Foreign nationals who plan to temporarily enter the United States for medical treatment, tourism, or pleasure will need to obtain a B2 non-immigrant visa. Tourist visas are generally issued for six months although an extension of a further six months may be granted. While the process for obtaining a B-2 visa may follow the same process, the requirements and timing of issuance may vary by country. Follow these steps to get your B-2 visa.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: The Basics of Applying for a B-2 Visa
Step 1. Understand who needs a US B-2 Tourist Visa
Any citizen of any country who wants to visit the United States must obtain a visa. The B-2 visa is the tourist visa. Standard activities included in the B-2 visa include:
- Tourism, vacation (or vacation), visiting relatives or friends, enrolling in a short course of study that is not worth any graduation credit (it simply must have recreational use), medical treatment, participation in social events hosted by a service, from a fraternity or social organization, participation in musical or sporting events (as long as you do not have to pay to participate).
- If you are traveling to the US for 90 days or less and come from a US Visa Waiver country, you may be selected. Visit travel.state.gov to see if you qualify or if yours is one of the participating countries.
Step 2. Contact the US Embassy or Consulate to apply for the visa
Although you can contact any US consular office, it may be easier to obtain a visa from the office that has jurisdiction in your permanent residence. It is also important to apply well in advance of your trip, as the waiting time required to complete the process varies from country to country.
Be aware that some embassies and consulates will arrange for you to go through a visa process in a different order than listed here. Follow any instructions received from the embassy, other than those described on this page
Step 3. Schedule a time for an interview with the consular embassy
This is required for applicants aged 14 to 79. Unless required, people of other ages usually do not have to undergo it.
Know that you can apply for a visa at any embassy. But you may find it more difficult to obtain a visa in an embassy other than that of your country of residence
Step 4. Fill out the online application
This is the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa model. This form must be completed online and submitted to the State Department website for review. The question determines your ability to enter the US on a B-2 visa. You can access this form here.
Step 5. Choose the right photo
You will need to upload a photo for the tourist visa application. This photo must follow specific guidelines, which include:
- The photo must be in color (black and white photos will not be allowed).
- Your head in the image should measure between 22 and 35 mm, or between 50 and 69% of the height of the image, from the top of your head to the tip of your chin.
- The photo must not be older than 6 months. You should have taken this photo no more than 6 months prior to applying for your visa, as your photo should show your current appearance.
- You should only have a flat white wall as a background.
- Your face should face directly in the direction of the camera.
- You should have a neutral expression, with both eyes open, wearing clothes that you usually wear (however, don't wear a uniform).
Part 2 of 2: The Interview Process
Step 1. Know that there is a fee to apply for a visa
You may be required to pay a non-refundable fee before you actually go to the interview. As of October 2013, this payment is $ 160. You may be required to pay a visa reciprocity fee if this concerns your nationality. Find out if this tax applies to you at
Step 2. Gather together the things you will need at the interview
These items are listed below.
- Passport: Must be a valid passport that allows you to travel to the USA. It must have an expiration date of at least six months after the end of your trip abroad.
- The page confirming your DS-160 model: the original model will need to be submitted online to the home office, but you should bring your own confirmation copy which you will receive after completing the application.
- A receipt of your application fee - you must bring it only if payment is required before the interview.
- Your photo: Only take it if you can't upload it to your DS-160 model.
- Your embassy or consulate may request that you bring other documents for your interview. Check their website to see if you need to bring anything else. These other documents may include proof of your ability to pay for the trip, or proof of the reason for your trip.
Step 3. Prepare for the interview with the consular officer
You will have to overcome the assumption that your intent is to become an immigrant. Prove that your intent to enter the US is for medical treatment, tourism, or leisure travel.
Step 4. Prepare your evidence
You must show that you will be alone for a specific period of time and that you, or someone who represents you, have a way to cover your expenses while in the United States. You will need to prove that you have strong ties abroad, including a residency that will ensure your return to your permanent country of residence. If you are seeking medical treatment, you may need to provide a diagnosis from your doctor, explaining the treatment sought in the United States and the facility or doctor who will provide the treatment. You should also provide the cost and duration of the treatment, and you may also need to determine how payments will be made.
Step 5. Know that your fingerprints will be taken
This will happen during the interview.
Step 6. Be aware that your question may need an additional step
Some applications take longer to process than others. The official you speak to at the embassy or consulate will tell you if your request will need a longer process.
If your visa is issued, there may be a reciprocity fee added to your expenses
Step 7. Be aware that there is no guarantee that they will issue you a visa
Since no security can be given that your visa will be approved, you should refrain from purchasing travel tickets or buy them refundable.
Warnings
- Staying in the United States beyond the time allowed is a violation of American immigration laws.
- Knowingly falsifying a declaration could lead to permanent denial of entry to the United States.
- Your B-2 visa will allow you to travel to the US as a port of entry. At that time you will be asked for permission from the American immigration inspector to enter the USA. The visa does not guarantee that you will be able to enter the United States. If you are allowed in, you will receive an I-94 card documenting your stay.
