Visas for children in the United States

Examples of Recent U.S. Visas Obtained Through the Vizaus Visa Center

Video Guide to Obtaining a U.S. Visa

Family vacations abroad are becoming increasingly popular each year. A U.S. visa is a mandatory document for a child traveling abroad. Most often, a B-1/B-2 visitor visa is issued. It allows travel for tourism, participation in summer camps, short-term language courses, and visiting relatives and friends. Obtaining a U.S. visa for children is as challenging as it is for adults. To avoid unnecessary stress and hassle, you can contact our company, where you will receive qualified assistance at every stage of the visa application process. With us, you will gain not only confidence in a successful outcome but also free up a lot of personal time, which you can spend packing and planning your future visit.

Obtaining a Child’s Visa to the U.S.

A U.S. visa for children is processed in the same manner as for adults. To obtain the necessary authorization to stay in the country on time, it is advisable to start preparations 3 months before the planned departure date. This extends the timeframe and, in case of unforeseen difficulties, prevents the possible cancellation of the visit due to the absence of the required stamp in the passport.

To have a U.S. visa issued for a child, you need to complete the following steps:

• Determine the main purposes of the visit;
• Pay the consular fee;
• Complete the application form (DS-160);
• Gather the necessary documents and photos, in accordance with the established standards for a U.S. visa;
• The subsequent submission step depends on whether the parents have a visa and the child’s age, and involves three options:
  1. The child is under 14 years old and the parents have a U.S. visa. In this case, a personal account is created for the child, and a visa renewal application is submitted. You will need to provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate and copies of the parents’ visas or a copy of the document confirming the official status of the accompanying person;
  2. The parents do not have a visa, and the child is applying together with the parents. In this case, a profile is created for the parents. When they go through the interview scheduling process, the child’s application will be added to the account.
  3. The child is 14 years old, and the parents have a visa. In this situation, it is necessary to register on behalf of the child, create their account, and schedule an interview. There is also an option to apply for a visa renewal, provided the child had a visa previously, but since the child is now 14 years old and needs to provide fingerprints, they will likely be called for an interview.

Regarding the interview, a U.S. visa for a child under 14 years old can be processed without their personal presence when submitting documents. Individuals aged 14 to 16, as well as all applicants for F1 and M1 visa categories, must appear at the embassy accompanied by both parents. In cases where only one guardian can attend the interview, a document justifying this situation must be provided:

• A copy and original of a notarized letter from the parent who cannot attend the personal interview, stating that he/she permits the visit to America, along with a photocopy of the original pages with biographical information and signature from his/her internal or foreign passport;
• A copy and original of the death certificate of the father or mother (in case of death);
• A copy and original proof that one of the guardians has been deprived of parental rights.

It should be noted that, despite having valid reasons for the absence of one parent at the interview, the U.S. embassy officer may disregard them and require the presence of the second guardian. In such a case, you will need to comply and reschedule a personal meeting with the consular officer.

Documents for a Child’s U.S. Visa

To have a child’s U.S. visa issued, the following documents must be submitted to the American embassy:

1. The child’s birth certificate.
2. The original notarized permission for the child’s visit abroad (if the child is traveling alone or with only one parent), copies of pages with biographical information and signature from the parents’ internal and/or foreign passports.
3. Passport.
4. One 5×5 cm photograph, on a white or light gray background, taken within the last 6 months.
5. Information about the travel sponsors with confirmation of their financial capabilities.
6. A certificate from the kindergarten, school, or other educational institution, confirming the administration’s consent for the child’s travel.
7. Ukrainian passports and foreign passports of both parents.
8. A printed confirmation page of the interview appointment.
9. A printed form confirming the submission of the DS-160 application for review.
10. A receipt for the payment of the consular fee.

In addition to the aforementioned documents, a U.S. visa for a child, even a 2-year-old, may require the collection of additional information. The document package is formed individually, based on the specifics of each applicant’s case. If you contact our managers in advance, we will be able to prepare you for all unexpected developments.

To enter the United States, a child needs to have their own separate visa, which can be affixed either in their own passport or in the parent’s passport. The latter option is possible only if the child is traveling with one of the parents.

For more detailed information, please visit: www.ustraveldocs.com/ua/ua-svc-visachild.asp

Processing Time and Cost of a U.S. Visa

A U.S. visa for children can be issued within 2-3 weeks from the date of application submission and consular fee payment. Preparing the necessary documents and submitting them to the U.S. embassy in Kyiv takes 3 to 7 days. The review of your request depends on the category of the visit authorization and the individual specifics of the case. Therefore, it is advisable to start preparations 3 months before the planned trip. The cost of the visa stamp consists of the consular fee, which is paid in the same amount as for an adult visa application. Visa support services are paid separately if needed. Their cost depends on the type of entry authorization, the timeframe in which the valid stamp needs to be provided in the passport, the complexity of your case, and the level of support required.