4 Steps To Applying For a Visa: Keeping Things Simple
This is a collaborative post
Applying for a visa can be intimidating stuff, but it doesn’t have to be. Yes, there’s a lot of paperwork involved, but once you know what you’re doing, it can become a simple, if tedious, job. The thing is, visas are a necessary part of international travel, especially if you’re planning on staying somewhere for a while.
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Do Your Research
Before you undertake anything of any note, you should always do some research beforehand. This is especially important when it comes to visas and other legal documents. One thing to remember is that every country has different visa requirements.
Thankfully, most countries offer similar types of visas depending on your situation, but you shouldn’t just assume that every country is the same. While you’re doing your research about the culture and laws of the country you’re heading to, which you should always do, take a moment to check the visa requirements and make sure that you’re eligible.
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Choose Your Visa
As well as changing by country, visa requirements and the privileges that they allow depend on your circumstances and your purpose for going there. The most common visa is the travel visa, which allows you to stay for a temporary period in a country, often as a tourist.
However, dozens of other visa types may apply to your situation better. While choosing your visa, you will also have to figure out whether you’re eligible for that visa. For example, if you were to apply for a K3 visa, or the non-immigrant US spouse visa, then you must be a US citizen who is legally married outside of the US to someone who is currently living in another country. This visa will then allow them to temporarily move to the US for up to two years.
As you can see, the purpose and the requirements of visas can be very specific, so you’ll have to find the one that suits your circumstances best.
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Prepare Your Application
Once you’ve figured out which visa to apply for, and you are confident that you fit the requirements to be eligible for that visa, you will have to prepare and send off your application. Sometimes, you can fill it out online, but you may have to print it off and send it by post. Typically, it will tell you.
There is usually a fee, which again depends on the type of visa you’re applying for, and you will likely have to prove your identity and eligibility. Again, the application form should tell you how to do this. You can apply for a visa a few months in advance, which is typically recommended because it takes time to be processed.
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The Waiting Game
Yes, this is the part that some people dread. Once you’ve sent your application off, there isn’t much else to do but wait. If it’s successful, as it hopefully will be, you’ll be sent proof of your acceptance and a list of conditions to follow. Now all you have to do is enjoy the journey.
