Tourist Visa
The United States offers a B-2 Tourist Visa for individuals who wish to travel to the country for tourism, leisure, or to visit friends and relatives. This non-immigrant visa is essential for most tourists from countries not under the Visa Waiver Program.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a B-2 visa, applicants must demonstrate:
- The purpose of their trip is for pleasure or medical treatment.
- They plan to remain in the U.S. for a specific and limited period.
- Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States.
- Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad.
- They have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties that will ensure their return abroad at the end of the visit.
Application Process
The application process typically involves several steps:
- Completing the Online Application (Form DS-160): Fill out the form accurately and submit it online.
- Scheduling an Interview: Visa interviews are required for applicants between 14 and 79 years. Appointments can be scheduled at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where the applicant lives.
- Gathering Required Documents: This includes a passport valid for travel to the U.S., a photo meeting specific requirements, and the confirmation page of Form DS-160.
- Attending the Visa Interview: During the interview, a consular officer will determine the applicant’s eligibility for a tourist visa.
Fees
- Application Fee: All applicants must pay a non-refundable visa application fee.
- Other Potential Fees: Depending on the applicant’s nationality, additional fees may apply.
How to Get a B-2 Tourist Visa
Determine Your Eligibility:
Ensure that your purpose of travel is tourism, visiting friends or relatives, medical treatment, or participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations. You should have a residence outside the U.S. that you do not intend to abandon.
Complete Form DS-160:
Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, DS-160. Complete the form accurately and print the confirmation page for your interview.
Pay the Visa Application Fee:
Pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The fee varies by country but is typically $160 for a B-2 visa. Keep the receipt as you will need it for your interview.
Schedule Your Visa Interview:
Visa applicants aged 14 to 79 are usually required to undergo an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Schedule your interview, keeping in mind wait times can vary by location, season, and visa type.
Gather Required Documentation:
A valid passport with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S. The DS-160 confirmation page.
Application fee payment receipt. Photo: Upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, bring a printed photo to the interview. Additional documents may be required: A letter explaining the purpose of your trip, proof of funds to cover your expenses, and ties to your home country to ensure your return (employment, family, property, etc.).
Attend Your Visa Interview:
During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You may need to provide fingerprints.
Wait for Processing:
After the visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. Wait times depend on individual circumstances. Once processed, the consular officer will inform you if your visa application is approved or denied.
Visa Issuance and Delivery:
If approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and you will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you.
Important Tips:
- Duration of Stay: The B-2 visa typically allows for a stay of up to six months.
- Validity: The visa validity period varies and may allow for multiple entries into the U.S.
- Proof of Intent to Return: Strong ties to your home country, like a job, family, and property, can help demonstrate your intent to return after your visit.
Processing Time
The processing times for tourist visas can vary greatly and depend on the workload at the respective U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
After the Visa is Issued
Once the visa is issued, there might be additional steps before traveling to the U.S., including paying the visa issuance fee (if applicable) and making sure the visa accurately reflects the intended purpose of travel.
Entry into the U.S.
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.
Overstaying a Visa
It’s crucial to leave the U.S. before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in being barred from returning to the U.S. for a certain period.
Helpful Tips for Applicants
- Apply early: Given the varying processing times, it’s advisable to apply well in advance of the travel date.
- Provide accurate information: Discrepancies can lead to visa denial.
- Prepare for the interview: Be ready to clearly state the purpose of the visit and show ties to your home country.
