Please use the illustrated guide below to learn how to read your new nonimmigrant visa (for travel to the U.S. as a temporary visitor). In addition, as soon as you receive it, check to make sure information printed on the visa is correct (see below). If any of the information on your visa does not match the information in your passport or is incorrect, please contact the nonimmigrant visa section at the embassy or consulate that issued your visa
To understand your US visa, you need to check the following details mentioned on your visa:
- Visa Type: This is the type of visa you have been granted. There are many different types of US visas, each with its own purpose. For example, a B-1 visa is for business travel, while a B-2 visa is for tourism.
- Visa Number: This is a unique number that identifies your visa. You will need this number when you apply for admission to the United States.
- Dates of Issue and Expiration: These dates show when your visa was issued and when it expires. You must enter the United States before your visa expires.
- Port of Entry: This is the airport or land border crossing where you will enter the United States.
- Number of Admissions: This is the number of times you are allowed to enter the United States with this visa.
- Status: This shows whether your visa is valid or not. If your visa is valid, it will say “Valid”. If your visa is not valid, it will say “Not Valid”.
- Signature: This is the signature of the consular officer who issued your visa.
You can also find more information about your visa on the US Department of State website.
Here are some additional tips for understanding your US visa:
- Keep your visa in a safe place: Your visa is an important document, so you should keep it in a safe place where you can easily find it.
- Make a copy of your visa: It is a good idea to make a copy of your visa and keep it in a separate place from the original. This way, if you lose the original, you will still have a copy.
- Check the expiration date of your visa: Your visa will expire after a certain period of time. Make sure to check the expiration date regularly and renew your visa before it expires.
- Be aware of the restrictions of your visa: Each type of visa has its own restrictions. For example, a B-1 visa allows you to travel to the United States for business purposes, but it does not allow you to work in the United States. Make sure you understand the restrictions of your visa before you travel to the United States.