As a Portuguese Temporary Resident Permit holder, you can apply for a USA visa, but you must follow the standard process based on your nationality, not your Portuguese residence.
1. Determine Your USA Visa Type
Your Portuguese TRC does not grant automatic access to the U.S.; your eligibility depends on your nationality and visa type. Here are the most common visas:
B1/B2 Visa (Tourist/Business Visa) – For tourism, visiting family, business trips, or medical treatment.
F1 Visa (Student Visa) – For full-time study in the U.S.
H1B Visa (Work Visa) – For skilled professionals with a job offer from a U.S. employer.
J1 Visa (Exchange Program Visa) – For research scholars, interns, or cultural exchange programs.
👉 Check the full list of U.S. visa categories here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
2. Check if You Qualify for ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
If you hold a passport from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, you don’t need a visa and can apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) instead.
✅ Portugal is part of the VWP, but your nationality, not your residence, determines eligibility.
To check if you qualify for ESTA, visit: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
ESTA Fee: $21
Validity: 2 years (or until passport expires)
Stay Duration: Up to 90 days per visit
👉 If you are NOT from a VWP country, you must apply for a visa (see next steps).
3. Gather Required Documents for a U.S. Visa
To apply for a U.S. visa from Portugal, you need:
Mandatory Documents:
Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your U.S. stay).
Portuguese Temporary Residence Card (TRC) (to prove legal residence in Portugal).
Completed DS-160 form (see step 4).
Visa appointment confirmation page (see step 6).
U.S. visa fee payment receipt.
1 passport-sized photo (5x5 cm, white background).
Supporting Documents (Varies by Visa Type):
Tourist Visa (B1/B2): Flight itinerary, hotel bookings, proof of funds.
Student Visa (F1): I-20 form from a U.S. school, SEVIS fee receipt.
Work Visa (H1B): Job offer letter, approved I-129 petition from a U.S. employer.
Full document checklist: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/all-visa-categories.html
4. Complete the DS-160 Online Form
The DS-160 form is mandatory for all non-immigrant U.S. visa applications.
📌 Steps to complete DS-160:
Visit: https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/
Click on "Start an Application".
Fill out personal, travel, and security details.
Upload a passport-sized photo.
Submit the form and print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode.
⏳ Estimated Time: 30–60 minutes
5. Pay the U.S. Visa Fee
The visa fee varies by type and is non-refundable.
Visa Type | Fee (in USD) | Fee (in EUR) (approx.) |
B1/B2 (Tourist/Business) | $185 | €170 |
F1 (Student Visa) | $185 | €170 |
H1B (Work Visa) | $205 | €188 |
J1 (Exchange Visa) | $185 | €170 |
📌 How to Pay:
Online via the U.S. visa appointment website.
Bank transfer, MBway or cash at a designated Portuguese bank.
6. Schedule a Visa Appointment
After paying the fee, book your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon or the U.S. Consulate in Ponta Delgada (Azores).
📌 How to book:
Create an account and log in.
Select visa type and enter your DS-160 confirmation number.
Choose a date and time for your visa interview.
⏳ Wait Time: Can vary (check the estimated wait time here:
7. Attend Your Visa Interview
📌 Location:
U.S. Embassy in Lisbon: Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1600-081 Lisboa
U.S. Consulate in Ponta Delgada (Azores): Rua da Piedade 1, 9500-560
Tips for a Successful Interview:
Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Bring all required documents (passport, DS-160 confirmation, TRC, proof of ties to Portugal).
Be honest and confident in answering questions.
Possible Outcomes:
Approved: Your passport will be returned with the visa in 3–10 days.
Administrative Processing: Additional review is required.
Rejected: You may reapply later with stronger documentation.
8. How to Make a Travel Itinerary
Steps to Create a Visa-Friendly Itinerary:
Book Refundable Flights & Hotels: Use sites like Expedia or Booking.com (choose free cancellation).
Plan Your Route: Use Google Maps and travel guides.
Include Activities: Mention sightseeing, business meetings, or study schedules.
Keep It Realistic: Ensure your itinerary matches your visa purpose.
Example Itinerary for a Tourist Visa:
Date | Activity | Location | Accommodation |
June 10 | Arrival in New York | JFK Airport | Hilton Hotel |
June 11 | Visit Times Square | New York City | Hilton Hotel |
June 12 | Business meeting | Manhattan | Hilton Hotel |
June 15 | Return to Portugal | JFK Airport | N/A |
Final Tips
Apply at least 2 months in advance to avoid delays.
Provide strong proof of ties to Portugal (work contract, rental agreement).
Check travel restrictions before booking flights.
Need Help with Your U.S. Visa Application? Let Inlis Consulting Guide You!
Applying for a U.S. visa can be complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone! Inlis Consulting offers expert assistance for:
✅ Visa Application Support – We help you complete the DS-160 form correctly.
✅ Document Review – Ensure you have all the required paperwork for a successful application.
✅ Travel Itinerary Assistance – Get a well-structured itinerary that strengthens your visa case.
✅ Interview Preparation – Expert tips to increase your chances of visa approval.
📞 Book a consultation today!📩 Email:independentes@inlis.pt📱 WhatsApp: +351 968 464 906
Let us simplify your U.S. visa journey—contact Inlis Consulting now! 🚀
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