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For the latest visa updates and information, visit our local visa information page.
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship or nationality.
Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program. The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States. If you cannot find what you are looking for here, please visit Travel.State.gov for additional information.
Note: U.S. citizens do not need a U.S. visa for travel to the United States, but when planning travel abroad a U.S. citizen may need a visa issued by the embassy or consulate of the country they wish to visit.
For nonimmigrant visas, you can go directly to the online application for the DS-160; or for immigrant visas, directly to the USCIS site for the relevant forms. If you are unsure, please use the Visa Wizard below to help you determine your visa type.
The U.S. Embassy in Helsinki is currently only processing immigrant visa interviews for citizens and residents of Finland.
To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen seeking to immigrate generally must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident immediate relative(s), or prospective U.S. employer, and have an approved petition before applying for an immigrant visa.
The sponsor begins the process by filing a petition on the foreign citizen’s behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You may wish to review our Directory of Visa Categories on usvisas.state.gov to learn about the different types of immigrant visas to the United States, including our Diversity Visa Program. Then, follow the steps on the Immigrant Visa Process, or on the Diversity Visa Process, on usvisas.state.gov to begin applying for an immigrant visa.
Once USCIS has approved your petition and you have completed pre-processing with the National Visa Center (NVC), or if you have been selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery and completed processing with the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC), review the instructions given to you by the NVC or the KCC, along with the information presented on this website, for further guidance and instructions.
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki is responsible for providing visa services to those seeking to enter the United States for a temporary period and for those wishing to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States.
Please visit our Global Support Services (GSS) website for complete information on applying for a nonimmigrant U.S. visa, including a directory of nonimmigrant visa categories.
If you are travelling as an official representative of your government, please see our page with information regarding visas for diplomats and other government officials.
Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers
The pamphlet linked below informs you of your rights as a nonimmigrant visa holder in certain employment- and education-based categories.
Rights and Protections for Immigrant Visa Applicants
The pamphlet informs applicants applying for K-1 visas, K-3, IR-1/CR-1 immigrant visas, and F2A immigrant visas of their legal rights relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Individuals going to the United States to perform diplomatic or official business on behalf of a foreign government are entitled to “A visas” (and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program/ESTA). Employees and representatives of accredited international organizations are entitled to and must travel on “G visas” (and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program/ESTA). Spouses and unmarried, minor children are entitled to the same visa category as the principle applicant. Applicants for visa categories: A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 are usually exempt from the visa fee (MRV fee), fingerprinting and personal interview requirements.
Updated Student Information Page
The Department of State updated requirements for student and exchange visitor interview waiver applications. Some F, M, and academic J visa applicants may now be eligible for interview waiver until December 31, 2023. Please note: This announcement only affects those who have not been previously refused a visa and who possess no other ineligibilities.
Interview Waiver for Petition-Based Applicants
The Department of State has waived, through December 31, 2023, the in-person interview requirement for some first-time visa applicants. This includes visa applicants who have a petition approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q visa categories. Blanket L applications do not qualify for this new program and will require an interview.
Official Visit the USA Website
Our goal is to inspire people from around the world to discover all the exciting travel possibilities in the United States.
Browse 180 pages packed with beautiful photography, detailed location descriptions and real travel stories.
No matter your destination or travel style, create a personalized, day-by-day itinerary that’s just right for you.
Watch our videos to learn about the diverse destinations and exciting travel experiences, all within your reach.
As your official guide, we’ll show you a diverse range of unique experiences that are all within your reach.
Please call: +358-9-616-250
Outside of Office Hours, contact: +358-9-616-250
Outside of Finland: +358-9-616-250
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