How Long Does Us Visa Processing Take

By Tiara

When it comes down to it, how long does visa processing take really depends on your personal situation. Some of the factors that can make a difference include time zone, country, and language.

It also varies from one immigration office to another. The length of time needed for approval will always vary slightly depending on who you speak with and what questions they ask.

But overall, we were able to determine some general guidelines about how long it takes average international visa offices to process visas. These tips may help you be more prepared when you need to get an entry or exit visa quickly!

General rules: most countries require at least a month before a visa is issued so there’s no reason to expect anything different. Double check though because this article only covers applications processed in person at a government office!

Applications sent through mail or online typically go much faster since it doesn’t involve talking to anyone else.

Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) visa processing times

how long does us visa processing take

Recent reports of long immigration processing times are too common these days, unfortunately. Reports come in all shapes and sizes, with some saying that it can take hours, days or even weeks to process visas!

There is no clear answer as to why this is happening but there are things you can do to reduce the time it takes to process your visa.

We have compiled information about what goes into an average visa process here so hopefully this will help you out!

Disclaimer: This article should not be used as legal advice for personal issues nor does it constitute a lawyer-client relationship. For more info click here.

The U.S. State Department visa processing times

how long does us visa processing take

Recent reports of long wait times for American citizens to obtain their passports is very concerning. While it may be helpful to know how long it takes for someone else in the world to process an international document, it does not tell you anything about your own passport!

State department officials say that these reported delays are due to “overall increased demand” related to national security concerns and the recent pandemic. This includes both business inquiries around the need for travel documents as well as individual travelers seeking a new passport.

Since March 15th, the state department has also been requiring additional documentation with proof of identity and residency when obtaining a new U.S. passport. These extra documents include proof of income, health insurance, and mail or online subscriptions (i.e. Netflix).

This can add some time to the overall process so we recommend being prepared ahead of time! Luckily, there many ways to stay connected while practicing social distancing. Here are some tips on what to do if you run into unexpected delay at the airport.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection visa processing times

how long does us visa processing take

Visas are documents that allow you to enter into a country. They also indicate if your stay is temporary or permanent. Some of these visas can be extended, while others must be renewed periodically.

Most people will find it very difficult to ascertain just how long it takes for an immigrant visa to process. This is because there are so many different factors involved.

There are several steps that have to occur before a visa is issued, including but not limited to: applicant questionnaire, medical exam, interview, reference checks, and legal verification. All of these take time, which is why it’s almost impossible to know exactly when you’ll get your passport!

We wanted to make sure that you have all of the information needed to prepare for your trip. So, here are some tips that may help cut down on the wait.

Applying for a visa through a travel agent

As mentioned earlier, most major airlines will let you apply directly online for a visa-free visit. This is usually much faster than going through an external agency that acts as your tour guide while in country and then files all of their paperwork on your behalf.

However, this can be tricky if you’re not very tech savvy or familiar with the internet.

First, you’ll need to find out whether the airline allows it. Some do, some don’t- so make sure you know which ones before jumping into applying via their site.

Second, you’ll have to determine if the fee is included in the price of the flight or if you have to pay extra. Most likely, the cost is already covered by the airfare!

And lastly, you’ll want to pick a good match between the agents and the countries you want to go to. Make sure they are accredited to work with the right visas and that they are trustworthy.

Applying for a visa through an embassy or consulate

how long does us visa processing take

If you are visiting the United States as part of a longer trip, you can apply for a US visa at one of your destination’s embassies or consulates in America.

Most countries have their own offices that work with us to process visas so that person doesn’t need to go through our country’s main office in Washington DC.

These “consulate” versions of VFS Global (the company we work with here in the USA) handle most types of documents, forms, and applications needed to review and approve your visit.

They also typically charge a small application fee which is usually spent on services such as copying documents and traveling back and forth to the airport to pick up your paperwork.

Getting your passport renewed

how long does us visa processing take

If you are experiencing long visa processing times, there is an easy fix! You can have someone else do it! By having friends or family members that are living in countries where you will be traveling pick up and drop off some of your bags, this helps reduce luggage storage time for you.

Another option to check into is using Vistaprint as a service provider. They offer fast shipping and quick customs clearances so you don’t need to wait around for yours.

If all else fails, try ordering some souvenirs online and have them shipped here (or back home)! Most sites these days have very affordable shipping rates which help make buying gifts easier.

Tips for applying for a visa

how long does us visa processing take

As mentioned before, it can take some time to process your visa application. This is particularly true if you need to gather additional documents or proof.

It’s important to remember that there are many different stages to completing an immigration document. These include writing a job offer letter, gathering employment records, finding witnesses, taking pictures of yourself at work and so on.

This is why it takes so long! Immigration officers have to check each stage to see whether everything has been completed and submitted properly. If not, then they will ask you to do it all over again!

If you don’t think much about these things when you first begin looking for jobs, then this can easily waste precious time. So, as hard as it may be, look for ways to lower your costs by doing some research early on.

That way, you won’t have to spend as much money re-doing the same thing later on.

Will my visa be approved or denied?

how long does us visa processing take

After submitting your application, we begin to process your visa. During this stage of the process, our team members work together to determine if your visa is accepted or rejected.

If your visa is denied, there may be several reasons why. Your supporting documents might not be enough, you could have made a mistake during completion of the form, or the documentations we received do not match what was listed in our database.

We evaluate whether it’s possible to edit or add to the applications at this time as well. This can include altering personal details like address changes or adding additional documents such as job offers.

By editing the application before sending it back out for review, more likely than not your would receive an approval later on! There are also cases where even though someone’s visa has been denied they change their name or location and re-enter under that new name. This is called ‘renewing�’ your visa and helps avoid having to start over with another application.