Ultimate Visa Guide for Travelers in the USA
Ultimate Visa Guide for Travelers in the USA 🌍✈️
Hey fellow travel enthusiasts! In today’s blog post, I’m excited to share my journey of obtaining six different country visas—all while juggling my job! By the time I resigned, I had secured various visas, giving me the freedom to travel without limitations! 😊 I handled most of the applications myself to save money, with just one visa processed through an agent. Here’s my step-by-step approach to help you navigate the visa application process smoothly!
Personal Background
During my visa applications, I was single and had only visited Taiwan twice. It’s important to note that your travel history can significantly affect your visa application.
Visa Application Sequence
- Japan Single Entry Visa
- New Zealand 5-Year Visa
- Spain Schengen Visa (45 Days)
- USA 10-Year Visa
- Canada 5-Year Visa
- South Korea 5-Year Visa
- Japan 3-Year Visa
Application Complexity Ranking
Here’s how I found the complexity of each application, from least to most challenging:
- South Korea <
- Canada <
- Japan <
- New Zealand <
- USA <
- Spain Schengen
Important Notes
🚨 Please keep in mind:
- Obtaining the Canada visa was simplified because I already had the 10-year USA visa.
- I applied for the Japan single-entry visa under a tight timeline, but typically, it’s more efficient to go for the 3-year visa.
- Although I delayed the South Korea application, it’s very accessible and ideal for first-time travelers.
General Application Materials
- Personal Information: Passport and educational qualifications.
- Financial Documents: Bank statements for the last 6 or 12 months.
- Employment Papers: Employment verification letter, and sometimes the company’s business license.
- Photos: Ensure they meet specific country guidelines; for example, I used the same photo for both my USA and Japan visas!
- Travel Itinerary & Cover Letter: Requirements vary by country.
Visa Breakdown
🇯🇵 Japan Single Entry Visa
Cost: 💰399元 | Difficulty: 🌟 | Notes: This visa must be submitted via an agent; the three-year multiple entry option was obtained using my income from the last 12 months.
🇰🇷 South Korea 5-Year Visa
Cost: 💰750元 | Difficulty: 🌟 | Notes: Extremely low entry barriers; a bachelor’s degree is sufficient. Easy submission at the Shanghai venue.
🇳🇿 New Zealand 5-Year Visa
Cost: 💰About 1100元 | Difficulty: 🌟🌟🌟 | Notes: Create an account on New Zealand’s immigration website, submit your documents and explain your travel plan.
🇪🇸 Spain Schengen Visa (45 Days)
Cost: 💰About 900元 | Difficulty: 🌟🌟🌟 | Notes: Prepare extensive documentation, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, and travel itinerary.
🇺🇸 USA 10-Year Visa
Cost: 💰About 1370元 | Difficulty: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 | Notes: Fill out the DS-160 form, schedule an interview, and results are available right after.
🇨🇦 Canada 5-Year Visa
Cost: 💰960元 | Difficulty: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 | Notes: Processed with an easier route due to my USA visa; online forms and biometric submission required.
Total Cost
💰 Total Expenses: 5900元
Final Insights on Visa Applications
Applying for visas can be a daunting experience, but with the right information and preparation, it can become manageable. Hopefully, my journey helps you as you embark on your own travel adventures! 🌎✨ Don’t forget to share your experiences and tips in the comments below!