The B-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for tourism. A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.
You must demonstrate the purpose of your trip is for tourism or personal visit
You must show intent to depart the United States after your visit
You must prove sufficient funds to cover expenses during your stay
You must maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of abandoning
02
Regulatory Criteria
Permitted Tourism Activities
The B-2 visa allows temporary entry to the United States for tourism and personal visits. These activities must be temporary in nature.
Examples
Tourism and vacation (holiday)
Visit with friends or relatives
Medical treatment
Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)
Activities NOT Permitted on B-2 Visa
Certain activities are not permitted on a B-2 tourist visa and require different visa categories.
Examples
Study for credit toward a degree or certificate
Employment or work
Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
Permanent residence in the United States
Birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their child)
Visa Application Process
Complete Form DS-160, pay the $185 application fee, and schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Gather required documentation including evidence of the purpose of your trip.
Examples
Complete Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160
Upload photo meeting photograph requirements
Pay $185 visa application fee
Schedule visa interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Required Documentation
You must demonstrate the purpose of your trip, your intent to depart after your visit, and your ability to pay all costs of the trip.
Examples
Passport valid for at least six months beyond period of stay
DS-160 confirmation page
Evidence of the purpose of your trip
Evidence of ties to your home country and intent to return
Proof of ability to pay all travel costs
Travel for Medical Treatment
If you are seeking medical treatment in the United States, the consular officer may ask for additional documents at your visa interview.
Examples
Medical diagnosis from a local physician explaining the nature of the ailment and reason for U.S. treatment
Letter from U.S. physician or medical facility stating willingness to treat and projected cost
Proof that transportation, medical, and living expenses will be paid
Bank statements or income tax returns showing ability to pay
03
Application Process
Complete DS-160
Complete Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
Pay Fee
Pay the $185 non-refundable visa application fee.
Schedule Interview
Schedule visa interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Gather Documents
Prepare passport, DS-160 confirmation, and purpose of trip evidence.
Attend Interview
Consular officer determines eligibility based on U.S. law requirements.
Enter U.S.
If approved, travel to U.S. port-of-entry and request admission from CBP.
04
Key Benefits
Temporary entry for tourism and personal visits
Visit friends and relatives in the United States
Receive medical treatment at U.S. facilities
Participate in amateur events and recreational activities
Multiple entry visas may be issued for frequent travelers
May apply for extension through USCIS if needed
05
Documents Needed
Passport valid for at least six months beyond period of stay
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa application fee payment receipt
Photo meeting photograph requirements
Evidence of the purpose of your trip
Evidence of family ties and employment in home country
Proof of ability to pay all travel costs
For medical treatment: diagnosis, U.S. doctor letter, proof of funds
06
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study on a B-2 visa?
You may only enroll in a short recreational course of study that is not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation). Study leading to a U.S. degree or certificate requires a student (F or M) visa.
Can I work on a B-2 visa?
No. An individual on a B-2 visitor visa is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States. Paid performances before a paying audience also require a different visa category.
What is birth tourism and is it allowed?
Birth tourism is travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for the child. Birth tourism is not permissible on a visitor visa.
How long can I stay in the United States on a B-2 visa?
The CBP officer at the port-of-entry will determine your authorized stay and provide an admission stamp or paper Form I-94 showing the date you must depart. You may request an extension through USCIS if needed.
Do I need a letter of invitation to apply?
No. Visa applicants must qualify based on their ties abroad/to their home country, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed and is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.
What happens if I overstay my B-2 visa?
Failure to depart the United States on time results in being out of status. Your visa will be automatically voided and you may be ineligible for future visas.
07
Fees
Attorney Fee
$420
DOS Fee each applicant
$185
Fees are estimates and may change. Contact us for a quote for your specific case.
Need help with your immigration case?
Hasan Legal PC attorneys handle USCIS petitions, family immigration, employment-based green cards, and naturalization across Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland.