Foreign nationals who plan to enter the United States temporarily for medical treatment, tourism, or leisure need a nonimmigrant B2 visa. Tourist visas are generally granted for six months although a further six month extension may be granted. While the process for obtaining a B2 visa follows the same general route, the requirements and issuance times may differ for each country. Follow these steps to obtain a B2 visa.
Step
Part 1 of 2: B2 Visa Application Basics
Step 1. Know who needs the American tourist B2 visa form
All citizens of foreign countries who wish to visit the United States must obtain a visa. A B2 visa is a tourist visa. Standard activities covered by a B2 visa include:
- Tourism, vacations (or vacations), visiting with friends or family, enrolling in short courses that do not count as degree credits (must be for recreational use only), medical treatment, participating in social events organized by service, fraternal, or social organizations, and participate in sporting or musical events (as long as they are not paid to participate).
- If you are traveling to the United States for 90 days or less and are from a participating country, you may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. Visit travel.state.gov to see if you qualify or if your country is a participating country.
Step 2. Contact the United States embassy or consulate to apply for a visa
While you can contact any United States consulate, it may be easier to obtain a visa from an office that has jurisdiction over your permanent residence. Applying for a visa well before departure is also important because the waiting time for the application process to be completed varies from country to country.
Be aware that some embassies and consulates require you to go through the visa process in a different order than those listed here. Follow the instructions from the embassy in your country if they differ from the instructions on this page
Step 3. Schedule an interview with the embassy consular
It is required for applicants from the age of 14 to 79 years. People of other ages usually do not have to undergo these interviews, unless requested.
Be aware that you are allowed to apply for a visa at any United States embassy or consulate, but you may find it more difficult to obtain a visa at an embassy that is not in your country of residence
Step 4. Fill out the online application
This is the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa (DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa) application. This application is completed online and sent to the Department of State website for review. The application determines your eligibility to enter the United States on a B2 visa. You can access the form at travel.state.gov.
Step 5. Choose the right photo
You must upload the photo to the visitor visa application. This photo must follow specific guidelines. Among others:
- Photos must be in color (black and white photos are not accepted).
- Your head in the photo must be 1 inch (2.5 cm) and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image height, from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin.
- Photos are not older than six months. You must take this photo within six months of submitting your visa application. This is because the photo should reflect your current appearance.
- Only a plain white wall can be used as a background.
- Your face should be facing the camera.
- You should have a neutral expression, with your eyes open, in what you wear every day (but don't wear the uniform).
Part 2 of 2: Interview Process
Step 1. Be aware that there is a fee for visa applications
You may be required to pay a non-refundable fee prior to the interview. As of October 2013, the fee is $160. You may also be required to pay a visa issuance fee if it applies to your nationality. Find out if these fees apply at:
Step 2. Gather everything you need for the interview
These requirements are listed below.
- Passport: Must be a valid passport that allows you to travel within the United States. Passports must have an expiration date of at least six months after your overseas trip ends.
- DS-160 application confirmation page: The original application will be sent virtually to the previous office, but you must bring a printout of the confirmation page you received after completing the application.
- Application fee receipt: You should only bring this if asked to pay the fee before the interview.
- Your photos: only taken if the attempt to upload photos to the DS-160 form failed.
- The embassy or consulate may ask you to bring other documents to the interview. Check their website to see if you should bring it. These other documents may include proof that you can finance the trip, or proof of the purpose of your trip.
Step 3. Prepare for an interview with a consular officer
You have to break the notion that you intend to become an immigrant. Prove that you intend to enter the United States for medical treatment, tourism or pleasure.
Step 4. Prepare your evidence
You must demonstrate that you will only be staying for a specified period of time and that you, or someone acting on your behalf, has the means to cover your expenses while in the United States. You must demonstrate that you have strong ties abroad, including a residency that will ensure your return to your country of permanent residence. If you are seeking medical treatment, you may need to provide a diagnosis from your doctor that describes the treatment you are seeking in the United States and from the hospital or doctor providing the treatment. The statement also provides the cost and duration of treatment, you may also need to specify how the treatment will be paid.
Step 5. Know that your fingerprint will be taken
A digital fingerprint scan will be carried out at the time of the interview.
Step 6. Be aware that your application may require further processing
Some applications require a longer process than others. The officer who spoke to you at the embassy or consulate will tell you whether your application should be processed more thoroughly or not.
If your visa is issued, there may be a reciprocal visa issuance fee added to your fee
Step 7. Know that there is no guarantee that you will be granted a visa
Since there is no upfront guarantee that your visa will be approved, you should hold off on purchasing a travel ticket or purchase a refundable ticket.
Warning
- Intentional misrepresentation of material facts may result in permanent refusal to enter the United States.
- Staying in the United States beyond the time allowed is a violation of United States immigration law.
- A B2 visa allows you to go to the United States of America (airports, ports, etc.). At that point you will seek permission from the United States immigration inspector to enter the United States. Visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed in. If permitted, you will receive a form I-94 documenting your visit.
