B-2 Pleasure or Medical Visitor Visa

What is a B-2 visa?

B-2 visas are issued to travelers who wish to temporarily enter the United States for pleasure or recreational purposes, or those who wish to visit in order to receive medical treatment. If the purpose of your planned travel is recreational in nature, including tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment, and activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature, then a visitor visa (B-2) would be the appropriate type of visa for your travel.

Who is applicable?

In order to apply for a B-2 visa, you must fulfill several requirements:

• The purpose of your visit must be to tour the United States;
• You must have a maintained permanent residence in your home country;
• You must have compelling ties to your home country such as property, family, or a permanent job;
• You cannot be coming to the United States in order to engage in business activities or to provide services that are primarily to the benefit of a U.S. employer; and
• You must have sufficient funds to finance the entirety of your trip, or proof that your employer will provide support.

How do you apply?

The application for a B-2 visa includes:

• 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, valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S. and containing at least one blank page;
• Two identical, color photographs showing your full face against a light background (no head coverings, excepting headdresses required by a religious order of which you are a member);
• Letters of invitations from family or friends;
• A copy of your tour itinerary;
• Documentation of your ability and intention, or that of your friends or relatives, to cover all expenses during your stay in the U.S.; and
• Documentations of your personal status, such as marriage certificates, letters confirming employment, bank statements, pay stubs, etc.

How long is it valid?

Single-entry B-2 visas are usually valid for ninety days; multiple-entry B-2 visas are valid anywhere from one to ten years.

When visiting the United States using B-2 visa, you are admitted for a period of time that is fair and reasonable for accomplishing the purpose of your visit.

The validity period of a visa does not determine how long you can stay in the United States. The validity period of the visa determines when you can travel to the U.S. and ask permission to enter. The I-94 form issued by the officer at the time of arrival determines the length of your stay.

How much does it cost?

The normal cost for filing a visa application is $131⁰⁰. However, the United States follows a strict “reciprocity” system, meaning that if your native country charges additional fees to U.S. citizens applying for visas, the United States will, in turn, charge you that same amount.

How long will it take?

Generally, an application for a B-2 visa can be processed in under thirty days. However, the earlier you file your application, the more likely it is to be processed before your intended entry into the United States.