Going through a visa application process must be one of the most challenging things in the entire world today, according to many people. But the reality is - it is quite easy if you know the steps on the back of your hand.

This guide will be useful to anyone who desires to travel but has no clue about how to get a visa - whether it is for employment, or a vacation, or for any business. 

Visa Application Steps

Step 1: Select the Purpose of Your Visit

The very first thing you need to specify is why you want to travel. Is this important? Of course! Since there are plenty of different types of visas that are issued on the intent of the traveler who desires to travel to a particular country. It can be tourism, business, commercial activities, cultural and other events, etc. 

Here’s a broad idea of the typical purposes of travel:

• Tourism: Choose this if you wish to travel as a tourist.
• Business: If you have business meetings in other countries to attend to - choose this option. It checks for conferences as well.
• Education: If you are a student or you are going to become such one choose studies as your purpose of travel. 
• Medical treatment: If you are going to visit a country for medical reasons choose medical treatment as your purpose of visit.
• Personal reasons: If you simply feel like visiting friends or family in a different country, pick this option.

Selecting the right purpose will help you select the right visa type as this determines the procedures of application and approval. Apart from that, if you’re wondering how long does it take to get a visa - well, it depends on the country you’re applying for.

Step 2: Fill Out the Visa Application Form

Next is the application form. This informational document contains important facts about you and your visit.. Here’s what you’ll typically need to provide:

• Personal Information: Name as in the I.D.; date of birth; contact details.
• Travel Dates: Approximate dates of arrival and departure.
• Passport Details: Normally it includes the passport number and date of issuance and expected date of expiry.
• Occupation: The established status of employment or learning information at the time of registration.
• Accommodation Details: The accommodation that the guest will use during the visit.

Make sure all information provided is correct and correlates to the documents that you have provided. Any mistake made can slow down or even completely halt the application.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

After completing the form, it is time to assemble and scan the required identification documents. While requirements can vary, most applications will ask for:

• Passport: A scanned copy of your passport’s bio-data page (ensure it’s clear and legible).
• Photo: A recent passport-sized photograph that meets specified dimensions.
• Proof of Purpose: For instance, an invitation letter for business visits or proof of enrollment for education.
• Travel Itinerary: Your planned flight details and accommodations.

Organize these documents in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling.

Step 4: Review Your Application Form

Before submitting, take a moment to review your application carefully. Here’s why:

• Spelling mistakes or mismatched information can lead to rejections.
• Errors in passport details might cause complications at immigration.

Double-check each field and verify that uploaded documents are clear and complete. This small effort can save you from potential delays.

Step 5: Choose Your Processing Type

We offer 3 different service types, demanding on the urgency of getting a visa: 

• Standard Processing: the option takes 3-5 working days for approval. The government fee is $26, and the processing fee is $33.
• Urgent Processing: the option is usually completed within 24 hours. The government fee is $58, and the processing fee is $61.
• Super Fast Processing: the option takes from 3 to 5 hours. The government fee is $58, and the processing fee is $88.

Decide how quickly you need your visa processed, and go through it.  

Note: Almost all nationalities follow the same government fee structure.

Step 6: Pay the Fees and Submit Your Application

Once satisfied with your application, proceed to payment. Visa fees usually consist of:

• a government fee
• a processing fee

Payments are made online, and once completed, you can hit “submit.” You’ll receive a confirmation email or receipt—save this for your records.

Step 7: Wait for Approval

Processing times vary depending on the visa type and the chosen processing speed. Once approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to collect your visa.

There will be a number of your applications in the confirmation email, which you can use to check your visa status on our website. But first, you`ll have to log in to our system. 

Bonus Tips

• Start Early: Begin the process weeks or even months before your trip.
• Keep Copies: Always have printed and digital copies of your application and visa.
• Research Entry Rules: Some visas require additional steps, like pre-arrival registration or interviews.

With these steps for visa application, you’re well on your way to a smooth visa application process. Bon voyage!