Purpose of Visit: B-2 visas are for individuals visiting the U.S. for purposes such as tourism, sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, receiving medical treatment, participating in social events, or enrolling in short recreational courses.
Temporary Stay: The B-2 visa is for temporary visits only. It does not grant permission for employment, study, or long-term residency.
Application Process: To apply for a B-2 visa, you typically need to complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, pay the required visa application fee, and schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, you’ll need to demonstrate your intent to visit temporarily and your ties to your home country.
Supporting Documents: You’ll usually need to provide documents like a valid passport, a passport-sized photo, evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses in the U.S., an invitation letter (if applicable), and any documentation related to the purpose of your trip.
Duration: B-2 visa holders are usually granted an initial stay of up to six months, although extensions may be possible in some cases.
No Work: B-2 visa holders are not allowed to work in the U.S., including paid employment or any professional services.
No Study: You generally cannot enroll in a full-time academic program while on a B-2 visa, but you can take recreational courses that are not credit-bearing.
Return Ticket: It’s a good idea to have a return ticket to your home country or a clear plan for your departure from the U.S. when you enter.
Maintaining Visitor Status: It’s important to follow the terms of your visa and not overstay. Overstaying can result in difficulties with future visa applications.
Travel Authorization: Citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may be eligible to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism purposes. However, they are required to obtain an authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a flight to the U.S.
UK
Purpose of Visit: This visa is designed for temporary visits and can be used for various purposes, including tourism, visiting family and friends, participating in business meetings, attending conferences, receiving medical treatment, and academic-related activities.
Temporary Stay: The Standard Visitor Visa is for temporary visits only. It does not allow for employment, settlement, or long-term residency in the UK.
Application Process: To apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, you typically need to complete the online application form on the official UK government website, pay the required visa application fee, and schedule an appointment to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application center or an enrollment location. You may also need to attend an interview.
Supporting Documents: You’ll need to provide supporting documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses in the UK, an invitation letter (if applicable), and any documentation related to the purpose of your visit.
Duration: Standard Visitor Visas are usually granted for a stay of up to 6 months, with the possibility of requesting extensions in some cases.
No Work or Study: Visitors on this visa are not allowed to work or study in the UK.
Return Ticket: It’s advisable to have a return ticket to your home country or a clear plan for your departure from the UK when you enter.
Maintaining Visitor Status: It’s important to follow the terms of your visa and not overstay. Overstaying can result in difficulties with future UK visa applications.
Travel Authorization: Some citizens, such as those from countries within the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), do not need a visa to visit the UK for short stays. However, these rules changed after Brexit, and now EU and EEA citizens may need to check visa requirements based on their nationality and the purpose and duration of their visit.
CANADA
1. Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa or TRV):
Purpose: A Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is for individuals who want to visit Canada for a temporary period. This can include tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings or conferences, or receiving medical treatment.
Temporary Stay: A Visitor Visa allows you to stay in Canada temporarily. The duration of your stay is typically determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry, but it’s usually for up to six months.
Application Process: To apply for a Visitor Visa, you typically need to complete the application form, pay the required visa processing fee, provide supporting documents, and attend a biometrics appointment if required. Some applicants may need to attend an interview.
No Work or Study: Holders of Visitor Visas are not allowed to work or study in Canada unless they obtain a separate work or study permit.
2. Permanent Resident Visa (PR Visa):
Purpose: A Permanent Resident Visa (PR Visa) is for individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada on a permanent basis. Permanent residents are allowed to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada, and they enjoy most of the same benefits as Canadian citizens.
Permanent Residency: A PR Visa, once granted, allows you to become a permanent resident of Canada. It’s a pathway to becoming a Canadian citizen in the future, if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Application Process: Applying for permanent residency usually involves a more complex process, which may include Express Entry for skilled workers, family sponsorship, provincial nominee programs, or refugee status, among others. The application process varies depending on the specific immigration program.
Work and Study: Permanent residents have the freedom to work and study in Canada without the need for additional permits. They also have access to social services and healthcare
1. Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa or TRV):