Your Gateway to The USA: Hassle-Free Visa Solutions

Unlock America: Expert Visa Assistance for South Africans
US Visa from South Africa: Your Key to Seamless Travel

Expert Visa Assistance for South Africans
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Explore hassle-free solutions to obtain your US Visa from South Africa, whether it's for a holiday or business

In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a US Visa as a South African citizen, including visa requirements, necessary documents, visa fees and more

Information About Visa for United States from South Africa

Do I Need A Visa For the US?

All South Africans visiting the United States of America need to have a valid visa.

South African citizens who wish to travel to the United States for tourism or visiting friends & families require a valid US B2 Visa and to travel for business, a valid B1 Visa is required.

What is the criteria for an American Visa?

South African citizens need to attend an interview before your visa is approved.
The USA Consulates are based in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg and visa applicants must submit their applications in person, together with their supporting documentation and valid passport.

Process

What is the process to get a Visa for the USA?

Complete the Online Non-Immigrant Application Form DS-160
Print the confirmation page and schedule the interview
Upload your digital photo
Attend the visa interview

Process Time

How long does it take to process a US Visa?

During peak travel season, one can wait up to one month to get an appointment at the USA consulate so it is always advised to begin the USA visitor visa application process well in advance of departure, so as to avoid any unnecessary delays. Currently, the visa processing time is 19 calendar days, but VisaRequest normally gets the visa issued within 15 working days after submission.

Fees

How much does a visa for the United States cost?

The application fee for visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s and BCCs) is $185 USD.
Should you select to use the service of VisaRequest, the service fee is R900.

Find comprehensive US travel visa information, covering everything you need to know about visa requirements, eligibility, and application procedures for your journey to America.

Visiting the United States of America

The United States of America is filled with exciting opportunities to have fun, explore and learn. From the breath-taking natural landscapes of the national parks to multicultural cities filled with rich history and exciting attractions, there are a variety of top travel destinations in the U.S. to discover. One of the main benefits of business travel is that it opens up a whole new world of opportunities where you get to meet and network with people from all walks of life. The USA is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable experience.

The B-type visas are typically valid for up to 10 years from the issue date, and travelers to the U.S. can stay up to 180 days, with the option to return to the U.S. again after that time.

The USA visitor visa application process is one of the more complex processes as compared to other visa applications, so it is advised to get VisaRequest to assist with the process, so as to avoid errors and refusals.

Learn all about the visa types for the United States to ensure you apply under the correct visa category

The B1, B2 and C Type US Visa

Reasons for travel under a B1 business visa:

Business consultations: Includes meetings, negotiations or discussions with business associates in the US
Attending conferences or seminars: Covers professional, educational, scientific or business conventions
Contract negotiations: If a person needs to sign or negotiate a contract with a US company

You cannot travel under the B Visitor visa to engage any of the following:

Working at a job or taking any sort of employment
Attending a college or university vocational school
Performing and receiving monetary compensation for it
Working as a journalist or any other member of the press
Entering the US as an aircraft or ship crewmember
Attempting to become a permanent resident of the US

Reasons for travel under a B2 tourist visa:

Tourism: Could be sightseeing, visiting landmarks, exploring cities or enjoying the culture
Visiting family or friends: To visit loved ones or family living in the US
Medical treatment: Requiring medical treatment or a procedure in the US
Social events: Attending events like concerts, conventions, festivals, or other social gatherings
Participation in events or contests: If the event doesn’t involve professional participation
Short courses of study: Courses with a duration of less than 18 hours per week

Reasons for travel under a C transit visa:

Transit visas are for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit (reasonably expeditious departure of the traveler in the normal course of travel) through the United States en-route to another country
Traveling to another country with a brief layover in the United States when the only reason for entering the United States is to transit
Passenger embarking from a foreign port on a cruise ship which makes port in the United States with no intention of landing in the United States
A crewmember traveling to the United States as a passenger to join a ship or aircraft to work on

VisaRequest understands the comprehensive categories of US visas, and our expert team will guide you through the necessary documents needed for your American visa application, ensuring a seamless application process from South Africa.

Other US Visa Categories

There are more than 20 non-immigrant visa types for people traveling to the United States temporarily. The purpose of your intended travel determines the type of Visa you need.

Purpose of Travel	Visa Category
Athlete, amateur or professional	B-1
Au pair (exchange visitor)	J
Business visitor	B-1
Exchange visitor	J
International cultural exchange visitor	Q
Intra-company transferee	L
Medical treatment	B-2
Performing athlete, artist, entertainer	P
Professor/scholar/teacher (exchange)	J
Student: academic, vocational	F, M
Temporary agricultural worker	H-2A
Temporary worker of seasonal nature	H-2B
Tourism, vacation, pleasure visitor	B-2
Training in a program	H-3
Transiting the United States	C

Requirements for a US Visa

If you want to apply for a B1 or B2 visa, you need to prove that your trip to the U.S. is only for a short time. You must also show proof that you plan to return to your home country after your visit and that you have a place to live outside the USA.

Documents needed to apply for a B1/B2 visa include:

A passport valid for six months past the date of return
A recent digital photograph that meets government requirements
Documentation of previous trips to the United States

Additional documents required may include evidence of:

The purpose of your trip (based on the type of visa you’re applying for and where you’ll be staying)
Your intent to depart the US after your trip (Evidence of employment, property and family ties)
Your ability to pay all costs of the trip (Bank statements or other source proof of finance)
Visa applicants must qualify based on the applicant’s residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends

Additional documents required if you travel for Medical Treatment:

Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need treatment in the USA
Letter from a physician or medical facility in the US, stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment
Proof that your transportation, medical and living expenses in the US can be paid in the form of bank statements, income or savings

Your photos or digital images must be:

In color and in front of a white background and sized between 22 mm and 35 mm
Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera with neutral facial expression, both eyes open and without eyeglasses

If you require VisaRequest to collect your passport when the visa is issued, you need to submit a confirmation and instructions authorizing the collection on the applicant’s behalf.

Your Visa Interview at the US Embassy

Before you attend your scheduled interview, make sure you have the following in order:

Visa Application Form DS-160 Non-immigrant
A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay
Additional supporting documents required for the B2 visa interview detailing the purpose of your trip, your intent to depart the US after your trip, and your ability to pay for all costs involved in the trip

At your visa interview, you will meet with a US consular officer who will determine whether you should be issued a US visitor visa. By answering all questions truthfully and using your supporting documentation, you can establish if you meet the requirements for the B2 tourist visa.

The consular officer will obtain fingerprint scans during the interview and upon visa approval, your passport will be delivered to you via courier.

Contact the Embassy of the United States of America in South Africa for more information

Embassy of the United States of America in South Africa
Consulate-General of the United States of America in South Africa

Embassy of the United States of America in South Africa

ADDRESS

United States in Pretoria

877 Pretorius Street
Arcadia, Pretoria

CONTACT

American Embassy

Tel: 012 431 4000
E-mail: protocolpretoria@state.gov
Website: https://za.usembassy.gov/
Email Visa: essa_contactus+za+info+en@visaops.net
Call Visa: 087 550 2160

Consulate-General of the United States of America in South Africa

ADDRESS

America in Johannesburg

1 Sandton Drive
Sandhurst, Johannesburg

CONTACT

Honorary-Consulate in Johannesburg

Tel: 011 290 3000
Email: acsjohannesburg@state.gov
Email Visa: essa_contactus+za+info+en@visaops.net
Call Visa: 087 550 2160

THE PROCEDURE

Three Simple Steps To Get Your Visa For the United States

Complete the Application Form

Collect the required documents and pay the visa fee

Schedule and attend the biometric data capturing

The VisaRequest Visa Processing Service Offers Several Benefits

A VisaRequest immigration expert will assist with the application and keep you informed about the status throughout the visa application process

Professional assistance from start to finish

Verification and validation of information

Assistance with scheduling an interview

24/7 guidance and support via phone, zoom or live chat

Simplified application process and constant status updates

Various methods of payment

Complete for assistance with US visas from South Africa

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Other Services Offered By VisaRequest

Our team of immigration specialist offers various immigration services

Stay Abroad

Outbound Long Stay

Get A Permit To Live Abroad

VisaRequest assist with long-stay visas for South Africans who wants to live abroad for multiple years.
Our team of immigration consultants specialize in digital nomad visas, study visas and working holiday visas.

Passport Renewal

South African Passports

Get Your Passport Renewed

VisaRequest assist with the application or renewal of a South African Passport from the Department of Home Affairs.
Simply forward a copy of your ID and we will schedule speedy appointments at your nearest bank or Home Affairs office.

Travel Insurance

Schengen Visa Compliant

Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance

VisaRequest offer Trave Insurance at the best price, covering a wide range of incidents in most countries and underwritten by one of the biggest international insurance providers.
The easy online facility offers a step-by-step quotation and purchase facility so you can be protected from unforeseen eventualities that can threaten your trip.

Legal Services

Immigration Lawyers

Get Legal Assistance

VisaRequest is not a law firm, but is affiliated with a legal firm managed by registered attorneys with the right to appear in court.
This partnership offers our clients legal services to assist with litigation and administrative appeals.

Document Services

Requirements

Get Assistance With The Documents You Need?

VisaRequest provide assistance with the documents you need from Home Affairs, DIRCO, SA Police or the Embassy to submit with an application.
We apply for civic affairs documentation, get documents legalized and authenticated and police clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions answered about American Visa Applications in South Africa

What is a B-1/B-2 visa?

A B-1/B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that is widely used for brief visits to the USA for business (B-1) or tourism (B-2)

What’s the difference between a B1 visa and a B2 visa?

The B1 is used for short business trips (conferences, meetings, contract negotiations) and the B2 is used for tourist trips (tourism, vacation, or visiting friends and family). It also covers certain medical treatments and participation in social events or contests, like music or sports without receiving pay. In most cases, a B1/B2 visa is issued together, allowing to travel for both business and pleasure.

How many times can you visit the US with a B-1/B-2 Visa?

The B1 or B2 visas are multiple-entry and can be used to enter the U.S. more than once with no limit on the number of times you can visit. Multiple-entry visas can be valid for up to 10 years.

How much is the B-1/B-2 Visa Cost?

The government filing fee for a B visa is $185. Should you require assistance from VisaRequest, and additional service fee of R900 is charged.

Do I need to provide my Social Media Identifiers in my application?

In 2019, the Department of State updated the immigrant and non-immigrant visa application forms to request additional information, including social media identifiers.

Should I bring my entire application or just the confirmation page with me to the interview?

You are required to bring your confirmation page with your application ID number on it to retrieve your DS-160, as well as supporting documents which might be required.

How long can I stay in the US with a B1/B2 non immigrant visa?

The US Customs officer will provide authorization for you to stay in the US for up to six months, and you can apply to extend this period to up to one year.

What will happen if I stay longer in the US than what my visa allows?

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status, and the multiple entry visa will automatically be void. Your visa will not be valid for future entries and you will be ineligible for visas in the future.

If my passport expired and I got a new passport, is my US visa in the old passport still valid?

If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport because you may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new passport.

I was refused a visa, may I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application.

Can I take a trip to Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands?

If you are admitted to the United States, you may take a short trip to Canada, Mexico or a nearby island and be readmitted to the United States for the remainder of the original period granted upon your initial arrival in the United States.

Can my visa expire while I am in the United States?

You will be admitted into the US for a specific period of time, and the period of stay is noted on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94. You will be able to remain in the United States during your authorized period of stay, even if your visa expires.

After obtaining a visa, will I be able to enter the United States?

A visa does not guarantee entry into the US. The Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration inspector authorizes or denies admission.

Latest Notice For Visa Applications To Visit the United States

usa Reading time - 1 min read

United States of America

Visa processing time is now reduced to 5-7 working days after the date of your appointment

by VR_AdminPR - December 15, 2023

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Your Gateway to The USA: Hassle-Free Visa Solutions

Unlock America: Expert Visa Assistance for South Africans

US Visa from South Africa: Your Key to Seamless Travel

Expert Visa Assistance for South Africans

Free visa advice offered by a visa expert

Unlock the gateway to The USA with expert assistance