United States of America visa requirements for Zimbabweans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Zimbabweans visiting United States of America

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a American Visa.

  • A DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application) form which has been duly completed and signed by the visa applicant.
  • A passport that is valid for travel to the United States of America.
  • One passport-sized photograph (5cmx5cm) taken within the last 6 months prior to the visa application.
  • Two blank passport pages for visa stamps.
  • Original copy of bank statement from three months prior to the period of visa application.
  • Proof of accommodation for the period you will be staying in the country.
  • Proof of civil status in Zimbabwe.
  • Proof of sufficient funds for stay and return.
  • Travel insurance which has sufficient medical coverage. The insurance should be valid for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • A police report showing the traveler does not have a criminal record.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Copy of return flight ticket to Zimbabwe.

United States Of America Visa for Zimbabweans

Facts about United States Of America

The United States of America is one of the main tourist destinations in the world. You cannot truly see all the country has to offer in one trip. If you have exhausted the things to see in a particular location, the next location brings up a fresh array of things to see. The country has beautiful scenery, entertainment options, magnificent architecture, great tourist sites and so much more. No matter what you are interested in doing, you are sure to get it in the United States of America. National Parks, casinos, beaches, historical sites, movie theatres, trade fairs, shopping malls, restaurants, nightlife are just some of the things you can do in the country. Make sure you enjoy the rollercoaster of fun during your time here.
 
Tourism in the USA is a large industry that contributes greatly to the American economy. The United States of America is the country that attracts the third-largest number of tourists behind France and Spain and this may be attributed to the fact that tourists stay longer in the United States more than they do in France and Spain. The country plays host to about 78 million tourists yearly. Since Donald Trump got elected, the number of tourist visits in the United States has dropped by 4% and has led to the loss of about 40,000 jobs.
 
Citizens of Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Caymans, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, South Korea, New Zealand, etc can gain entry to the United States of America visa-free for a certain period of time.

Types of United States Of America Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Visitor Visa Three Weeks 90 days
Student visa Three weeks 1-5 years
Journalist visa Three weeks 90 days
Work visa Three weeks 5 years
Transit visa Three weeks 1-5 days

General Requirements for United States Of America Visa

  • A DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application) form which has been duly completed and signed by the visa applicant.
  • A passport that is valid for travel to the United States of America.
  • One passport-sized photograph (5cmx5cm) taken within the last 6 months prior to the visa application.
  • Two blank passport pages for visa stamps.
  • Original copy of bank statement from three months prior to the period of visa application.
  • Proof of accommodation for the period you will be staying in the country.
  • Proof of civil status in Zimbabwe.
  • Proof of sufficient funds for stay and return.
  • Travel insurance which has sufficient medical coverage. The insurance should be valid for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • A police report showing the traveler does not have a criminal record.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Copy of return flight ticket to Zimbabwe.
United States Of America Visitor Visa United States Of America Student visa United States Of America Journalist visa United States Of America Work visa United States Of America Transit visa

United States Of America Tourist B-2 Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • If you have the intention of sightseeing, vacationing, and visiting family and friends in the United States of America, you may go ahead and apply for this visa type.
  • Also, foreigners who are traveling to the United States for medical treatment and to take up a short recreational course not aimed at obtaining a degree are also eligible for the B-2 Visa.
  • Participating in social events hosted by fraternal, social or service organizations are hugely prohibited.
  • Foreigners in the country on this visa type are also not permitted to participate in musical, sports, or similar events or contents if they will not receive adequate payment for their participation.
  • Just like on the B-1 Visa, foreigners are strongly prohibited from being enrolled in an institution of learning or working for a company in the United States of America.
  • Arriving on a ship or aircraft as a crew member is not possible using this visa. You also cannot be employed by a foreign press, radio, film, print journalism or any other form of information media.
  • Foreigners who are between the ages of 14 – 79 years are required to make themselves available for a visa interview. Those who are above or below this age limit are generally not required to schedule and attend a visa interview. The visa interview may be scheduled at a United States Embassy in your country of residence.
  • In some cases, additional documents may be required from visa applicants. This document may include documents that state foreigners’ intent of leaving the United States after their visa expires or documents that serve as proof of family ties in their home country.
  • If you get married to a United States citizen or if you get employed, you can change your nonimmigrant status by applying through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Changing your nonimmigrant status does not necessarily mean you have to change your visa.
  • Foreigners are advised not to start making travel plans until they are issued this visa because applying for this visa does not guarantee that it will be granted.
  • Foreigners who seek to be treated by a medical institution or a medical doctor in the United States may also apply for this visa. These people should ensure they receive a diagnosis from their doctor or physician in their home country before applying for this visa, as this a necessary document to be presented.
  • Foreigners visiting the United States of America for treatment must obtain a letter from the medical institution that has agreed to take up their treatment in the United States. They must also provide sufficient proof that they are capable of making whatever payment that is required from them.
  • Applicants of this visa maybe those who have been employed as domestic workers by a United States citizen or a foreigner who is in the country on any of B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, or Q visa.
  • New visa applicants and those applying for a renewal of their visa may be subjected to the same visa application process.

United States Of America Business B-1 Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Foreigners applying for this visa are those who are traveling to the United States of America to consult with their business associates.
  • If you have the intention of attending a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference, you are also eligible to apply for this visa type.
  • This is the appropriate visa type if the purpose of the planned travel is to settle an estate or to negotiate a contract.
  • You are neither allowed to be enrolled in any of the academic institutions in the country to study or take up paid or unpaid employment.
  • During your time in the country, you must not engage in paid performances or perform for a paying audience.
  • As a foreigner in the United States of America on this visa, you cannot be employed in the press, radio, film, print journalism, or other forms of information media and taking up permanent residence in the country is considered illegal.
  • Visa applicants who are 13 years or younger and 80 years and above are not required to be in attendance for a visa interview. A visa interview is for those who are between the ages of 14 – 79 years.
  • The visa interview must be scheduled in a United States Embassy in your country of residence. If you schedule your visa interview in a country other than your country of residence, it may be more difficult for you to be granted the visa.
  • You are required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your visa interview is scheduled. After your visa has been approved, you may be required to pay a visa issuance fee. The visa issuance fee is dependent on your country of residence.
  • During the visa application process, applicants of this visa are usually asked to provide documents that explain in detail the purpose of their trip and documents which proves that they will be willing to return to their country of residence. Applicants can present a letter of employment or proof of family ties.
  • During your visa interview with a consular officer, you may be required to register your fingerprint in the system.
  • Staying in the United States longer than the duration allowed may result in you being out of status or you may be permanently be refused future entry into the country.
  • If your status changes during your time in the country e.g. if you get married or if you get employed, you can request a change in your nonimmigrant status through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

United States Of America United States Of America Academic Studies (F-1) Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The F-1 Visa is the most common type of student visa. Foreigners who wish to attend an approved school such as a college or university, or private secondary school are the eligible applicants of the F-1 Visa.
  • If you will be undergoing a program that lasts for more than 18 hours a week, this is the visa type for you.
  • Zimbabweans applying for the F-1 Visa are not allowed to be enrolled in public elementary schools from kindergarten to 8th grade or to attend an adult education program that is publicly funded.
  • You are only allowed to attend public secondary schools from grade 9 to grade 12 for a maximum period of 12 months.
  • It should be stated clearly on the Form I-20 that students have made payment for the educational cost.
  • Foreigners are required to present a Form I-901 SEVIS fee receipt which indicates that they have paid the SEVIS fee.
  • After the F-1 Visa holder as completed all the relevant courses needed for graduation, he/she is eligible for up to 12 months of Optical Practical Training (OPT). The OPT is generally different from the work in the student’s academic curriculum, it will not be reflected in the academic program.
  • After a break of five months or more from being away from your studies, you can apply for another student F-1 Visa on your return to the school.
  • You are required to present the original and copies of academic documents such as school transcripts with grades, public examination certificates, standardized test scores and diplomas during the visa application.

United States Of America United States Of America Non-Academic Or Vocational Studies (M-1) Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Those who plan on engaging in non-academic or vocational studies in an institution in the United States of America are the applicants of this visa.
  • Applicants of this visa should ensure that they provide an approved Form I-20 from their United States school or program.
  • Form I-901 SEVIS fee receipt which shows that payment for the SEVIS fee has been made is required.
  • You are required to provide documents that support your claim of returning to your home country after the duration of your study program in the United States.
  • Applicants of the M-1 Visa must be able to provide proof of being able to pay the tuition fee and other living costs during their entire stay in the United States.
  • Those who are being financially sponsored are required to provide proof of their relationship with their sponsor and the sponsor’s most recent tax form.
  • Your academic documents such as school transcripts, public examination certificates, and diplomas should be submitted during the visa application exercise.
  • If your spouse and unmarried children who are under the age of 21 years wish to accompany you to the United States, they can do so using the M-2 Visa.
  • You are required to present your original marriage certificate and your child’s birth certificate.
  • You will most likely lose your status if you do not resume after five months of changing schools or programs. Losing your student status will render your visa invalid until the USCIS reinstates the visa.

United States Of America Journalist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is also referred to as the I visa or the media visa. It is commonly issued to representatives of the foreign media who to engage in their profession temporarily during their visit to the United States of America.
  • Representatives of the foreign media may include members of the press, radio, film or print industries.
  • For these people to be eligible for this visa type, the activities they must engage in while they are in the United States must be strictly informational and associated with the newsgathering process.
  • You will also be eligible for this visa if you will be reporting on sports, or you will be involved in the production and distribution of film if it will be used to pass information to the citizens of the country.
  • If you are working under contract and you hold a credential issued by a journalistic organization in a foreign country and you are working to produce news which is not aimed for advertising, you can also apply for this visa.
  • This visa is also issued to journalists working for a foreign subsidiary or branch office of a media outlet which is based in the United States and the content to be produced during their time in the country is only for the consumption of foreigners.
  • Freelance journalists must hold a credential issued by a professional journalistic organization or be under contract in a media organization before their visa application is considered. Also, photographers who will not be receiving income for their work in the United States can apply for the B-1 visa.
  • Media representatives are not permitted to engage in guest speaking, lecturing or other academic activities during their visit to the United States. If they wish to do any of these, they must have a valid visitor visa.
  • Foreign media representatives can apply for the visitor visa if their main purpose of visiting the United States is to buy media equipment or broadcast rights. The visitor visa must also be utilized if they are visiting the country for vacation.
  • Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 years are free to accompany holders of this visa type if they have the intention of residing with the visa holder.
  • Applicants of this visa should ensure they provide adequate proof of employment from their employers in Zimbabwe.

United States Of America Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Foreigners who have been offered jobs that are temporary and seasonal in nature are the eligible applicants of this visa.
  • This visa is only granted to foreign nationals in situations where there is a shortage in the number of available citizens of United States workers.
  • A certification issued by the Department of Labor which states that there was indeed no citizen of the United States of America qualified enough to take up the job you were offered at the time.
  • The certification must be obtained from the Department of Labor by your prospective employer in the United States.
  • It is necessary for applicants to get their employer in the United States to file a Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, which must be approved by the USCIS.
  • The receipt number on the Form I-129 must be presented at the Embassy during the visa interview.
  • Visa interviews are needed for only a specific category of applicants and these are those between below the age of 14 years and above the age of 79 years.
  • At the Embassy, additional documents may be required. These documents may include those which proves you have ties to your home country and family relationships. Be prepared for the eventuality of this.
  • Foreigners are required to avoid trying to stay in the country for more time than their visa allows. Doing this could make you ineligible for future visa applications.
  • You can be accompanied by your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 years. They will receive the H-4 visa.

United States Of America Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for those traveling to another country from the US.
  • Applicants of this visa type intend to board a connecting flight from the US to their destination country.
  • Applicants may be passengers on a ship coming from Zimbabwean port and are proceeding to another country.
  • Holders of this visa are not allowed to visit friends or go sightseeing,
  • Under this visa, you are not allowed to work.
  • You need to present a visa for your destination country. Also, the flight ticket to your destination is required.
  • Minors should apply for their visas separately from their parents and their application forms should be signed by their parents.
  • The visa ceases to be valid after you exit the country.

United States Of America Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Visitor Visa

Tourist B-2 visa

Business B-1 visa

160.00 (USD)

160.00 (USD)

Student visa

United States Of America Academic Studies (F-1) visa

United States Of America Non-Academic or Vocational Studies (M-1) Visa

160.00 (USD)

160.00 (USD)

Journalist visa

160.00 (USD)

Work visa

United States Of America Skilled and Unskilled Workers (H-2B)

190.00 (USD)

Transit visa

160.00 (USD)

United States Of America Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Zimbabwe

Location

Address

Harare

U.S. Embassy. 2 Lorraine Drive, Bluffhill, Harare, Zimbabwe.

zw.usembassy.gov

(+263) 867-701-1000

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my US visa still valid after I changed my name?

You will need to obtain a new passport if you legally change your name. Once you have obtained a new passport, you can then apply for a visa.

What types of visas are available?

There are over 15 USA visa types available for you, depending on the purpose of your travel.

How much is an average hotel per night in the USA?

The hotel's price index in the first six months of 2014 found room prices are an average of $137 per night.

Where is the number one tourist destination in the United States?

The Times Square in New York was the most visited tourist attraction in 2011 with about 41.9 million tourists. Other frequently visited places include Disney world in Orlando California, Las Vegas strip in Las Vegas, Nevada.

good morning I want to apply for a visitor's visa, may i please know the earliest possible date of interview?
How can l apply for a visa if l get the job in usa?