Overview of the Visa Application Process from Sweden to the US
Know Your Visa Type
You must first identify the visa type that best suits your travel plans. For instance, you may choose a Family-Based visa to join a relative who is already residing in the US, while obtaining an Employment-Based visa will suit your job pursuit in the US.
You are required to obtain the specific application form (typically accessible on the US Department of State website) of the visa you choose and fill it out with the required details to obtain your visa. Your visa processing fee must be paid after you have applied; these processing fees are usually different according to the purpose of travel they serve.
You must attend a visa interview at the US embassy in Stockholm. After the interview, a decision will be made regarding the application you have submitted. Also, the processing time it will take to arrive at a decision will depend on the type of visa you applied for.
However, note that for short stays in the US, Swedish citizens are not required to obtain a US visa before they enter the country. You are required to stay in the US for a minimum of 90 days visa-free.
This is because of the agreement (Visa Waiver Programme) the US and Sweden have. This waiver allows Swedish citizens to visit the US visa-free for short study, tourism, medical treatment, business, etc.
You are required to meet other requirements, though you do not need a visa. They include:
Valid US ESTA
You must provide a current Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) which is issued by the Department of Homeland Security. This document is a simplified waiver designed for Swedish citizens and citizens of some other countries.
The ESTA allows for multiple entries into the US and is valid for 2 years from the date it was issued to you or until the expiration of your passport. It also allows its holder to stay in the US for up to 90 days.
The ESTA will not allow you to engage in full-time employment or long-term studies in the US. But regardless of your age as a Swedish national, you can use the US ESTA for business, tourism, transit purposes, etc.
Swedish Passport
You are required to come along with your passport to ease the process of your identification as a Swedish national. Note that Swedish passports are exempt from the 6-month limit under a country-specific agreement as they can be used for the duration of stay in the US as long as it is still valid.
Different Types of Visas Available for Individuals from Sweden
Swedish citizens can obtain any of the below visas to immigrate to the US:
- EB2 Visa
- F-1 Visa
- H-1B Visa
EB2 Visa
If as a Swedish national, you can show your outstanding ability in the arts, sciences, business, education, or sports, you may also be eligible to apply for a visa as a person with extraordinary abilities to relocate to the United States.
This form of residence visa has the primary benefit of allowing foreign applicants to relocate to the US based on their exceptional ability in a variety of disciplines. This visa does not require them to make specific financial investments, particularly in the case of company migration.
It is important to remember that this kind of visa falls under the category of non-immigrant residence permits; yet, if you choose to remain in the US, it can be extended. As a holder of this visa, you may potentially be eligible for US citizenship provided you meet certain requirements.
Eligibility for the EB2 Visa
To qualify for this visa you are required to meet this eligibility criteria. Some of them include the following. You are required to:
- Be a member of organisations or associations in the field that require classification.
- Have written several works for magazines, newspapers, and other publications of that kind.
- Have received both nationally and internationally recognised awards or prizes.
- Have contributed to a crucial role for establishments and organisations.
