa is either for a casual trip or medical treatment in the USA.

B-visa holders can engage in the following activities when they are in the US:

  • Vacation
  • Tourism
  • Visit friends or family
  • Take part in social events
  • Seek medical treatment
  • Participate in sports or music events
  • Enrol in short term courses

The application process for the B-2 visa

  1. Submit the Form DS-160
  2. Pay the visa fees
  3. Give biometrics at the Visa Application Center (VAC)
  4. Schedule the tourist visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate
  5. Attend the visa interview

The US Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2) is a non-immigrant US Visa. Its validity period ranges from one month to 10 years and allows single, double or multiple entries to the US.

The period of stay which is a maximum of six months is recorded by the Customs and Border Protection officer.

4. The United Kingdom Visitor Visa

The UK visit visa is an online visa with an appointment at VFS to submit your documents. The process typically takes 3-4 weeks and once the visa is issued you can stay up to six months in the UK.

The UK visit visa is for:

  • Visiting friends and family
  • Leisure and tourism
  • For medical reasons
  • Other non-business activities

You can stay for up to six months on this visa. You can extend your stay if you have come to the UK for private medical treatment by paying additional charges.

You can also extend your stay if you are in the country to attend an academic program.

5. New Zealand Visitor Visa

The Visitor Visa of New Zealand allows you to visit the country for:

  • Visiting friends/family,
  • Sports, tourism, or any kinds of adventurous activities,
  • To study for not more than three months, and
  • Visiting your spouse, accompanied by your dependent children who are 19 years or below.

Each county has its own set of requirements and rules to issue you a visitor visa. Our visit visa experts can provide you with the right kind of guidance for securing the visitor visa of the country that you wish to visit.

6. Schengen countries

With a Uniform Schengen Visa (USV), you can visit any country in the Schengen Area and stay up to 90 days in every six-month period starting from the date of entry.

The Schengen Visa allows the visa holder to travel freely within the Schengen Area, without there being any need for additional paperwork.

For example, if you visit Germany on a Schengen visa, you can easily move on to any of the other Schengen countries without getting additional visas.

Why Choose Kansas?

We can guide you through the visa application process, helping you -

  • Assess the type of visa to apply for
  • Fast-track the visa procedure
  • Get the documentation required
  • Fill up the forms, as required
  • Collect the supporting documentation
  • Review the list of documents
  • Verify with the document checklist
  • Submit your visa application
  • By providing complete business visa application support
  • Preparing for you visa interview, if required
  • Follow-up with the Consulate and keeping track of updates

Irrespective of whichever country you wish to visit for whatever reason, we are here to guide you with all the necessary information and shall assist you in the application procedures.

Feel free to reach out to our tourist visa experts on 1800-102-0109 or write your queries related to Visit Visa at info@kansaz.com.

Book a free consultation

Visitor Visas: All You Need to Know (11)

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Other Important FAQs

1. How many times can a visit visa be extended?

Depends upon the country you are visiting. Generally, a visitor visa can only be extended for a limited period, and only for inevitable reasons.

2. What is the difference between a tourist visa and a visit visa?

Generally, a tourist visa is given for sightseeing. A visit visa, however, refers to a visa that is given for many purposes, including short-term business meetings, medical treatments, and others.

3. How to apply for a visitor visa?

Most countries nowadays allow you to apply online. You may however have to attend a visa interview in the case of some countries.

4. What factors affect the processing time of visit visas?

Visit visas are dependent on several factors including the ones mentioned below.

  • You must have submitted all the required supporting documents along with the application
  • Your response time to requests for additional information
  • Time taken by the authorities to complete the required checks
  • Time taken to receive additional information pertaining to your health, character and national security

Decisions to accept or refuse your visa application are based on the information you provide. Make your visa application well in advance of your travel date.

Don’t make any travel arrangements until your visa is granted.

5. What are the key points to note about visitor visas?

  • You cannot work on this visa in the host country
  • This visa only allows you to travel and stay

The visitor visa is typically issued for a period between three months to one year.

6. Am I eligible for a Business Visa?

Business visas are issued for the following reasons -

  • Government or general business enquiries.
  • Government visits.
  • Business negotiations.
  • Attending seminars & conferences.
  • Job interview.
  • Professional examinations.

However, check out with the country you plan to visit.

Visitor Visas: All You Need to Know (2024)

FAQs

What are three things you can't do with a visitor visa? ›

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas
  • Study.
  • Employment.
  • Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience.
  • Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft.
  • Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media.
  • Permanent residence in the United States.

What does a visitor visa allow you to do? ›

The visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories: B-1 for business travel. B-2 for tourism and medical treatment.

What do I need for a visitors visa? ›

A valid and acceptable passport or travel document for your intended stay. At least one blank page in your passport for endorsem*nts. A valid visa, if required. Sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay.

Why would a visitor visa be denied? ›

An application may be denied because the consular officer does not have all of the information required to determine if the applicant is eligible to receive a visa, because the applicant does not qualify for the visa category for which he or she applied, or because the information reviewed indicates the applicant falls ...

What is the difference between a visit visa and a visitor visa? ›

A visitor visa can be used for a variety of purposes, including tourism, business, family visits, and medical treatment. A tourist visa is specifically for tourism purposes. The specific requirements for each type of visa vary, but you will generally need to provide the following documents: A valid passport.

What is the 6 month rule for US visas? ›

Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.

How long can I stay in the US with a visitor visa? ›

While B-1 or B-2 visas may be valid up to 10 years, visitors on B-1 or B-2 will only be permitted to stay in the United States for a short duration (maximum 6 months), as granted by US Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.

How much bank balance is required for a US tourist visa? ›

In this case, ideally, your bank account should reflect a minimum balance of $6,000, excluding the costs of flight tickets and travel insurance. As a general guideline, having a balance of $6,000 to $10,000 in your account can be beneficial.

Who can sponsor for visitor visa? ›

Visa applications can be sponsored by New Zealand citizens and residents, and organisations like registered companies, incorporated societies, charitable trusts, and government agencies.

How much money do you need to sponsor tourist visa? ›

You really should have money to show your financial strength to be able to support the people you are sponsoring. While there is no specific guideline to how much money you should have in the bank, it should be enough to take care of all their expenses. Something like $5,000/person should be good enough.

Can I sponsor someone for a U.S. tourist visa? ›

While the US law permits sponsorship for the visitor visa, the applicant must prove the authenticity of the relationship with the sponsor. For family members, birth certificate or marriage certificate to show must be presented.

How much does a US visitor visa cost? ›

Visa Types and Application Fee Amounts

The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$185. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$315.

Can I stay in the USA for 6 months every year? ›

U.S. immigration at the port of entry determines how long a person may remain in the United States. The holder of a B-2 visa may be admitted for an initial period of six months, which is extendable in six month increments.

What are three activities you can do if you have a visitor visa? ›

The activities you are allowed to engage in while in the United States on a B-2 visa are mostly tourist activities. You are allowed to sightsee, visit family and friends, and participate in other leisure activities. You are not allowed to work or study while in the United States on a B-2 visa.

What does a visa allow you to do? ›

Having a U.S. visa allows you to travel to a port of entry, airport or land border crossing, and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspector to enter the United States.

What are the weaknesses of visa? ›

Weaknesses. Dependence on Consumer Spending: Visa's revenue is heavily reliant on consumer spending and the volume of transactions processed. While this has been a boon in times of economic prosperity, it also exposes the company to market downturns and shifts in consumer behavior.

Can you legally work with a tourist visa? ›

You can stay for a maximum of 180 days on a tourist visa in a single entry. You cannot work or find work in the U.S. on a tourist visa. A tourist visa prohibits the holder from taking up any full-time, part-time, or volunteer jobs. If you want to work in the U.S., then you must apply for a work visa.

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