Below are the types of visas and the procedures for requesting their release, illustrated according to the type of activity, projects and programs to be carried out in the United States. The exact application of the rules indicated and, in particular, the accuracy of the answers in filling out the forms and their completeness is an essential condition for reducing the times of the request process.
For stays over 90 days or for those who cannot travel with the VWP (Visa Waiver Program)
The type visa B-2 is granted to those who intend to travel to the United States for the exclusive purpose of tourism or pleasure, to visit relatives or other personal reasons and who intend to stay for a period exceeding 90 days, which is the limit of permanence allowed to Italian citizens who they travel to the United States without a visa but by simply completing the ESTA form.
The B-2 visa is recommended for those wishing to travel to the USA several times a year (2/3 times).
It should be noted that - even if the B-2 visa allows a stay on American territory for a maximum of six months for each trip - the border officer, who is also an official of the Immigration Service, has the right - on the basis of the questions he will ask and the answers he will receive – to reduce the concession of permanence even below the permitted six months. The period established by the latter - and indicated on the slip that will be attached to the passport - must be strictly observed.
American law is very strict on the subject and there is a real risk - should non-compliance with the provision be found - that the interested party, upon his subsequent arrival in the USA, will be stopped, rejected and embarked for the country of origin, with the first available plane . In these cases it is not even allowed to leave the airport.
The visa can have a maximum validity of 10 years, but the number of years for which it is granted is at the faculty and discretion of the consular officers.
Subject to the above clarifications, the holder of the B-2 visa, every time he goes to the United States, has a limit of stay in the United States of six months, starting from the day of landing on American territory.
Exceeding this limit involves the aforementioned measures.
- Valid passport
Present a photocopy of your passport (data page and, if any, previously issued visas). The original passport must be presented at the Consulate at the time of the interview.
- Old passport (only if it contains a previously issued US visa)
- A 50mm x 50mm photograph
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Form DS 160 carefully completed and signed. On request it can be sent by fax. American Service Center will provide the entry 'on-line'.
- Valid residence permit, in a perfectly legible photocopy
- Certificate of Family status
- Last THREE payslips
- Statement from the Company or, if domestic staff, from the employer
- Bank statement last three months (balance and movements)
