What Does Visa Stamping Involve?

What is visa stamping?

Visa stamping is the process of receiving a physical visa sticker in your passport at a United States embassy or consulate abroad. This visa authorizes you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission in a specific visa category, such as E-2, H-1B, or L-1. While having a visa is essential for travel, it does not guarantee entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers determine your eligibility to enter upon arrival.

Who needs to get a U.S. visa stamped?

If you are a foreign national seeking to enter the U.S. on a non-immigrant or immigrant visa and you are outside the U.S., you will typically need visa stamping. This also applies if your previous visa has expired and you’re traveling internationally. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents do not require visas, and most Canadian citizens are exempt from visa stamping for many non-immigrant categories.

Where does visa stamping occur?

Visa stamping must be done outside the United States at a U.S. embassy or consulate. You cannot get a visa stamp from within the U.S. Some applicants may choose to do this in a third country, such as Canada or Mexico, but not all consulates accept third-country nationals, so advance research is essential.

What does the visa stamping process involve?

The general process includes the following steps:

1. Receive petition approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (if required for your visa type).
2. Complete the DS-160 form online and save the confirmation page.
3. Pay the visa application (MRV) fee.
4. Schedule an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
5. Attend a biometric appointment (if required) and visa interview.
6. Provide your passport and documents to the consular officer.
7. If approved, leave your passport for stamping.
8. Receive your passport back with the visa stamp.

What documents are typically required for visa stamping?

You’ll need a valid passport (usually valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay), the DS-160 confirmation page, visa appointment confirmation, a recent visa-compliant photograph, and your USCIS approval notice (such as Form I-797). Additional documents include proof of your purpose in the U.S. (for example, business ownership for E-2 or a job offer for H-1B) and financial or supporting evidence, especially for investor or employment-based visas.

Sources:

• travel.state.gov – U.S. Visas
• uscis.gov – Working in the U.S.
• cbp.gov – Entry Process