B2 Type Visas for Non-immigrants

The B2 Visa is for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for tourism, visits with friends or relatives and medical treatments. Learn more about the eligibility requirements and procedures for obtaining your visa at the Visa Service Desk.

Learn more about the eligibility requirements and procedures for obtaining your visa at the Visa Service Desk.

OVERVIEW OF STEPS

1. Determine your visa type

2. Submit your visa application Form DS-160

3. Create user account

4. Pay the visa fee 

5. Schedule the visa interview appointment

6. Attend the visa interview appointment or submit your application by mail, if qualified (waiver program) and submit all required documents along with original passport

7. Receive passport back (visa processing time is 5 – 10 business days)

Determine your visa type

The B2 visa is ideal for those who wish to visit the U.S. for tourism, medical treatment, or to visit family and friends temporarily. To successfully apply for a B2 visa, applicants must demonstrate their intent to stay temporarily, provide strong evidence of their ties to their home country, and show they have sufficient financial resources for their stay.

The B2 visa is required when traveling for a vacation in the USA. Think about a short trip or a trip for a maximum of 3 months. The visa is valid for 365 days. You are a visitor who wants to travel to the United States for tourism purposes. It is a multiple entry Non-Immigrant visa and is generally issued along with the B1 visa. 

Important Considerations

1. No Employment: The B2 visa does not allow you to work in the U.S. If you intend to work, you will need a different type of visa, such as an H1-B or an L-1 visa.

2. No Formal Studies: While the B2 visa allows you to take short-term courses, it does not allow enrollment in a full-time educational program.

3. Change of Status: It is difficult to change from a B2 visa to another type of visa while in the U.S., such as a work visa or student visa. If you wish to switch visa categories, you may need to leave the U.S. and apply from a consulate.

4. Dual Intent: Unlike some other visa categories, the B2 visa does not allow for dual intent, meaning you must show you do not have plans to immigrate to the U.S.

In a brief summary, you need a USA B2 visa when you: 

• Tourism: Visiting for sightseeing, vacation, or recreational activities.

• Medical Treatment: Seeking medical care, undergoing treatment, or consulting with doctors in the U.S.

• Visiting Family and Friends: Visiting relatives, friends, or acquaintances residing in the U.S.

• Participation in Social Events: Attending social events, such as weddings, funerals, or family reunions.

• Short-Term Educational Courses: Enrolling in short-term courses that do not count toward a degree, such as language programs or hobby-related classes.

Eligibility Requirements: 

To qualify for a B2 visa, applicants must demonstrate the following:

• Temporary Visit: The applicant must demonstrate that their stay in the U.S. is temporary and for the specific purpose outlined in the visa application.

• Non-Immigrant Intent: The applicant must prove they do not intend to immigrate to the U.S. and will return to their home country after their visit.

• Financial Stability: The applicant must show they have the financial means to cover their expenses while in the U.S. without resorting to unauthorized employment or public assistance.

• Ties to Home Country: The applicant must provide evidence of strong ties to their home country (e.g., a stable job, family, or property) that would compel them to return after their stay.

2. Submitting your visa application form 

The visa application form is found online and on your Visa Service Desk Portal as the DS160 form. The applicant complete this form entirely and as accurate as possible. The confirmation page of this form should then be submitted to the Consulate on the day of your appointment, along with the following documents: 

• Passport valid for travel to the United States (your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States - unless exempt by country-specific agreements).

• Receipt of application fee payment, if you are required to pay before your interview.

• Passport Photo – upload your personal photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload failed, you must bring one printed photo. (required size of photo is 5X5). Also note no glasses are allowed and applicant should have a mutual facial expression. 

• Visa Appointment Confirmation Letter - after scheduling your visa interview through the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website, print out the appointment confirmation page.

Additional Supporting Documents: mmm

This may include:

• A letter from your employer or a business sponsor, if applicable.

• Financial documents, such as bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns.

• A letter of invitation from family or friends in the U.S. (if visiting them).

• Travel itinerary, flight bookings, or hotel reservations (if available).

• Medical documents (if seeking treatment in the U.S.).

• There's a possibility that you need to bring evidence of your employment to be able to show the purpose of your trip and your intent of visiting. If your employer is covering your costs, you may have to show this as well. 

3. Create User Account 

This process will be completed on the U.S. website. You will need to select the preferred U.S. Embassy location, create an account, and register using your email address and passport details.

4. Pay the visa fee

The fee for a B2 tourism visa is € 185 per person. This general fee of the Embassies must be paid by all applicants and is in any case not transferable to other persons. The payment can be made at the desk of the embassy by card or cash, or through online payment. 

5. Schedule the visa interview appointment 

Depending on the applicant's age and location, an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate may be required. The appointment can be scheduled online.

6. Attend the visa interview appointment or submit your application by mail, if qualified for the waiver program 

If you are between the age of 14 and 79, you must attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy. At the interview, you will be asked about your background and the purpose of your visit. Be sure to provide truthful information and bring all documents mentioned above and answer all the questions from the consular officer.

Your interview will be reviewed and determent after your visa interview because this requires administrative processing. This may vary, but the consular will inform you in that case. After approving, you might need to pay an issuance fee - if applicable to your nationality.

7. Receive passport back  

Visa Approval or Denial: If the visa is approved, the applicant will be informed when and how to collect their passport and visa. If denied, the officer will provide a reason for the refusal, which may be appealed in some cases.

Period of stay

B1 or B2 visa holders are allowed to stay in the U.S. for up to 6 months at a time. The B1 and B2 visas are valid up to 10 years. Read additional guidance on inviting family and friends to visit.

Tips:

• Be Prepared to Explain: During the visa interview, be ready to explain the purpose of your trip in detail and show that you will return to your home country after your visit.

• Documentation in English: It is generally recommended that all documents be in English or accompanied by a certified translation if they are in another language.

Follow Embassy Guidelines: Always check the U.S. embassy or consulate website in your country for any additional or updated documentation requirements, as these may vary.