US Visitor Visas
Find out what visa you will need to visit the US for tourism.
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If you are planning to visit the United States for a temporary stay, such as for tourism or medical treatment, you may be eligible to apply for a B-2 visa. This type of nonimmigrant visa allows individuals to enter the United States for a limited period of time.
US Visitor Visa Overview
The Visa Waiver Program allows nationals from certain countries to travel to the US without a visa for business, tourism, or while in transit for up to 90 days. The program currently covers 38 countries and territories, including most countries in the European Union.
Therefore, before applying for this nonimmigrant visa, you should check the instructions of the specific embassy or consulate at which you will apply for the visa.
Canadian nationals also typically do not need a visa to enter the US for tourism purposes. Canadian residents will require the appropriate access if they have specific plans to study, work, or move permanently to the US
Different entry requirements also apply to Canadian nationals, depending on whether they plan to work, study, invest, or immigrate. The maximum length of stay can vary, depending on circumstances, between 6 months and one year. The maximum amount of time issued for B visas is 180 days. These visas allow for multiple entries into the US.
US Visitor Visa Benefits
There are several benefits to obtaining a B-2 visa if you are planning to visit the United States for tourism or medical treatment:
- Flexibility: With a B-2 visa, you can travel to the United States for a wide range of purposes, including vacation, visiting friends and family, or seeking medical treatment.
- Length of stay: B-2 visas generally allow for a stay of up to six months, although extensions may be granted in certain circumstances.
- Family members: If you have a B-2 visa, you may also be able to bring your spouse and minor children with you on the same visa.
- Multiple entries: B-2 visas may allow for multiple entries into the United States, depending on the circumstances of your trip.
- Cultural exchange: A B-2 visa can also be a good option if you are interested in experiencing American culture and engaging in activities such as sightseeing or attending cultural events.
It is important to note that the main purpose of a B-2 visa is for temporary travel and you are not allowed to work or study in the United States on this type of visa. If you wish to work or study in the United States, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
US Visitor Visa General Requirements
To apply for a B-2 visa, you must meet the following general requirements:
- You must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States.
- You must have a valid reason for your trip, such as:
- tourism
- vacation
- medical treatment
- visiting relatives or friends
- participation in social events
- participation in recreational sports, musical events, or contests as long as such involvement is unpaid
- enrollment in short and nonacademic studie
- You must have sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of your trip, including transportation, accommodations, and any other expenses.
- You must have a residence outside the United States that you have no intention of abandoning.
- You must be able to demonstrate that you have a compelling reason to return to your home country after your trip.
- You must not be otherwise inadmissible to the US
In addition to these general requirements, you will also need to complete an online visa application, pay a fee, and schedule an interview at a US embassy or consulate in your home country. During the interview, you will be asked to provide supporting documents, such as proof of financial stability, a statement of purpose for your trip, and any other documentation required by the U.S. embassy or consulate. It is important to be prepared to provide accurate and complete information during the application process to ensure the best chance of obtaining a B-2 visa.
US Visitor Visa Application Process
The general application process to obtain a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa differs among US consulates and embassies abroad. Therefore, before applying for this nonimmigrant visa, you should check the instructions of the specific embassy or consulate at which you will apply for the visa.
The process for applying for a B-2 visa usually includes the following steps:
- Determine your eligibility: The first step in applying for a B-2 visa is to determine whether you are eligible. To be eligible, you must have a valid passport and a valid reason for your trip, such as tourism or medical treatment. You must also have sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of your trip and have a residence outside the United States that you have no intention of abandoning.
- Complete the online visa application: The next step is to complete the online visa application, known as the DS-160 form. This form asks for basic personal and contact information and information about your trip, including the purpose of your visit, your intended length of stay, and your travel itinerary.
- Pay the visa application fee: After completing the online visa application, you will need to pay a fee to cover the cost of processing your application. The fee amount varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for.
- Schedule an interview: After completing the online visa application and paying the fee, you must schedule an interview at a US embassy or consulate in your home country. You will receive instructions on scheduling the interview, including the location and date of the interview, as well as any additional documents you need to bring with you.
- Attend the interview: The final step in the B-2 visa application process is to attend the interview at the US embassy or consulate. During the interview, you will be asked to provide supporting documents, such as proof of financial stability, a statement of purpose for your trip, and any other documentation required by the embassy or consulate. You may also be asked to answer questions about your trip and your plans while in the United States. After the interview, the consular officer will review your application and decide on the outcome of your visa.
- Medical Treatment: If you are applying for a B-2 visa for medical treatment, you will also need to bring additional supporting documents to the interview, such as:
- Detailed medical diagnosis from your physician with an explanation as to why your travel to the US is necessary
- Letter from a US physician stating appointment dates and period and cost of the treatment
- Evidence that you or someone else will pay your medical, living, and travel expenses
It is important to allow ample time for the B-2 visa application process, as it can take several weeks or even months to complete. You should also be prepared to provide accurate and complete information during the application process to ensure the best chance of obtaining a B-2 visa.
If you have any questions about the B-2 Visitor Visa process or are ready to start your application, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can provide you with the guidance and support you need to complete the process successfully.
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Questions? Answers.
Can I extend my US Visitor Visa (B-2 visa)?
It may be possible to extend your B-2 visa if you need to stay in the United States for longer than the initial period of stay granted on your visa. To request an extension, you will need to file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your visa expires.
Can I change my US Visitor Visa (B-2 visa) to a different type of visa while in the United States?
It may be possible to change your B-2 visa to a different type of nonimmigrant visa while you are in the United States. To do so, you will need to file a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS. You will also need to provide evidence of your eligibility for the new visa and pay any applicable fees.
Can I bring my family with me on a US Visitor Visa (B-2 visa)?
Yes, if you have a B-2 visa, you may be able to bring your spouse and minor children with you to the United States as dependents. Your family members will need to apply for their own visas and will be subject to the same application process and requirements as you.
Can I work on a US Visitor Visa (B-2 visa)?
No, the B-2 visa is not intended for individuals seeking to work in the United States. If you wish to work in the United States, you will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a TN visa or an L-1 visa, for intracompany transfers. However, it is essential to note that working in the US without the proper authorization can result in severe consequences, including deportation.
Can I study on a US Visitor Visa (B-2 visa)?
Yes, it is possible to study in the United States on a B-2 visa, but the study must be short-term and recreational in nature. You are not allowed to enroll in a full-time degree program on a B-2 visa.
If you wish to study in the United States on a full-time basis, you will need to apply for a student visa, such as an F-1 visa for academic study or an M-1 visa for vocational study.
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