Visas
What's a Visa?
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A visa is an official document that grants you lawful entry into a foreign country.
Typically, a visa is inked or glued into your passport.
Visas come in various forms, each granting you particular privileges within the host country.
What Are the Main Types of Visas?
Depending on the issuing country and the purpose of your visit, you can apply for different types of visas.
There are 4 main types of visa:
Immigration
Immigrant visas allow you the privilege of residing permanently in the host country. Other visas only allow you to stay in the country for a stipulated timeframe.
How Do E-2 Visas Compare to EB-5 Visas in Costs and Process?
The E-2 Visa and EB-5 Visa are both US investor visas.
An E2 investor requires you to make a ‘significant’ investment into the country and is only offered to citizens of countries with which the USA has a treaty agreement.
With an E-2 visa, you can typically live and work in the USA for up to 5 years. It can be renewed as needed.
An EB-5 visa, on the other hand, grants investors and their dependents the opportunity to apply for conditional permanent residency in the US.
The EB-5 visa stipulates a minimum investment amount far greater than what’s required for the E-2 visa, and is a direct pathway to a US green card.
How Do I Apply for a Visa?
Although each country’s visa requirements will vary slightly, there are commonalities.
Here’s a 7-step guide to applying for a visa:
- Choose your visa type.
- Start your application.
- Pay for your application.
- Book an appointment at a visa application center.
- Attend your appointment at the visa application center.
- Track the progress of your application.
- Receive the decision made on your application.
What Do I Need For My Visa Application?
You’ll need to supply a host of supporting documents with your visa application.
The documents you’ll need will likely include the following:
- A valid passport or travel document – valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit.
- Your passport must have at least 2 unused pages for entry/departure endorsements.
- A completed visa application form, accompanied by the visa application fee.
- A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required).
- Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit.
- 2 passport photographs in full color.
- A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air.
- If you have children (minors) travelling with you, you'll need to provide the following additional documents: proof of guardianship or custody, or consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor
- Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while travelling in the form of bank statements and cash available (including credit cards and travellers’ cheques).
- Undertakings by the host(s) in the country you’re travelling to.
- Bursary documents, if required.
- Proof of medical cover.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Visa?
Visa costs depend on the country you’re travelling to and the type of visa you’re applying for.
When applying for a visa, it’s important that you’re aware of all costs involved.
A visa application can cost between US$160-US$265.
The main types of visas (tourist, immigration, student, and work) typically cost US$160.
What Are the Differences Between Immigration and Non-Immigration Visas?
To determine which visa is most appropriate for you, you need to know whether you need an immigrant visa or a non-immigrant visa.
An immigrant visa is issued to those who want to work and live permanently in the country.
A non-immigrant visa is given to those who wish to enter a country temporarily.
So, how do you know whether you need an immigrant visa or a non-immigrant visa?
If you intend to stay in the country for a short period, you’ll apply for a non-immigrant visa.
If you wish to reside in the country permanently, you’ll apply for an immigrant visa.
How Long Does a Visa Take to Process?
Visa processing times will vary, depending on the country and the type of visa you’re applying for.
Each country’s visa process is different; however, once your visa application has been submitted, it can take between 3 days to 4 months to process.
Sometimes, it may even take up to 6 months to receive a final decision on your application.
How Long Is My Visa Valid For?
Your visa validity period will vary, depending on the type of visa you have.
In most cases, a visa is valid for 6 months.
If you need to extend your visa, you can apply for an extension, provided that the terms of your stay are unchanged.
What Happens if My Visa Application Is Declined?
If your visa application is declined, a few options are available to you.
Typically, declined visas can’t be appealed.
However, you may re-apply.
Common Questions About Visas
Here’s a list of popularly asked questions about visas:
In some cases, you may need to pay taxes to your host country even if you aren’t a citizen. In these cases, the tax implications would be for immigrant visas.
If you hold a non-immigrant visa, you will automatically become a tax resident if you reside in your host country for more than 31 days in a year or 183 days during the 3 years.
For most people, a visitor or tourist visa is the easiest visa to get.
There are a number of countries worldwide that don’t require a visa for you to visit.
Examples include Albania, Barbados, and Japan.
Several countries offer affordable visa application fees, one of which is Haiti.
Haiti’s visa application costs US$10 and is valid for 30 days.
Yes, in most cases, you can renew your visa.
If you wish to extend your visa, you may do so once per visit.
The conditions of a visa application vary with each instance, so it’s important that you have all the necessary documentation in order before you submit your application.
If your initial visa application is denied, you can re-apply.
Should you require any further information about your visa application, contact us – our expert consultants are waiting to to assist you.
