Immigration. Travel. Living.

Getting a US Permit as a citizen of Finland

A thrilling and rewarding experience can be had by traveling to the United States. Getting a US visa is a necessary step for inhabitants of Finland, regardless of whether they are considering a trip, studying abroad, or exploring business opportunities. Even while handling the permit request procedure can appear difficult, with the correct knowledge and planning, it can be an easy and fruitful adventure. You can follow the instructions on this page to apply for a US pass if you’re a citizen of Finland.

Flag and visa to USA
  1. Determine the purpose of your visit

It’s essential to decide why you’re visiting the US before beginning the permit application procedure. The US provides several permit types, each of which is intended to accommodate particular travel needs. The most typical visa categories for Finns are:

B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

This permit type is suitable for tourism, business visits, medical treatment, or attending conferences or seminars.

F-1 Student Visa

An F-1 pass is required if you want to pursue full-time higher education in the US.

J-1 Exchange 

This permit is for those participating in exchange programs, such as research scholars, professors, or students.

H-1B Work Visa

An H-1B pass, which is for specialty occupations, may be required if you have an employment proposal from a US firm.

  1. Gather the required documentation

Once you have determined the appropriate visa category, gather the necessary documentation to support your pass application. The required documents may vary depending on the permit type, but common requirements include:

Valid passport

Make sure your passport has validity for at least six more months than the length of time you plan to spend in the United States.

DS-160 form

Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form, DS-160, accurately and truthfully. Save the confirmation page, as you will need it for your visa interview.

Proof of ties to Finland

Demonstrate your strong ties to Finland, such as employment, family, or property, to establish your intent to return after your US visit.

Financial documentation

Show evidence of your financial ability to support yourself during your stay in the United States. This may comprise bank declarations, occupation letters, or backing mail.

Additional documents

Depending on the visa category, additional documents such as an I-20 form for students or a job offer letter for work visas may be required.

  1. Schedule an appointment

Make a reservation for a permit appointment at the closest US diplomatic post or consulate in Finland after assembling all the necessary paperwork. Through the website of the US Department of State, the appointment can be arranged digitally.  Booking the meeting well in advance is advised because interview times tend to fill up rapidly.

  1. Attend the interview

On the day of your appointment, arrive early and be prepared for the interview. Dress casually and bring all the compulsory forms. Be open, succinct, and sure of yourself when replying to inquiries during the talk. 

  1. Pay the visa application fee

You must pay the visa application cost before or after your interview. Check the current charge on the US embassy’s website because it fluctuates based on the type of pass you need. Payments can be made online or at specific Finnish banks.

  1. Wait for visa processing

Your visa request will be carefully examined after the interview. Please be patient as processing times sometimes change. Using the special tracking number, you were given during the application procedure, you can monitor the status of your request for a permit online.

  1. Receive your permit

You will be informed to pick up your pass from the diplomatic post after it has been approved. Make sure you carefully read the offered instructions and adhere to any extra requirements. Upon receiving your permit, check the information for accuracy, including the visa category, validity dates, and any specific conditions.

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