The B2 visa is available for tourist activities, such as sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, obtaining medical treatment, attending conferences and meetings.
Who is eligible
- Foreign nationals planning to:
- Tour and visit friends and relatives in the U.S.
- Undergo medical care in the U.S.
- Participate in conventions, conferences, or convocations of fraternal or social organizations in the U.S.
Dependents of:
- Foreign members of the U.S. armed forces temporarily assigned duty in the U.S.
- Crewmembers on D-1 or D-2 visa.
- Foreign nationals for whom no derivative classification is available, e.g. elderly parents of E-1 visa holder .
- Foreign nationals applying for special naturalization benefits, on the basis of U.S. military service .
Amateur entertainer or group of entertainers to perform in:
- A social and/or charitable context in the U.S. for which they will receive no payment other than incidental expenses .
- A competition or talent show in the U.S. for which they will receive no payment other than incidental expenses .
An amateur athlete or group of athletes competing in an athletic event for which they will receive no payment other than incidental expenses.
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How to Apply
You may apply for the B2 tourist visa at an American Consulate nearest to your residence.
Your B2 visa application should include:
- DOS Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application .
- DOS Form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, for all male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 .
- A copy of your passport which is valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay in the U.S. and with at least one blank page .
- Two identical color photographs showing full face without head covering against a light background. You may wear a headdress if required by a religious order of which you are a member.
- Letters of invitation from your friends or relatives in the U.S.
- A copy of your tour itinerary .
- Documentation demonstrating your ability and intention, or that of your friends or relatives in the U.S., to support your travel and other expenses .
- Documentation establishing your personal status such as marriage certificates, letters confirming your employment, bank statements, and pay slips etc.
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Documents Required for B2 Visa
To qualify for the B2 travel visa, you must prove that:
- The purpose of your trip is to tour the U.S.
- You have a permanent residence in your home country that you have no intention of abandoning .
- You have binding ties to your home country in the form of property, family, or a permanent job .
- You are not coming to the U.S. to provide services or engage in business activities that are primarily for the benefit of a U.S. employer.
- You have sufficient financial resources to fund the trip including all travel, accommodation and living expenses during your stay in the U.S. If you do not have sufficient financial resources to fund the trip, a sponsor must provide evidence that he/she will provide support.
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Duration of B2 Visa
The USCIS admits B2 visitors for pleasure for a period of time that is fair and reasonable for the completion of the purpose of the visit.
When you apply for entry to the U.S., you will be required to explain to a USCIS Immigration Inspector the nature and purpose of your visit so that the Inspector can determine the appropriate length of stay. While USCIS Inspectors will make every effort to determine a fair and reasonable period, the burden of proof rests with you. When the time needed to accomplish the purpose of the visit cannot be determined, USCIS will grant you a 30-day period of admission.
B2 Tourist Visa Extension
You may apply for B2 visa extension provided the request is due to unexpected or compelling humanitarian reasons such as medical treatment or unforeseen delay in conclusion of a business matter.
You must file the request using Form I-539 and prove that you have adequate financial resources to continue staying in the U.S. and that you are maintaining residency abroad.
Change of Status in B2 Tourist Visa
You may change from a B2 visitor visa to another nonimmigrant category provided you can prove that you had no preconceived intent to change status. If you intend to change status to F-1, M-1 or J-1, you must state your intent while applying for the B2 visa.
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Benefits of B2 Visa
You do not require an approved visa petition from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to apply for the
B2 visa .
You can apply for a B2 visa in person at a Consulate nearest to your residence .
You do not require a sponsor to apply for the B2 visa .
B2 visa is quicker and easier to obtain.
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