Ultimate Guide to Visa Applications for the USA and Beyond

The Ultimate Guide to Visa Applications for the USA and Beyond 🇺🇸

If you’re planning to travel to developed countries this year, one of the most important aspects of your visa application is your employment verification and bank statements. If you’re considering resigning from your job, my advice is to secure your visa first and then leave your position! 💼

As someone who has held a U.S. visa for ten years and is on my third passport, I’m excited to share insights from over 20 years of experience in navigating the visa process! 🙌

Visa Order Recommendations

For those with a new passport, my personal suggestion for the sequence of visa applications is:

  1. Japan
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Europe Schengen Area
  4. Australia
  5. United States
  6. Canada

Documents Required for Visa Applications

The complexity of the required documentation ordered by difficulty is as follows: Schengen > USA > Canada > UK > Australia > Japan. Here are the general documents you’ll need:

  1. Employment Verification (If unemployed, include an explanatory letter)
  2. Bank Statements (3-6 months)
  3. Proof of Funds (at least 50,000 RMB)
  4. Itinerary Plan
  5. Hotel and Flight Reservations
  6. Application Forms

Important Notes

  • Employment Verification: Download a bilingual template online. Try to obtain a signature from HR or your boss, and ensure it has an official stamp from the business license.
  • Itinerary Plan: Avoid using travel agencies for this. Create your own itinerary ensuring it’s neither too packed nor too loose. When listing attractions such as museums, check their opening hours ahead of time!
  • Bank Statements and Proof of Funds: Maintain a stable financial status, with a balance recommended to exceed 50,000 RMB. I highly recommend China Merchants Bank for easy online access to these documents.

Should You Hire an Agency?

For Japan visas, I suggest using an agency for first-timers. It saves time and effort, plus the cost (approximately 300 RMB for application and agency fees) is manageable. However, for other visas, I strongly believe you can DIY! This approach not only enhances the credibility of your materials but also boosts your personal problem-solving and organizational skills. 👍

Visa Details Overview

Country Visa Type Approx. Fee (RMB)
Japan 3-Year Multiple Entry 300+
Australia 1-Year Electronic Visa 950
United Kingdom 2-Year Multiple Entry 950
Europe Schengen Varies by Itinerary 900+
United States 10-Year Multiple Entry 1200
Canada 10-Year Multiple Entry 950 (simplified application for U.S. visa holders)

Final Thoughts 🌍

It’s my fervent wish that one day we won’t have to pay exorbitant visa fees! Navigating the visa application process can be a real hassle, especially when you’re already spending money in the country. Why should we pay an extra fee just to go there? 🤔

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions—I’m happy to help! ✈️

趋势