I was going to fly to US at the end on May and it was my first visit to this country. So, entire visa system of US was really new for me and because it is little bit messy I want to describe it here in this short article.

First of all, you need to choose visa type appropriate for your situation. I’ll describe B-1 visa used for business trips.

The definition of “business” under immigration law is limited, and does not generally allow for gainful employment, labor for hire or productive activity such as operating a business or consultancy work. Specifically, in the applicable U.S. law the term “business” is limited to the negotiation of contracts, consultation with business associates, litigation, and participation in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences or seminars and other legitimate activities of a commercial or professional nature.

I was going to use it for some business needs and to attend MySQL Users Conference 2007. Major problem was to get a free interview slot in nearest US consulate. Applications should be done via the Internet site of the US consulate, but there was no free spots. I decided to fly to Ottawa because they had one free spot at that moment.

So, I flew there early in the morning and returned in the evening the same day. I took some documents with me, but was not able to bring any electronic devices because US consulates has no storages for visitors’ goods and you can’t take even mobile phones inside. Documents I took with me were:

  • An application, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, completed and signed.
  • DS-157: Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application filled and signed.
  • My International passport (I was forced to leave it in the consulate) with valid work permit.
  • My health-card (you can bring your driver license) - will be needed in boarding process only if you’re going to fly back to your city
  • One 2×2 photo which format is described in the official requirements.
  • Letter from my US friends which agreed to invite to US with a business purposes.
  • Copy of my employment contract with my current employer.

Interview begun with one hour late, but it was pretty short and friendly. Then consulate girl asked me to leave passport there and bring one express post letter - they returned my passport in 3 days with all visas valid for one year (I asked for one week only).

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