{"$schema":"https://theacompany.ai/website/page.schema.json","page":{"id":"visa-us-h-2a-xk","kind":"service","lang":"en","path":"/visa/usa/h/h-2a/kosovo","index":true,"for":{"service":"visa","country":"us","type":"h-2a","from":"xk"},"visa":{"name":"U.S. visa for farm workers (H-2A)","country":"United States","from":"Kosovo"},"embassy":{"name":"U.S. Embassy Pristina","city":"Pristina","place":"Pristina, Kosovo"},"translations":{"sq":"/al/viza/amerikane/h/h-2a/kosove"}},"seo":{"title":"U.S. H-2A visa for farm workers in Kosovo","description":"Your employer gets the temporary labor certification, your employer files the I-129 petition, fill in the DS-160 application, pay the U.S. visa fee {visa.price}, book the visa appointment, prepare the documents, attend the interview, the consular officer decides on your visa, pay DHL {courier.price}, get your passport, travel.","image":"/website/social/en/h-2a-kosovo.jpg"},"official_answers":{"travel-state-wait-times":{"name":"Global Visa Wait Times","site":"travel.state.gov","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/global-visa-wait-times.html","read":"2026-11-03","info":{"appointment.wait":{"value":15,"unit":"days, under (published: < 0.5 Month)","quote":"Last updated: 21-OCT-2026\n| Pristina | NA | < 0.5 Month | < 0.5 Month | < 0.5 Month | < 0.5 Month |"},"wait_updated":{"value":"October 21, 2026","quote":"Last updated: 21-OCT-2026"},"wait_checked":{"value":"November 3, 2026","quote":"Last updated: 21-OCT-2026"}}},"www-dol-gov-agencies-eta-foreign-labor-programs-h-28b3ff":{"name":"H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program","site":"www.dol.gov","href":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/h-2a","read":"2026-10-28","info":{"step.labor":{"quote":"Step 4: Completing the Temporary Labor Certification Process"}}},"www-uscis-gov-working-in-the-united-states-tempora-718239":{"name":"H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers","site":"www.uscis.gov","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers","read":"2026-10-23","info":{"step.petition":{"quote":"_Step 2: Petitioner submits Form I-129 to USCIS_. After receiving an approved TLC for H-2A employment from DOL, the petitioner must file Form I-129 with USCIS."},"step.travel":{"quote":"seek admission to the United States with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at a U.S. port of entry; or"}}},"www-ustraveldocs-com-xk-en-step-2-c55f38":{"name":"USTravelDocs","site":"www.ustraveldocs.com","href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/step-2","read":"2026-10-22","info":{"step.ds160":{"quote":"The completed DS-160 application form will generate an alpha-numeric barcode confirmation page. Print this page. The printed confirmation page is required for the interview at the Embassy/Consulate."},"step.book":{"quote":"- Petition receipt number and petitioner information if applicant is applying for a petition based visa."},"step.dhl":{"quote":"to provide your contact information at a cost of €10 cash or credit card, paid directly with DHL."}}},"www-ustraveldocs-com-xk-en-payment-options-693cd2":{"name":"USTravelDocs","site":"www.ustraveldocs.com","href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/payment-options","read":"2026-10-22","info":{"step.pay":{"quote":"Once you have paid the visa application fee, make sure to keep the reference number safe. If lost, it cannot be replaced. The reference/receipt number is required to schedule your appointment."}}},"travel-state-gov-content-travel-en-us-visas-employ-098c6f":{"name":"Temporary Worker Visas","site":"travel.state.gov","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/temporary-worker-visas.html","read":"2026-10-11","info":{"step.documents":{"quote":"Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:"}}},"www-ustraveldocs-com-xk-en-work-visa-cee349":{"name":"USTravelDocs","site":"www.ustraveldocs.com","href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/work-visa","read":"2026-10-15","info":{"step.interview":{"quote":"The consular officer will verify your petition approval through the Department of State's Petition Information Management Service (PIMS) during your interview."},"documents.passport":{"quote":"A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States"},"documents.ds160":{"quote":"A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form."},"documents.appointment":{"quote":"you must present an interview appointment letter confirming that you booked an appointment through"},"documents.photo":{"quote":"One 2 x 2-inch (51 x 51 mm) photograph taken within the last six months."},"documents.positionletter":{"quote":"For H and L visa applicants, an original or copy of the principal applicant’s position confirmation letter from the employer or petitioner."},"documents.company":{"quote":"For H and L visa applicants, an original or copy of the principal applicant’s position confirmation letter from the employer or petitioner."},"documents.jobdescription":{"quote":"For H and L visa applicants, an original or copy of the principal applicant’s position confirmation letter from the employer or petitioner."}}},"fam-state-gov-fam-09fam-09fam040210-html-2589f0":{"name":"9 FAM 402.10 (U) TEMPORARY WORKERS AND TRAINEES - H VISAS","site":"fam.state.gov","href":"https://fam.state.gov/FAM/09FAM/09FAM040210.html","read":"2026-10-28","info":{"step.decision":{"quote":"confirmation that the petition has been approved, but an H visa must not be"}}},"www-ustraveldocs-com-xk-en-step-6-ce39fe":{"name":"USTravelDocs","site":"www.ustraveldocs.com","href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/step-6","read":"2026-10-12","info":{"step.passport":{"quote":"If your visa application is approved, your passport and visa will be returned via our courier service."}}},"www-uscis-gov-sites-default-files-document-forms-i-1c1a30":{"name":"Form I-129, Instructions for Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker","site":"www.uscis.gov","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-129instr.pdf","read":"2026-10-29","info":{"documents.tlc":{"quote":"1. A single valid temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor;* and"}}},"www-ustraveldocs-com-xk-en-group-appointments-e4ffe1":{"name":"USTravelDocs","site":"www.ustraveldocs.com","href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/group-appointments","read":"2026-10-12","info":{"documents.i797":{"quote":"in Step One the group coordinator must upload a legible copy of the approved I-797 as part of the request."}}},"www-uscis-gov-i-129-addresses-f86e10":{"name":"Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker","site":"www.uscis.gov","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/i-129-addresses","read":"2026-10-31","info":{"documents.i129":{"quote":"Use the filing locations below only when filing Form I-129 (and Form G-28, if applicable) for H-2A."}}}},"sections":[{"section":"hero","id":"hero","title":"Apply for a U.S. visa for farm workers (H-2A) in Kosovo","lead":"Your employer gets the temporary labor certification, your employer files the I-129 petition, fill in the DS-160 application, pay the U.S. visa fee {visa.price}, book the visa appointment, prepare the documents, attend the interview, the consular officer decides on your visa, pay DHL {courier.price}, get your passport, travel.","placeholder":"Ask about the H-2A visa…","slides":[{"id":"landmark-04","ask":"Can I do farm work in America on an H-2A?","art":{"image":"/website/hero-landmark-04.webp","alt":"A young man guides his visiting parents along a path as the Golden Gate Bridge appears through light coastal mist","credit":"The A Company"}},{"id":"original-friends-reunion","ask":"Can a recruiter charge me a fee?","art":{"image":"/website/hero-original-friends-reunion.webp","alt":"Friends meeting again in Grand Central","credit":"The A Company"}},{"id":"homepage-concepts-roadtrip-02","ask":"How long can I stay on an H-2A?","art":{"image":"/website/hero-homepage-concepts-roadtrip-02.webp","alt":"A family on a road trip in the American Southwest","credit":"The A Company"}}]},{"section":"reviews","id":"reviews","style":"badge-under","title":"60,381 customers","words":"The words people use most: “recommend”, “professional”, “smooth”, “clear” and “thank you”.","info":["customers","google_reviews"],"rating":{"score":"google_rating","count":"google_reviews","href":"office.map"},"show":8},{"section":"pricing","id":"pricing","title":"What it costs","items":[{"id":"visa-fee","name":"Fee for the U.S. visa for farm workers (H-2A)","amount":"visa.price","to":"U.S. Department of State","note":"Paid to the U.S. Department of State, before the interview. Not refunded. The employer's I-129 petition is paid separately.","info":["visa.price"]},{"id":"dhl","name":"DHL's service","amount":"courier.price","to":"DHL","note":"The passport with the visa delivered home. Only if the visa is approved.","info":["courier.price"]},{"id":"service","name":"The A Company's service","amount":"service.price","to":"The A Company","note":"The A Company prepares the temporary labor certification for your employer, prepares the I-129 petition for your employer, fills in the DS-160 application, pays the U.S. visa fee, books the visa appointment, prepares the documents for the interview, and pays DHL for passport delivery. Paid by the U.S. employer, for each worker.","info":["service.price"]}],"rate":{"usd_per_eur":1.1195,"date":"2026-10-14","href":"https://www.ecb.europa.eu/stats/policy_and_exchange_rates/euro_reference_exchange_rates/html/index.en.html"}},{"section":"steps","id":"steps","style":"images","title":"How to apply","items":[{"id":"labor","name":"Your employer gets the temporary labor certification","text":"Before the petition, your employer applies to the U.S. Department of Labor for a temporary labor certification, and receives it.","tone":"plain","info":["steps_before"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/laborcertification-h-2a.webp","alt":"The temporary labor certification (ETA-9142)"},"href":"https://flag.dol.gov"},{"id":"petition","name":"Your employer files the I-129 petition","text":"Your U.S. employer first applies to the Department of Labor for a temporary labor certification, at least {h2a_app_days} days before the job starts. Then it files Form I-129 with USCIS and pays {h2a_i129_paper} for it, or {h2a_i129_online} online. USCIS must approve it before you can apply for the visa.","tone":"plain","info":["h_h2_tlc","h2a_app_days","h_petition","h_i129","h2a_i129_paper","h2a_i129_online"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/i797h.webp","alt":"The I-797 approval notice of the petition for the H-2A visa"},"href":"https://www.uscis.gov/i-129","documents":[{"id":"required","title":"Required","items":[{"id":"tlc","title":"Temporary labor certification","text":"A temporary labor certification, from the U.S. Department of Labor. It must be valid.","tone":"plain","info":["documents.tlc"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/tlc-h-2a.webp","alt":"The Department of Labor's approval of the temporary labor certification"}},{"id":"i129","title":"Form I-129","text":"The petition for your work visa. It is filed at the USCIS location set for your visa type.","tone":"plain","info":["documents.i129"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/i129.webp","alt":"Form I-129, the petition for a nonimmigrant worker"}}]}]},{"id":"ds160","name":"Fill in the DS-160 application","text":"The online visa application, at ceac.state.gov. Print its confirmation page and bring it to the interview.","tone":"plain","info":["h_what"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/ds160-h-2a.webp","alt":"The DS-160 confirmation page for the H-2A visa"},"href":"https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/"},{"id":"pay","name":"Pay the U.S. visa fee ({visa.price})","text":"The visa application fee. It is paid from your profile in the online appointment system. By card online, in euros or in dollars, or in cash at VFS in Pristina, Lidhja e Prizrenit St., No. 20, Tophane, with the deposit slip printed from your profile and an ID. This comes before the appointment, because you can book the interview only once it is paid. Then the payment is activated within one business day and can be used to book an appointment for one year. The fee is not returned if the visa is refused. Keep the receipt number, because it cannot be replaced if lost and you need it for the appointment.","tone":"plain","info":["fee_rules","payment.method","fee_pay_vfs","fee_id","fee_before_booking","fee_activation","fee_valid_year","fee_pay","fee_in_system","fee_pay_usd","fee_deposit_slip","fee_receipt_keep"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/fee-h-2a.webp","alt":"The visa fee receipt for the H-2A visa"},"href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/payment-options","then":"appointment"},{"id":"book","name":"Book the visa appointment","text":"Book the interview at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina online, on the official appointment site. You need the receipt number printed on your approved I-129 or on the I-797 notice.","tone":"plain","info":["appointment.url","h_receipt"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/appointment.webp","alt":"An appointment confirmation"},"href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/step-4"},{"id":"documents","name":"Prepare the documents for the interview","text":"Your passport, the DS-160 confirmation, the fee receipt, and the receipt number of your approved petition.","tone":"plain","info":["h_receipt"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/ai-docs-prep.webp","alt":"Documents prepared for the interview"},"documents":[{"id":"required","title":"Required","items":[{"id":"passport","title":"Passport","text":"Valid for travel to the United States.","tone":"plain","info":["h_receipt"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/passport.webp","alt":"An open passport"}},{"id":"ds160","title":"DS-160 confirmation","text":"The confirmation page of your DS-160, printed.","tone":"plain","info":["h_receipt"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/ds160-h-2a.webp","alt":"The DS-160 confirmation page for the H-2A visa"}},{"id":"i797","title":"The approved petition (I-797)","text":"The notice with your petition's receipt number.","tone":"plain","info":["h_receipt"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/i797h.webp","alt":"The I-797 approval notice of the petition for the H-2A visa"}},{"id":"photo","title":"Photo","text":"As the U.S. visa photo rules ask.","tone":"plain","info":["h_receipt"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/photo-print.webp","alt":"A printed visa photo"}},{"id":"appointment","title":"Visa appointment confirmation","text":"Your interview appointment confirmation letter. It shows that you booked your appointment through the official appointment service.","tone":"plain","info":["documents.required"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/appointment.webp","alt":"A sample visa appointment confirmation"}},{"id":"positionletter","title":"Position confirmation letter","text":"The principal applicant's position confirmation letter. From the employer or petitioner. The original or a copy. For H and L visa applicants.","tone":"plain","info":["documents.positionletter"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/positionletter.webp","alt":"The employer's letter confirming the principal applicant's position"}},{"id":"company","title":"Evidence of your position in the company","text":"Evidence of your position in the company and your pay.","tone":"plain","info":["documents.company"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/company.webp","alt":"An employer's certificate of the applicant's position and pay"}},{"id":"jobdescription","title":"Position description","text":"The description of the position. From the employer.","tone":"plain","info":["documents.jobdescription"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/jobdescription.webp","alt":"The employer's description of the position"}}]}]},{"id":"interview","name":"Attend the interview at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina","text":"A consular officer interviews you and decides whether you qualify. An approved petition does not guarantee the visa.","info":["h_petition"],"art":{"logo":"/website/logos/us-embassy-pristina.png","alt":"U.S. Embassy Pristina"},"place":{"name":"U.S. Embassy Pristina","at":[42.6563884,21.1415238],"logo":"/website/logos/us-embassy-pristina.png","map":"h","contact":[{"id":"address","label":"Address","info":"embassy.address","href":"https://maps.app.goo.gl/WvDd3uyi4dzG3e7a9"},{"id":"phone","label":"Phone","info":"embassy.telephone"},{"id":"email","label":"Email","info":"embassy_email"},{"id":"website","label":"Website","href":"https://xk.usembassy.gov/visas/","info":"embassy.url"}]}},{"id":"decision","name":"The consular officer decides on your visa","text":"If the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee, if one applies to your nationality. You are told how your passport with the visa will be returned to you.","tone":"plain","info":["step.decision"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/ceacstatus-niv.webp","alt":"CEAC's Visa Status Check: the visa issued"}},{"id":"dhl","name":"Pay DHL for passport delivery ({courier.price})","text":"DHL takes your contact information to return your passport. You are directed to the nearest DHL office. In cash or by credit card, paid directly to DHL. Once you complete your consular service at the Embassy. The office works 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. It costs €10.","info":["courier.name","courier.price","dhl_hours","dhl_hours_appointments"],"art":{"logo":"/website/logos/dhl.svg","alt":"DHL"},"place":{"name":"DHL Kosovo","at":[42.6581374,21.1455321],"logo":"/website/logos/dhl.svg","map":"h","contact":[{"id":"address","label":"Address","info":"courier.address","href":"https://maps.google.com/?cid=1565577968261872979"},{"id":"hours","label":"Opening hours","info":"dhl_hours"},{"id":"phone","label":"Phone","info":"dhl_phone"},{"id":"email","label":"Email (general shipping)","info":"dhl_email"}]}},{"id":"passport","name":"Get your passport with the U.S. visa","text":"If your visa is approved, the passport comes back through the courier service. You get an email or a text message once the passport is ready.","tone":"plain","info":["step.passport"],"art":{"doc":"visa-book","visa":"h-2a","alt":"The H-2A visa in a passport"}},{"id":"travel","name":"Travel to the United States","text":"Do not buy airline tickets until you have received your visa. If you are allowed to enter, the CBP official gives you an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.","tone":"plain","info":["step.travel"],"art":{"image":"/website/docs/itinerary.webp","alt":"The Turkish Airlines e-ticket itinerary: Pristina, Istanbul, San Francisco and back"}}]},{"section":"appointment","id":"appointment","style":"desktop","title":"The first available appointment is in {n} days","days":"appointment.wait","lead":"An estimate for the wait time the U.S. Department of State publishes for petition-based (H, L, O, P, Q) interviews at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina. Updated by the U.S. Department of State on {wait_updated}. Checked by The A Company on {wait_checked}. You book your date after paying the fee.","info":["appointment.wait","wait_updated","wait_checked"]},{"section":"cta","id":"cta","title":"Ask us about the H-2A visa","placeholder":"Help me with the H-2A visa…"},{"section":"faq","id":"faq","style":"columns","menu":"Questions","title":"Questions? Answers.","items":[{"id":"wait","q":"How long is the wait for the interview for a U.S. visa for farm workers (H-2A) in Pristina?","text":"In {appointment.wait} days. The published wait for petition-based (H, L, O, P, Q) interviews in Pristina, when last updated on {wait_updated}.","info":["appointment.wait","wait_updated"],"step":"book"},{"id":"cost","q":"How much does the H-2A visa cost in Kosovo?","text":"{visa.price} to the U.S. Department of State, and {courier.price} to DHL to bring your passport home. Your employer pays USCIS {h2a_i129_paper} for the I-129, or {h2a_i129_online} online, plus an Asylum Program Fee of {h2a_asylum_fee}.","info":["visa.price","courier.price","h2a_i129_paper","h2a_i129_online","h2a_asylum_fee"],"step":"pay"}]},{"section":"ask","id":"ask","style":"strip","placeholder":"Ask anything about visas…","title":"Still have a question?"},{"section":"related","id":"related","title":"Related pages"},{"section":"sources","id":"sources","title":"Official sources"}],"questions":[{"id":"h2a-what","step":"before","shown":true,"q":"What is the H-2A visa?","text":"A visa for temporary or seasonal farm work. A U.S. employer or agent files Form I-129 for you.","sources":[{"name":"H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers","read":"2026-10-23"}],"quote":"The H-2A program allows U.S. employers or U.S. agents who meet specific regulatory requirements to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural jobs.\nOffer a job that is of a temporary or seasonal nature."},{"id":"h2a-tlc","step":"before","shown":true,"q":"How long does the H-2A labor certification take?","text":"The employer files the job order 75 to 60 days before the job starts and the application at least 45 days before. The Department of Labor issues the certification no later than 30 days before the start, and lately sent a first notice on complete cases in 18 days on average.","sources":[{"name":"H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers","read":"2026-10-23"},{"name":"H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program","href":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/h-2a","read":"2026-10-28"},{"name":"Processing Times","href":"https://flag.dol.gov/processingtimes","read":"2026-10-28"}],"quote":"Before requesting H-2A classification from USCIS, the petitioner must apply for and receive an approved TLC for H-2A workers from DOL.\nThe job order should be filed 75 to 60 calendar days before the employer's first date of need.\nThe job order should be filed 75 to 60 calendar days before the employer's first date of need.\nThe application should be filed no less than 45 calendar days before the employer's first date of need.\nTemporary Labor Certifications are generally issued no later than 30 calendar days before the first date of need identified in the\n| Average Number of Days to Process Complete2 Cases (cumulative over the last 2 weeks) | 531 | 18 Calendar Days |\n**H-2A Processing Times** _(updated as of close of business 10/24/2026)_"},{"id":"h2a-fees","step":"before","shown":true,"q":"Who pays the H-2A petition fees?","text":"Your employer pays USCIS $1,090 for the I-129 with named workers ($1,040 online) and an Asylum Program Fee of $600; small employers and nonprofits pay less. No one may charge you a job placement fee.","sources":[{"name":"G-1055, Fee Schedule","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf","read":"2026-10-28"},{"name":"H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers","read":"2026-10-23"}],"quote":"If you are filing an H-2A petition with named workers. (limited to 25 beneficiaries per petition) If you are filing as a Small Employer or Nonprofit. | Paper Filing: $1,090 plus additional fees Online Filing: $1,040 plus additional fees\nIf you are filing an H-2A petition with named workers. (limited to 25 beneficiaries per petition) If you are filing as a Small Employer or Nonprofit. | Paper Filing: $1,090 plus additional fees Online Filing: $1,040 plus additional fees\nI-129 - H-2A petitions *Including standalone Form I-129H2A, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker: H-2A Classification | Additional Fees: 1. Asylum Program Fee a. If you are filing as a Regular Petitioner b. If you are filing as a Nonprofit c. If you are filing as a Small Employer | a. $600\nAs a condition of approval of an H-2A petition, no job placement fee, fee or penalty for breach of contract, or other fee, penalty, or compensation (either direct or indirect) related to the H-2A employment (collectively, “prohibited fees”) may be collected at any time from a beneficiary of an H-2A or any person acting on the beneficiary’s behalf.\nProhibited fees may include, but are not limited to, deduction or withholding of wages or salary\nUSCIS will deny or revoke the petition if we determine that the petitioner or any petitioner’s employee, agent, attorney, facilitator, recruiter, or similar employment service, or any employer or joint employer, collected, or entered into an agreement to collect, prohibited fees"},{"id":"h2a-us-workers","step":"before","shown":false,"q":"Does the H-2A employer have to look for U.S. workers first?","text":"Yes. It must show there are not enough U.S. workers able, willing, qualified and available for the work, and that hiring you will not lower their wages and working conditions.","sources":[{"name":"H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers","read":"2026-10-23"}],"quote":"Demonstrate that there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to do the temporary work.\nShow that employing H-2A workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers."},{"id":"h2a-stay","step":"before","shown":false,"q":"How long can I stay on an H-2A?","text":"For the petition, from one week before it starts until 30 days after it ends, and 3 years in all. Then you must spend 3 months outside the United States before another H-2A.","sources":[{"name":"9 FAM 402.10, Temporary Workers and Trainees - H Visas","href":"https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040210.html","read":"2026-10-28"},{"name":"H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers","read":"2026-10-23"}],"quote":"H-2A visa recipients, however, can only use the visa to apply\nfor admission to the United States starting one week before the beginning of\nthe approved status period.\nAn H-2A petition beneficiary may be admitted to\nthe United States for the validity of the petition, plus  seven days, before\nthe beginning of the approved petition and 30 days following the expiration of\nthe approved petition.\nThe maximum period of stay in H-2A classification is 3 years.\nAn H-2A or H-2B\napplicant who has spent the maximum allowable time in the United States in H\nstatus must have resided and been physically present outside the United States\nfor the immediate prior three months before they may be granted H-2A or H-2B\nstatus."},{"id":"h-what","step":"before","shown":true,"q":"What are the U.S. temporary work visas (H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, L-1, O-1)?","text":"Visas to work in the United States for a fixed period. H-1B is for a specialty occupation that needs at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. H-2A is for temporary or seasonal farm work, H-2B for other temporary or seasonal work. L-1 moves a manager, an executive or a specialist within the same company, and O-1 is for extraordinary ability or achievement.","sources":[{"name":"Temporary Worker Visas","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/temporary-worker-visas.html","read":"2026-10-11"},{"name":"L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1a-intracompany-transferee-executive-or-manager","read":"2026-10-23"},{"name":"O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement","read":"2026-10-23"}],"quote":"A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to work in the United States must first get the right visa.  If the employment is for a fixed period, the applicant can apply for a temporary employment visa.\nH-1B: Person in Specialty Occupation\nFor applicants working in a specialty occupation. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience in the specialty occupation.\nH-2A: Temporary Agricultural Worker\nFor applicants performing temporary  or seasonal agricultural work.\nH-2B: Temporary Non-agricultural Worker\nFor applicants performing temporary or seasonal non- agricultural work.\nL: Intracompany Transferee\nFor applicants working in a managerial or executive capacity; or  applicants working in a position requiring specialized knowledge.  The petitioner must be a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the applicant’s current employer.\nO: Individual with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement\nFor applicants with an extraordinary ability or achievement in the field of science, art, education, business, or athletics.\nGenerally have been working for a qualifying organization abroad for one continuous year within the three years immediately preceding his or her admission to the United States; and\nBe seeking to enter the United States to provide service in an executive or managerial capacity for a branch of the same employer or one of its qualifying organizations.\nThe O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.","related":["h-petition","h-fee"],"asked":[{"by":"us"}]},{"id":"h-petition","step":"before","shown":true,"q":"Do I need a petition for a U.S. work visa (H, L, O)?","text":"Yes. Your U.S. employer files Form I-129 with USCIS, and USCIS must approve it before you can apply. Only the employer can file it, not a relative. For H-1B, H-2A and H-2B the employer first gets a certification from the Department of Labor. After approval USCIS sends the employer a Notice of Action, Form I-797, and you book the interview with the receipt number on it.","sources":[{"name":"Temporary Worker Visas","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/temporary-worker-visas.html","read":"2026-10-11"},{"name":"I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/i-129","read":"2026-10-23"},{"name":"H-1B Specialty Occupations","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations","read":"2026-10-23"},{"name":"H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers","read":"2026-10-23"}],"quote":"Most applicants for temporary worker visas must have an approved petition.  The prospective employer must file the petition on behalf of the applicant.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews the petition.\nBefore an applicant can apply for a temporary worker visa, USCIS must first approve the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129.\nOnce USCIS approves the petition, it will send the prospective employer a Notice of Action, Form I-797.\nYou will need to provide the receipt number to schedule an interview.  The receipt number is printed on your approved Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797.\nPetitioners use this form to file on behalf of a nonimmigrant worker to come to the United States temporarily to perform services or labor, or to receive training, as an H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L-1, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1 or R-1 nonimmigrant worker.\nYou can find the filing fee for Form I-129 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.\nStep 1: (only required for specialty occupation and fashion model petitions): Employer or Agent Submits LCA to DOL for Certification.\nBefore requesting H-2A classification from USCIS, the petitioner must apply for and receive an approved TLC for H-2A workers from DOL.","related":["h-fee"],"asked":[{"by":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/al/en/general-information","q":"What is a petition?"},{"by":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/al/en/general-information","q":"Can my U.S.-based relative sponsor me for a work visa?"}]},{"id":"h-family","step":"before","shown":true,"q":"Can my spouse and children come with me on a work visa?","text":"Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21: on H-4 with an H worker, L-2 with L, O-3 with O. On H-4 and O-3 they may not work; some H-4 spouses of H-1B workers who have started the green card process may apply for a work permit. An L-2 spouse may work. You must show you can support them financially.","sources":[{"name":"Temporary Worker Visas","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/temporary-worker-visas.html","read":"2026-10-11"},{"name":"H-1B Specialty Occupations","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations","read":"2026-10-23"},{"name":"H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers","read":"2026-10-23"},{"name":"L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1a-intracompany-transferee-executive-or-manager","read":"2026-10-23"},{"name":"O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement","read":"2026-10-23"}],"quote":"Your spouse and unmarried, minor children may also apply for the same visa category as you to accompany or join you.  The only exception is for Cultural Exchange Visitor Q-1 visa applicants.  You must be able to show that you will be able to financially support your family in the United States.\nYour spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age may seek admission in the H-4 nonimmigrant classification. Certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants can file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, as long as the H-1B nonimmigrant has already started the process of seeking employment-based lawful permanent resident status.\nAn H-2A worker’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age may seek admission in H-4 nonimmigrant classification. Family members are not eligible for employment in the United States while in H-4 status.\nSpouses and children may seek admission in the L-2 nonimmigrant classification and, if approved, generally will be granted the same period of stay as the employee.\nSpouses of L-1 workers in valid L-2S nonimmigrant status are considered employment authorized incident to status.\nIf your spouse and children under the age of 21 will accompanying you or join you later (called “following to join”), they may be eligible to apply for an O-3 nonimmigrant visa, that will be subject to the same period of admission and limitations as you. They may not work in the United States under this classification, but they may participate in full-time or part-time study on an O-3 visa.","asked":[{"by":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/al/en/general-information","q":"Can a person on a dependent visa work in the U.S.?"},{"by":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/al/en/general-information","q":"I am applying for an H1B/L1 visa and would like my spouse to travel with me. Can he or she apply for a dependent visa (H4/L2) at the same time as me or should they wait until my visa has been issued?"}]},{"id":"h-h2-fees","step":"before","shown":true,"q":"Can a recruiter charge me a fee for an H-2A or H-2B job?","text":"No. No placement fee, penalty for breaking the contract or other fee related to the job may be taken from you at any time, not even as a deduction from your wages. If USCIS finds that the employer, an agent or a recruiter took one, it denies or revokes the petition.","sources":[{"name":"H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers","read":"2026-10-23"},{"name":"H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2b-temporary-non-agricultural-workers","read":"2026-10-23"}],"quote":"As a condition of approval of an H-2A petition, no job placement fee, fee or penalty for breach of contract, or other fee, penalty, or compensation (either direct or indirect) related to the H-2A employment (collectively, “prohibited fees”) may be collected at any time from a beneficiary of an H-2A or any person acting on the beneficiary’s behalf.\nProhibited fees may include, but are not limited to, deduction or withholding of wages or salary\nUSCIS will deny or revoke the petition if we determine that the petitioner or any petitioner’s employee, agent, attorney, facilitator, recruiter, or similar employment service, or any employer or joint employer, collected, or entered into an agreement to collect, prohibited fees\nAs a condition of approval of an H-2B petition, no job placement fee, fee or penalty for breach of contract, or other fee, penalty, or compensation (either direct or indirect) related to the H-2B employment (collectively, “prohibited fees”) may be collected at any time from a beneficiary of an H-2B or any person acting on the beneficiary’s behalf.","related":["h-h2-countries"],"asked":[{"by":"us"}]},{"id":"h-h2-countries","step":"before","shown":false,"q":"Can citizens of any country get an H-2A or H-2B visa?","text":"USCIS no longer checks it. DHS regulations no longer require USCIS to consider whether you are a national of a designated country. The State Department’s visa page still says only nationals of designated countries are eligible.","sources":[{"name":"H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers","read":"2026-10-23"},{"name":"H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2b-temporary-non-agricultural-workers","read":"2026-10-23"}],"quote":"NOTE: As of Jan. 17, 2025, DHS regulations no longer require USCIS to consider whether the beneficiary is a national of a country that the Secretary of Homeland Security, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, has designated as eligible to participate in the H-2A program.\nNOTE: As of Jan. 17, 2025, DHS regulations no longer require USCIS to consider whether the beneficiary is a national of a country that the Secretary of Homeland Security, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, has designated as eligible to participate in the H-2B program.","asked":[{"by":"us"}]},{"id":"dual-citizen","step":"before","shown":false,"q":"I have dual citizenship. Which passport do I use to travel to the United States?","text":"If one of them is a U.S. passport, that one. Every U.S. citizen, dual citizens too, must enter and leave the United States on a U.S. passport. A U.S. citizen is not eligible for a visa.","sources":[{"name":"About Visas - The Basics","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"All U.S. citizens, even dual citizens/nationals, must enter and depart the United States using his/her U.S. passport.\nIf a person is a U.S. citizen, he or she is not eligible for a visa.","asked":[{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","q":"I have dual citizenship. Which passport should I use to travel to the United States?"}]},{"id":"ds160-english","step":"ds160","shown":false,"q":"Can I fill in the DS-160 in my own language?","text":"No. Every question is answered in English, in English letters. The only exception is your full name in your native alphabet, where it asks for it.","sources":[{"name":"Step 2: Complete the DS-160","href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/step-2","read":"2026-10-22"}],"quote":"All questions must be answered in English using English-language characters only, except when you are asked to provide your full name in your native alphabet.","asked":[{"by":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/al/en/general-information","q":"Can I answer in my native language?"}]},{"id":"ds160-save","step":"ds160","shown":false,"q":"Can I save the DS-160 and finish it later?","text":"Yes, for 30 days. You can return to a partially completed application for 30 days. The session expires if you stop for more than 20 minutes.","sources":[{"name":"DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application/ds-160-faqs.html","read":"2026-10-11"},{"name":"Step 2: Complete the DS-160","href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/step-2","read":"2026-10-22"}],"quote":"You have 30 days to return to a partially completed application.\nIf you stop working on this application for more than 20 minutes, your session will expire.","asked":[{"by":"us"}]},{"id":"ds160-reprint","step":"ds160","shown":false,"q":"I lost my DS-160 confirmation page. Can I print it again?","text":"Yes. On ceac.state.gov, choose the embassy or consulate where you apply, select “Retrieve Application”, and enter your application ID. From there you can view and print the confirmation page.","sources":[{"name":"DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application/ds-160-faqs.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"Yes, you can reprint the confirmation page of an application that has already been submitted. In order to do so, go into the Consular Electronic Application Center website and select the Embassy or Consulate at which you are applying. Hit “Option C-Retrieve Application” on the Getting Started page and enter your application ID number. From there you will be able to view and print your confirmation page.","related":["ds160-confirmation"],"asked":[{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application/ds-160-faqs.html","q":"I submitted my online DS-160 application, but lost my confirmation page. Can I print a new one?"}]},{"id":"cost","step":"pay","shown":true,"q":"How much does the H-2A visa cost in Kosovo?","text":"$205 to the U.S. Department of State, and €10 to DHL to bring your passport home. Your employer pays USCIS $1,090 for the I-129, or $1,040 online, plus an Asylum Program Fee of $600.","sources":[{"name":"Fees for Visa Services","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html","read":"2026-10-11"},{"name":"Passport/Visa collection locations and timings, Kosovo","href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/collection-locations","read":"2026-10-12"},{"name":"G-1055, Fee Schedule","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf","read":"2026-10-28"}],"quote":"Petition based visa categories: $205.00\nH Temporary Workers/Employment or Trainees\nL Intracompany Transferees\nO Persons with Extraordinary Ability\nIf your visa is approved, your passport(s) will be mailed back to your local address via DHL.\nto provide your contact information at a cost of €10 cash or credit card, paid directly with DHL\nIf you are filing an H-2A petition with named workers. (limited to 25 beneficiaries per petition) If you are filing as a Small Employer or Nonprofit. | Paper Filing: $1,090 plus additional fees Online Filing: $1,040 plus additional fees\nIf you are filing an H-2A petition with named workers. (limited to 25 beneficiaries per petition) If you are filing as a Small Employer or Nonprofit. | Paper Filing: $1,090 plus additional fees Online Filing: $1,040 plus additional fees\nI-129 - H-2A petitions *Including standalone Form I-129H2A, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker: H-2A Classification | Additional Fees: 1. Asylum Program Fee a. If you are filing as a Regular Petitioner b. If you are filing as a Nonprofit c. If you are filing as a Small Employer | a. $600"},{"id":"pay-where","step":"pay","shown":true,"q":"How do I pay the visa fee in Kosovo?","text":"Online or at VFS. Online with a debit or credit card, or in cash at the VFS Visa Application Center in Pristina, Lidhja e Prizrenit St., No. 20, Tophane.","sources":[{"name":"Bank and payment options, Kosovo","href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/payment-options","read":"2026-10-22"},{"name":"Payment locations, Kosovo","href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/payment-locations","read":"2026-10-12"}],"quote":"Online Payment with a Credit/Debit Card in local currency\nCash at VFS VAC in local currency\nAny nonimmigrant visa applicant can pay the visa application fee in cash at the VFS Visa Application Center, located on Lidhja e Prizrenit st., No 20, Tophane, 10000, Prishtine, Republic of Kosovo.\nIf you do not pay the exact amount indicated on the deposit slip in local currency, you will not be able to schedule your appointment.","related":["refund","fee-valid"],"asked":[{"by":"https://xk.usembassy.gov/frequently-asked-questions-nonimmigrant-visa/","q":"How do I pay the MRV fee?"}]},{"id":"h-fee","step":"pay","shown":true,"q":"How much is the U.S. work visa fee (H, L, O)?","text":"$205 per applicant. It is the fee for petition-based visas. The employer’s Form I-129 petition has its own USCIS filing fee.","sources":[{"name":"Fees for Visa Services","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html","read":"2026-10-11"},{"name":"I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/i-129","read":"2026-10-23"}],"quote":"Petition based visa categories: $205.00\nH Temporary Workers/Employment or Trainees\nL Intracompany Transferees\nO Persons with Extraordinary Ability\nPetitioners use this form to file on behalf of a nonimmigrant worker to come to the United States temporarily to perform services or labor, or to receive training, as an H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L-1, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1 or R-1 nonimmigrant worker.\nYou can find the filing fee for Form I-129 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.","asked":[{"by":"us"}]},{"id":"refund","step":"pay","shown":true,"q":"Is the fee refunded if the visa is refused?","text":"No. The visa application fee is non-refundable.","sources":[{"name":"Fees for Visa Services","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"Notice: Every visa applicant must pay the visa application processing fee for the visa category being applied for, unless the application fee is not required, as listed below.\nNonimmigrant visa application processing fee (non-refundable) for all categories below","related":["fee-valid"],"asked":[{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-denials.html","q":"I was found ineligible for a visa. Can I get my money back?"}]},{"id":"fee-valid","step":"pay","shown":false,"q":"How long is the paid fee valid?","text":"One year. You can use it to book an appointment within one year of paying. It cannot be transferred to someone else.","sources":[{"name":"Bank and payment options, Kosovo","href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/payment-options","read":"2026-10-22"}],"quote":"Consular fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, this fee may be used for scheduling an appointment within one year from the date of payment","asked":[{"by":"us"}]},{"id":"wait","step":"book","shown":true,"q":"How long is the wait for the interview for a U.S. visa for farm workers (H-2A) in Pristina?","text":"In 15 days. The published wait for petition-based (H, L, O, P, Q) interviews in Pristina, when last updated on October 21, 2026.","sources":[{"name":"Global Visa Wait Times","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/global-visa-wait-times.html","read":"2026-11-03"}],"quote":"Last updated: 21-OCT-2026\n| Pristina | NA | < 0.5 Month | < 0.5 Month | < 0.5 Month | < 0.5 Month |\nLast updated: 21-OCT-2026"},{"id":"elsewhere","step":"book","shown":true,"q":"Can I apply in Skopje or Tirana instead?","text":"Generally no. Apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country of your nationality or where you live, and be able to show you live there if that is why you apply there. Elsewhere it may be more difficult to qualify, and the fee is not refunded or transferred.","sources":[{"name":"Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in their Country of Residence","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.\nApplicants must be able to demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying, if the place of application is based on their residency.\nApplicants who schedule nonimmigrant interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence or designated processing post might find that it will be more difficult to qualify for the visa.\nFees paid for such applications will not be refunded and cannot be transferred.","related":["refund"],"asked":[{"by":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/al/en/general-information","q":"If I am a third-country national living in Albania, can I apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the Embassy or Consulate?"}]},{"id":"expedite","step":"book","shown":false,"q":"Can I get an earlier appointment for urgent travel?","text":"Yes, you can request one. For an unforeseen travel need, once you have paid the fee for a regular appointment. It depends on availability at the Embassy.","sources":[{"name":"Apply for an expedited appointment, Kosovo","href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/expedited-appointment","read":"2026-10-22"}],"quote":"If you have an unforeseen travel need as per one of the criteria listed below, you may qualify for an expedited appointment depending on availability at the Embassy or Consulate.\nAny applicant requesting an expedited appointment is required to first pay the visa fees for a regular visa appointment.","asked":[{"by":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/al/en/general-information","q":"Can I request an earlier interview appointment? Or if I did not come for my scheduled interview, can I request a new interview appointment?"}]},{"id":"no-faster","step":"book","shown":false,"q":"Can a company get me an earlier appointment?","text":"No. Everyone books through the Embassy’s appointment system, and no one is given priority. Claims of faster access are fraudulent.","sources":[{"name":"U.S. Embassy in Kosovo: Nonimmigrant Visa FAQ","href":"https://xk.usembassy.gov/frequently-asked-questions-nonimmigrant-visa/","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"No. All companies and individuals must use the embassy’s appointment to schedule an appointment. No individual or company is given higher preferences. Any claims made by third parties stating that they can guarantee faster access to U.S. Department of State visa services are fraudulent.","related":["guarantee"],"asked":[{"by":"https://xk.usembassy.gov/frequently-asked-questions-nonimmigrant-visa/","q":"Is it true that another company, website or individual can get a U.S. visa appointment faster than through the Embassy’s appointment system?"}]},{"id":"ds160-confirmation","step":"documents","shown":false,"q":"Do I bring the whole DS-160 to the interview?","text":"No. Only the confirmation page, with your application ID on it, so the Embassy can retrieve your DS-160.","sources":[{"name":"DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application/ds-160-faqs.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"For your interview, you are required to bring your confirmation page with your application ID number on it so we can retrieve your DS-160.","asked":[{"by":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/al/en/general-information","q":"Do I bring my entire application with me to the interview, or do I just bring the confirmation page?"}]},{"id":"photo-rules","step":"documents","shown":false,"q":"What are the photo requirements for a U.S. visa?","text":"2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), in color, in front of a plain white or off-white background, taken within the last 6 months, showing how you look now, and without eyeglasses. Glasses are allowed only in rare medical cases, with a statement signed by a medical professional.","sources":[{"name":"Photo Requirements","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html","read":"2026-10-11"},{"name":"Photo Frequently Asked Questions","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/frequently-asked-questions.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size\nYes, the photos must be in color. Black and white photos will not be accepted.\nTaken in front of a plain white or off-white background\nYour photos must have been taken within 6 months of submitting your application and reflect your current appearance.\nEffective November 1, 2016, eyeglasses are no longer allowed in new visa photos, except in rare circumstances when eyeglasses cannot be removed for medical reasons\nA medical statement signed by a medical professional/health practitioner must be provided in these cases.","asked":[{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/frequently-asked-questions.html","q":"Do my photos have to be in color?"},{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/frequently-asked-questions.html","q":"How recent must my photos be?"},{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/frequently-asked-questions.html","q":"Can eyeglasses be worn for the photo?"}]},{"id":"status","step":"interview","shown":true,"q":"How do I check the status of my U.S. visa application?","text":"On the State Department’s Visa Status Check, at ceac.state.gov. Choose your visa type, then enter your passport number and the first five letters of your surname.","sources":[{"name":"Visa Status Check","href":"https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx","read":"2026-10-15"}],"quote":"Welcome! On this website, you can check your U.S. visa application status.\nIMMIGRANT VISA (IV)NONIMMIGRANT VISA (NIV)\nPassport Number\nFirst 5 Letters of Surname","asked":[{"by":"search-console","q":"ceac visa status check","clicks":3,"impressions":1228,"to":"2026-10-23"},{"by":"search-console","q":"check us visa status","clicks":2,"impressions":1732,"to":"2026-10-23"},{"by":"search-console","q":"check u.s. visa status with passport number","clicks":4,"impressions":388,"to":"2026-10-23"}]},{"id":"guarantee","step":"interview","shown":true,"q":"Can anyone guarantee a U.S. visa?","text":"No. Any claim that someone can guarantee a visa is fraudulent. A consular officer decides at the interview whether you qualify.","sources":[{"name":"U.S. Embassy in Kosovo: Nonimmigrant Visa FAQ","href":"https://xk.usembassy.gov/frequently-asked-questions-nonimmigrant-visa/","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"Is it true that another company, website or individual can guarantee the issuance of a U.S. visa?\nNo. Any and all such claims are fraudulent.\nA U.S. Consular Officer will review your application at the time of the interview and decide whether you are qualified for a visa.","related":["no-faster"],"asked":[{"by":"https://xk.usembassy.gov/frequently-asked-questions-nonimmigrant-visa/","q":"Is it true that another company, website or individual can guarantee the issuance of a U.S. visa?"}]},{"id":"refused","step":"interview","shown":true,"q":"My visa was refused. When can I apply again?","text":"You may reapply. After a refusal under section 214(b), you submit a new application, pay the fee again, and must be able to show significant changes in your circumstances since your last application.","sources":[{"name":"Visa Denials","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-denials.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"After being found ineligible for a visa, you may reapply in the future. If you reapply for a visa after being found ineligible, with the exception of 221(g) refusals, you must submit a new visa application and pay the visa application fee again. If you were found ineligible under section 214(b) of the INA, you should be able to present evidence of significant changes in circumstances since your last application.","related":["refund"],"asked":[{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html","q":"I was refused a visa, under Section 214(b). May I reapply?"}]},{"id":"processing","step":"interview","shown":false,"q":"How long does administrative processing take?","text":"Most cases within 60 days of the interview. You are told at the interview if your application needs it.","sources":[{"name":"U.S. Embassy in Kosovo: Nonimmigrant Visa FAQ","href":"https://xk.usembassy.gov/frequently-asked-questions-nonimmigrant-visa/","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"Applicants are advised of this further requirement at the time of the interview and/or the submission of application documents.\nMost administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview.","asked":[{"by":"https://xk.usembassy.gov/frequently-asked-questions-nonimmigrant-visa/","q":"What is “administrative processing”?"}]},{"id":"refused-221g","step":"interview","shown":false,"q":"My visa was refused under 221(g). What does it mean?","text":"That the officer did not yet have everything needed to decide. You are told which documents are missing and how to send them; send them within 1 year of the refusal, or you must apply again and pay the fee again. Sometimes it means administrative processing instead, and the embassy contacts you when it is done.","sources":[{"name":"Visa Denials","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-denials.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"A visa denial under section 221(g) of the INA means that the consular officer did not have all of the information required to conclude you are eligible to receive a visa.\nIf further documents are required to complete your case, you will be informed what is needed and how to provide it to the embassy or consulate.\nThe consular officer could not conclude you were elegible for the visa sought and additional administrative processing of your application is required. You will be given a letter stating this; the embassy or consulate will contact you when the administrative processing is complete.\nYou have one year from the date you were refused a visa to submit the additional information. Otherwise, if you do not provide the required additional information within one year, you must reapply for the visa and pay another application fee.","asked":[{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-denials.html","q":"What does a visa denial under INA section 221(g) mean?"}]},{"id":"courier","step":"dhl","shown":false,"q":"How do I get my passport back in Kosovo, and what does it cost?","text":"By DHL, to your address, for €10. If your visa is approved, the passport is mailed to your local address. After the interview you go to the DHL office near the Embassy, give your contact details and pay €10 there, in cash or by card.","sources":[{"name":"Passport/Visa collection locations and timings, Kosovo","href":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/collection-locations","read":"2026-10-12"}],"quote":"If your visa is approved, your passport(s) will be mailed back to your local address via DHL.\nOnce you complete your consular service with the Embassy, you will be directed to the nearest DHL office ( 350 m from the Embassy\nto provide your contact information at a cost of €10 cash or credit card, paid directly with DHL\nIf your visa is approved, your passport(s) will be mailed back to your local address via DHL.\nto provide your contact information at a cost of €10 cash or credit card, paid directly with DHL","related":["cost"],"asked":[{"by":"us"}]},{"id":"h-stay","step":"passport","shown":false,"q":"How long can I stay on an H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, L-1A or O-1 visa?","text":"H-1B: up to 3 years, extendable to 6 in total. H-2A and H-2B: the period on the labor certification, at most 3 years. L-1A: up to 3 years, or 1 year for a new office, up to 7 in total. O-1: up to 3 years, then extensions of up to a year each.","sources":[{"name":"H-1B Specialty Occupations","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations","read":"2026-10-23"},{"name":"H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers","read":"2026-10-23"},{"name":"H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2b-temporary-non-agricultural-workers","read":"2026-10-23"},{"name":"L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1a-intracompany-transferee-executive-or-manager","read":"2026-10-23"},{"name":"O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement","read":"2026-10-23"}],"quote":"As an H-1B specialty occupation worker, you may generally be admitted for a period of up to 3 years.\nThis initial period of admission may generally be extended for an additional period of up to 3 years, for a total period of admission of 6 years.\nThe maximum period of stay in H-2A classification is 3 years.\nGenerally, USCIS may grant H-2B classification for up to the period of time authorized on the temporary labor certification. H-2B classification may be extended for qualifying employment in increments of up to 1 year each. A new, valid temporary labor certification covering the requested time must accompany each extension request. The maximum period of stay in H-2B classification is 3 years.\nAll other qualified employees will be allowed a maximum initial stay of three years.\nQualified employees entering the United States to establish a new office will be allowed a maximum initial stay of one year.\nFor all L-1A employees, requests for extension of stay may be granted in increments of up to an additional two years, until the employee has reached the maximum limit of seven years.\nUp to three years\nWe will determine the time you need to accomplish the initial event or activity in increments, up to one year.","related":["stay"],"asked":[{"by":"us"}]},{"id":"stay","step":"passport","shown":true,"q":"How long can I stay in the United States?","text":"The border officer decides when you enter. The admitted-until date on your I-94 or admission stamp shows how long you may stay. Not the visa’s expiration date.","sources":[{"name":"What the Visa Expiration Date Means","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-expiration-date.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"Upon arriving at a port of entry, the CBP official will determine the length of your visit.\nOn the admission stamp or paper Form I-94, the U.S. immigration inspector records either an admitted-until date or \"D/S\" (duration of status). If your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 contains a specific date, then that is the date by which you must leave the United States.\nYou cannot use the visa expiration date in determining or referring to your permitted length of stay in the United States.\nEntry and the length of authorized stay within the United States are determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the port-of-entry each time you travel.","asked":[{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions.html","q":"How can I find out how long I am authorized to stay in the United States?"},{"by":"https://www.ustraveldocs.com/al/en/general-information","q":"How long can I stay in the United States on a tourist or business visa?"}]},{"id":"expired-passport","step":"passport","shown":false,"q":"My passport expired, but the U.S. visa in it is still valid. Do I need a new visa?","text":"No. Travel with both passports, as long as the visa is valid, undamaged, and the right type for your trip. Both passports should be from the same country. Do not move the visa into the new passport: it would no longer be valid.","sources":[{"name":"About Visas - The Basics","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"No. If your visa is still valid you can travel to the United States with your two passports, as long as the visa is valid, not damaged, and is the appropriate type of visa required for your principal purpose of travel.\nBoth passports (the valid and the expired one with the visa) should be from the same country.\nDo not try to remove the visa from your old passport and stick it into the new valid passport. If you do so, your visa will no longer be valid.","asked":[{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","q":"My old passport has already expired. My visa to travel to the United States is still valid but in my expired passport. Do I need to apply for a new visa with my new passport?"}]},{"id":"visa-expires-inside","step":"passport","shown":false,"q":"My visa expires while I am in the United States. Is that a problem?","text":"No. You may stay until the date on your I-94 or admission stamp, even if the visa expires before then.","sources":[{"name":"About Visas - The Basics","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"You will be able to remain in the United States during your authorized period of stay, even if your visa expires during the time you are in the United States.","related":["stay"],"asked":[{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","q":"My visa will expire while I am in the United States. Is there a problem with that?"}]},{"id":"name-change","step":"passport","shown":false,"q":"I changed my name. Is my U.S. visa in my old name still valid?","text":"First you need a new passport. When your name legally changes through marriage, divorce, or a court order, you get a new passport, and the State Department then recommends applying for a new visa, to make travel easier.","sources":[{"name":"About Visas - The Basics","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"If your name has legally changed through marriage, divorce, or a court ordered name change, you will need to obtain a new passport. Once you have a new passport, the Department of State recommends that you apply for a new U.S. visa to make it easier for you to travel to and from the United States.","asked":[{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","q":"I changed my name. Is my U.S. visa with my old name still valid?"}]},{"id":"lost-passport","step":"passport","shown":false,"q":"My passport with my U.S. visa was lost or stolen. What do I do?","text":"Report it to the police, then email the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued the visa. Your own country’s embassy replaces the passport. A U.S. visa cannot be replaced inside the United States: you apply in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, with a written account of the loss and the police report. If you are in the United States, you may stay until the date on your I-94.","sources":[{"name":"Lost and Stolen Passports, Visas, and Arrival/Departure Records (Form I-94)","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/lost-stolen-visas.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"Go to the local police station and report your document(s) lost or stolen.\nContact the local embassy or consular section for the country of your citizenship for information about the procedure to replace a lost or stolen passport.\nTo report your visa lost or stolen, email the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside the United States which issued your visa.\nLost or stolen U.S. visas cannot be replaced in the United States. For replacement of a visa, you must apply in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. When applying for the replacement of a visa, you will need to provide a written account documenting the loss of your passport and visa. Include a copy of the police report.\nIf you are a foreign citizen temporarily in the United States, and you lose your U.S. visa, you can remain for the duration of your authorized stay, as shown on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.","asked":[{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","q":"My passport with my visa was stolen, what should I do?"}]},{"id":"visa-error","step":"passport","shown":false,"q":"There is a mistake on my U.S. visa. What do I do?","text":"Contact the nonimmigrant visa section of the embassy or consulate that issued it. Check the visa as soon as you receive it: everything on it should match your passport.","sources":[{"name":"About Visas - The Basics","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"In addition, as soon as you receive it, check to make sure information printed on the visa is correct (see below). If any of the information on your visa does not match the information in your passport or is incorrect, please contact the nonimmigrant visa section at the embassy or consulate that issued your visa.","asked":[{"by":"us"}]},{"id":"no-entry-guarantee","step":"passport","shown":false,"q":"Does a U.S. visa guarantee entry into the United States?","text":"No. A visa lets you travel to a U.S. port of entry and ask to be admitted. A CBP officer there decides whether you enter.","sources":[{"name":"About Visas - The Basics","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","read":"2026-10-11"},{"name":"What the Visa Expiration Date Means","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-expiration-date.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of-entry, and the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration inspector authorizes or denies admission to the United States.\nEntry and the length of authorized stay within the United States are determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the port-of-entry each time you travel.","asked":[{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","q":"After I have my visa, I will be able to enter the U.S., correct?"}]},{"id":"extend-stay","step":"passport","shown":false,"q":"Can I extend my stay in the United States?","text":"Yes, by applying to USCIS on Form I-539 or I-129, depending on your visa, at least 45 days before the date on your I-94. USCIS extends the stay, not the visa; a visa is applied for at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Some cannot extend, such as those admitted in transit (C), as crew (D), or as a fiancé(e) (K).","sources":[{"name":"What the Visa Expiration Date Means","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-expiration-date.html","read":"2026-10-11"},{"name":"Extend Your Stay","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/visit-the-united-states/extend-your-stay","read":"2026-10-15"},{"name":"About Visas - The Basics","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"If you came to the United States on a nonimmigrant visa and you want to extend your stay you must apply with USCIS before your authorized stay, denoted on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, expires.\nA request for an extension of stay (EOS) is generally filed on a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker ( Form I-129) or Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status ( Form I-539), depending upon the nonimmigrant classification the petitioner or applicant seeks to extend.\nWe recommend that you apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires.\nYou may not apply to extend your stay if you were admitted to the United States in the following categories:\nCrew member (D nonimmigrant visa);\nIn transit through the United States (C nonimmigrant visa);\nFiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen or dependent of a fiancé(e) (K nonimmigrant visa); or\nContact the Department of State, U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad with questions about U.S. visas, including application, the status of visa processing, and for inquiries relating to visa denial. Once in the United States, the traveler falls under the authority (jurisdiction) of Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for the approval of all petitions, the authorization of permission to work in the United States, the issuance of extensions of stay, and change or adjustment of an applicant's status while the applicant is in the United States.","related":["stay","change-status"],"asked":[{"by":"us"}]},{"id":"change-status","step":"passport","shown":false,"q":"I am in the United States as a visitor. Can I change to student status there?","text":"Yes, you can apply to USCIS before your authorized stay expires. Do not start school until USCIS approves the change. Some cannot change, such as those admitted in transit (C), as crew (D), or as a fiancé(e) (K).","sources":[{"name":"Change My Nonimmigrant Status","href":"https://www.uscis.gov/visit-the-united-states/change-my-nonimmigrant-status","read":"2026-10-15"}],"quote":"If you want to change the purpose of your visit while in the United States, you (or in some cases your employer) must file a request with USCIS on the appropriate form before your authorized stay expires. For instance, if you arrived here as a tourist but want to become a student, you must submit an application to change your status.\nUntil you receive approval from USCIS, do not assume the status has been approved, and do not change your activity in the United States. For example, if you are currently a nonimmigrant tourist, do not begin attending school as a student until you have received authorization from USCIS to change your status.\nYou may not apply to change your nonimmigrant status if you were admitted to the United States in the following categories (unless you are applying for T nonimmigrant status or petitioning for U nonimmigrant status):\nCrew member (D nonimmigrant visa)\nIn transit through the United States (C nonimmigrant visa)\nFiancé of a U.S. citizen or dependent of a fiancé (K nonimmigrant visa)","related":["extend-stay"],"asked":[{"by":"us"}]},{"id":"i94-paper","step":"passport","shown":false,"q":"I did not turn in my paper I-94 when I left. What do I do?","text":"Visitors no longer fill in a paper I-94: CBP takes arrivals and departures from electronic travel records, and records a departure by air or sea from the carrier’s passenger list. If you were given a paper I-94, it should be handed to the airline, the Canadian border agency (CBSA), or CBP when you leave; if you did not, see CBP’s website.","sources":[{"name":"Arrival/Departure Forms: I-94","href":"https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/i-94","read":"2026-10-15"},{"name":"About Visas - The Basics","href":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"Foreign visitors to the U.S. no longer need to complete paper Customs and Border Protection Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.\nCBP now gathers travelers’ arrival/departure information automatically from their electronic travel records.\nUpon exiting the U.S., travelers issued a paper Form I-94 should surrender it to the commercial carrier, Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), or to CBP upon departure.\nOtherwise, when leaving via air or sea, CBP will record the departure electronically via manifest information provided by the carrier or by CBP.\nIf you failed to turn in your paper Form I-94 Departure Record, see Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection website for more information.","asked":[{"by":"https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html","q":"I did not turn in my paper Form I-94 when I left the United States, what should I do?"}]},{"id":"what","shown":false,"q":"What does The A Company do?","text":"It prepares your U.S. visa application with you: the DS-160, paying the visa fee, booking the appointment and preparing the documents for the interview.","sources":[{"name":"The A Company: the h-2a service","href":"https://theacompany.ai/","read":"2026-11-02"}],"quote":"service.includes: [\"labor\",\"petition\",\"ds160\",\"pay\",\"book\",\"documents\",\"dhl\",\"group\"]","related":["price"],"asked":[{"by":"us"}]},{"id":"price","shown":false,"q":"How much does The A Company’s service cost?","text":"€500 per applicant. The government fee and the courier are paid separately, to them.","sources":[{"name":"The A Company: the h-2a service","href":"https://theacompany.ai/","read":"2026-11-02"}],"quote":"service.price: 500","related":["pay"],"asked":[{"by":"us"}]},{"id":"pay","shown":false,"q":"How and when do I pay The A Company?","text":"In cash or with Stripe, when the service is done.","sources":[{"name":"The A Company: the h-2a service","href":"https://theacompany.ai/","read":"2026-11-02"}],"quote":"service.payments: [{\"price\":{\"value\":500,\"currency\":\"EUR\"},\"when\":\"by the U.S. employer, for each worker\",\"refunded\":false}]","asked":[{"by":"us"}]},{"id":"our-guarantee","shown":false,"q":"Can The A Company guarantee my visa?","text":"No. Nobody can: a consular officer interviews you and decides whether you qualify.","sources":[{"name":"U.S. Embassy in Kosovo: Nonimmigrant Visa FAQ","href":"https://xk.usembassy.gov/frequently-asked-questions-nonimmigrant-visa/","read":"2026-10-11"}],"quote":"A U.S. Consular Officer will review your application at the time of the interview and decide whether you are qualified for a visa.","asked":[{"by":"us"}]}]}