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How to get a United States of America visa from Malawi
Visa types, fees, processing times and application requirements for Malawian passport holders travelling to United States of America.
Visa types & fees
4 visa options for travelling to United States of America.
Business visa
Processing time3 business days
Validity180 days
Fee (approx.)$160
Student visa
Processing time3 business days
Validitymore than 180 days
Fee (approx.)$160
Tourist visa
Processing time3 business days
Validity180 days
Fee (approx.)$160
Transit visa
Processing time3 business days
Validity29 days
Fee (approx.)$160
Application requirements
Documents Malawian applicants need to provide.
- An original Malawi passport that is valid for the intended duration of stay in the USA.
- USA application form that is correctly filled, signed and stamped.
- Visa application form for minors should be signed and completed by a parent or legal guardian
- A copy of one (2 by 2 inches )recent passport photograph that is taken with the last 6 months with a white background and displaying a neutral expression.
- For visa extension, applicants should apply 42 days before the visa expires.
- Receipt proving payments of US visa application fee.
- Documents not written in English should be translated.
- Travel itinerary showing what the applicant is planning to do.
- The travel itinerary should include the applicant’s planned date of entry and exit from the US.
- Visitors are required to provide frequently used social media as well as contact details of social media account history of the last five years.
- Applicants should submit proof of hotels where they are planning to stay be it a hotel, friend or family’s house, or rented house.
Visa type details
Tourist visa
- A tourist visa is granted to a foreigner who is visiting for tourist purposes such as sightseeing, recreational activities, visiting friends and family.
- Correctly filled and signed US. visa application form.
- A tourist visa does not permit visitors to work or engage in business activities.
- An original passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond stay in the US.
- Bank statements to show proof of fund sufficient to stay in the US of at least $266 for each day of the applicant's intended stay is required.
- The bank statement should not be older than 6 months.
- A confirmed itinerary showing details of the travel details of the applicant's activities in the US.
- Return travel tickets showing proof that the applicant intends to return to the home country as soon as the visa expires and not stay in the US.
- Letter of invitation from friends or family or tour organization describing the purpose of the trip.
- The letter should also involve contact information of the host in the US and the duration of the trip.
- If applicants are visiting for medical purposes, a letter from the medical doctor on diagnosis and treatment is required.
- Social media information and accounts are required.
Transit visa
- Transit visa is granted to foreigners who are passing through the US to the final destination country.
- Applicants should provide a complete and signed USA visa application form.
- Applicants should provide passport that has at least one empty page for visa stamp
- Passport should be valid for the intended period of stay. Applicant will only need a passport that is valid during the period of stay in the United States.
- Proof that transit visa fee has been paid is required.
- Applicants should provide a travel itinerary to the final destination.
- Applicants should provide a letter that indicates the purpose of the visit to the final destination.
- Applicants should provide proof of enough funds to cover expenses during the transit.
- Transit visa lasts for a duration of 29 days and takes 3 days to process.
- Applicants should provide proof that they are permitted to enter the country of final destination.
Student visa
- A student visa is issued to international students who want to attend educational institutions in the US.
- The signed USA visa application form should be correctly filled by the applicant.
- A passport that is valid only for the period of intended stay is required.
- Two passport photographs displaying a neutral expression.
- Applicants should provide previous and current educational qualifications such as copies of transcripts, standardized test scores of TOEFL, GMAT or IELTS.
- Applicants should provide an acceptance letter from the educational institute in the US, if available.
- Bank statements showing the amount of funds the applicant needs to finance education and living in the USA.
- Proof of scholarship is required if the applicant was granted a scholarship.
- Applicants should apply 120 days before they are meant to start an educational program.
- Applicants must prove that they can speak and understand the English language before enrolling for an educational program.
- The student should submit a letter of good record and must have been registered for the upcoming semester.
- The school must be approved by the USICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
Business visa
- A business visa is issued to foreigners for business purposes.
- Business visa holders can engage in contract negotiation, consulting with other business associates in the US and attending business conferences.
- An application form that is correctly completed and signed by the applicant is required.
- A passport that is valid for a period 6 months after a stay in the United States is required.
- Details of applicants' social media accounts are required.
- Letter of invitation explaining the purpose of the trip.
- Bank statement to prove the applicant has enough finances to stay in the US.
- Proof such as ties to the family property to ascertain that the applicants would return to Malawi.
- Business letter from employer written on the company letterhead stating that absences have been granted and that the applicant would be returning to the current job.
- The letter should also indicate the duration of the trip, the purpose of the trip, the applicant job position and payslip of the last three months.
- Criminal records from police authorities indicating that the applicant has never been convicted.
- If the applicant is self-employed, a copy of the original business license is required.
- Applicants should provide bank statements for the last 6 months.
Where to apply
United States of America embassy & visa application centers in Malawi.
Lilongwe
AddressArea 40, Plot No.24, Kenyatta Road Lilongwe 3 Malawi
Phone(+265) 1-773-166
Email-
Websitelilongwe.usambassade.gov
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Frequently asked questions
How safe is the tap water to drink in the US
Tap water is safe to drink with some caveats. Most tap water quality provided by local municipalities in the United States is of high international standard, healthy and safe to drink.
Can I work with my US tourist visa
If you wish to work in the United States for a temporary period you will require a nonimmigrant work permit. You cannot work on a US tourist visa unless you have a work permit.
When is the best time to travel to USA
The USA has varied seasons in each of its regions, but in general, the best time to visit the USA during Spring and Fall, however Summer months from May to September are considered the peak time for tourists to visit the country.
Visa fees and rules change often. Confirm the latest United States of America visa
requirements with an official embassy or consulate before booking travel.