B-2 Tourists

• Overview
• Activities Allowed in the United States
• Qualifying for a Visa
• Documentation Needed When Traveling to the United States for Medical Treatment
• Extensions of Stay

Overview

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa. The B-2 "tourist" visa is a nonimmigrant (temporary) visa for persons seeking to enter the United States temporarily for pleasure or medical treatment. The visa allows a foreign citizen, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission of the U.S. immigration inspector to enter the United States

Foreign travelers who are citizens from certain eligible countries may be able to visit the United States without a visa on the Visa Waiver Program.

Activities Allowed in the United States

As a B-2 visitor for pleasure, you may travel for recreation, engage in tourism, visit friends or relatives, rest, receive medical treatment, and take part in activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature. Visitors are not permitted to accept employment during their stay in the United States.

If you plan to travel to the United States for a different purpose such as students, temporary workers, crewmen, journalists, or other activities not included in the B-2 tourist visitor visa, you must apply for a different visa in the appropriate category.

Representatives of the foreign press, radio, film, journalists or other media require a nonimmigrant media visa (called an I visa) if they will be working in that vocation while in the United States.   Members of the media cannot travel to the United States using a visitor visa or on the visa waiver program.

Qualifying for a Visa

Applicants for a B-2 tourist visa must show that they qualify under U.S. law. The presumption in the law is that every visa applicant intends to stay permanently in the United States.  When applying for a tourist visa, you must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:

• The purpose of your trip is to enter the United States for pleasure or medical treatment;
• You plan to remain for a specific, limited period;
• You have sufficient funds to cover their expenses in the United States;
• You have compelling social and economic ties abroad; and,
• You have a residence outside of the United States as well as other ties which will insure your return abroad at the end of the visit.

Documentation Needed When Traveling to the United States for Medical Treatment

In addition to the documentation described above, the following documentation is also required if you are seeking medical treatment in the United States:

• A statement from a doctor or institution concerning proposed medical treatment.
   
• Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you require treatment in the United States.
   
• Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, expressing a willingness to treat this specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
   
• Statement of financial responsibility from the individuals or organization which will pay for the patient’s transportation, medical and living expenses.
   
• Proof that the individuals guaranteeing payment has the ability to do so, such as bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns.

Extensions of Stay

If you wish to stay beyond the time indicated on your Form I-94, you must file an application to extend your stay with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  The decision to grant or deny a request for extension of stay is made solely by the USCIS.  You can learn more about extensions of stay on the USCIS website.

Questions about Visitor Visas

You can find out more information about visitor visas on the State Department website.  You can also review the Embassy Consular internet site for the country where you will be applying for your visa.