Visitor Visas
B-1/B-2 visitor visa and ESTA Visa Waiver Program news. Covers tourist and business visa applications, interview tips, extension requests, and change-of-status procedures for visitors in the United States.
Top questions about Visitor Visas
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat are some practical tips for navigating the new B1/B2 visa interview requirements in 2025?
Applicants should ensure they apply from their home country or official place of residence, use ustraveldocs.com for appointment scheduling, and be aware that third-country interviews face tougher reviews.
Read: Navigating B1/B2 Interview Location: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025 ChangesWhat policy changes will affect B1/B2 visa applicants starting September 2, 2025?
Starting September 2, 2025, most B1/B2 travelers must appear in person for their interviews, and a visa integrity fee is anticipated to be implemented.
Read: Indian applicant stunned after B1/B2 denial despite strong travel recordWhat changes were made to U.S. visa policies in 2025?
In 2025, the U.S. tightened visa rules for some countries by suspending visas for nationals of 19 countries due to security concerns, making the process more stringent.
Read: Woman Shares Struggle After B1/B2 and F-1 Visa Denials to USWhat advice do immigration lawyers give for travelers affected by these temporary e-Visa restrictions?
Immigration lawyers advise building flexibility into travel plans, carrying printed or digital copies of documents, and following official sources closely.
Read: Temporary e-Visa Restrictions at Cambodia–Thailand Border for HoldersWhat practical steps should visa applicants take given the current policy landscape?
Visa applicants should start early, ensure all documentation is complete, stay updated on embassy websites, and monitor priority updates from the State Department's Visa Bulletin to navigate the delays effectively.
Read: President Trump's New Orders Bring Delays, Changes to U.S. Visa Process
Will Japan Secure a Visa Waiver from China?
Japan is negotiating with China to secure a visa waiver for short-term visits, like South Korea did, but faces challenges in reciprocity and political sensitivities. Japan previously enjoyed visa-free travel…
ESTA System Outage Strands US-Bound Passengers in Europe
On November 6, 2024, a two-hour outage in the ESTA system caused chaos at European airports, stranding US-bound…
Visa Waiver Program for British Residents with Portuguese Passports
British residents with Portuguese passports can travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) using an…
Change of Status: USA Tourist Visa to Spousal Guide
To change from a US tourist visa to a spousal visa, file Form I-130 for the spousal relationship…
Converting a Tourist Visa to a Work Permit in Australia
To convert a tourist visa to a work permit in Australia, you cannot directly do so. Instead, you…
Convert Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Australia
To convert a visitor visa to a work permit in Australia, first, find an employer willing to sponsor…
Converting a Tourist Visa to a Work Visa in Australia
Yes, it is possible to convert a tourist visa to a work visa in Australia, but specific conditions…
45% Enter Korea on Visa Waivers: Unregistered Foreigner Data
Nearly 45% of unregistered foreigners in South Korea entered via visa waivers, highlighting immigration system challenges. Economic dependence…
Does Being Denied Boarding Without ESTA Count as US Visa Refusal?
Answer "no" to the question. Being unable to board a plane due to lack of an ESTA is…
Qatar Joins US Visa Waiver Program
Qatar's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program, effective December 1, 2024, is a landmark in international relations,…