Thanks to the US B-2 temporary tourist visa, thousands of individuals have the opportunity to visit the United States legally.
This visa is focused on tourism, allowing the holder to participate in various activities related to this purpose. If you want to become legal or have more questions, our immigration law firm in New Jersey can help you.
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How to apply for and obtain the US B-2 visa for temporary tourists for the United States in 2024
To obtain the B-2 visa you must demonstrate that your visit to the United States is only temporary. Therefore, it is necessary to prove that you have a home in another country that you have no intention of leaving and that you plan to leave the US at the end of your stay.
If you demonstrated this, the application process is as follows:
- Complete Form DS-160 online. You must complete the section of the B-2 visa detailing the purpose of your visit. Additionally, you will need to submit a photo that meets the requirements.
- Pay the application fee. The fee is $185, but you may have to pay additional fees.
- Schedule the interview. All applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Collect all the documents necessary for the interview. Attach the documentation that you must present at the US embassy or consulate.
- Attend the interview. An official will ask you a few questions about your background and why you want to go to the US.
Interviews usually don’t take long. However, make sure not to lie and always speak the truth, providing the necessary information to avoid any type of immigration problem.
How to schedule the interview for the US tourist visa?
All applicants for a US tourist visa who are between 14 and 79 years old must attend an interview at the US embassy for their destination. To schedule this interview, you must coordinate with the US embassy in your country.
Since demand for appointments can be high, it is recommended to request the interview as far in advance as possible.
Once your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation letter that you must present on the day of the interview.
Documents required to apply for the US B-2 visa for temporary tourists
- Valid passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months to travel.
- Printed Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Receipt of all fees paid in the visa application.
- A letter detailing the purpose of your visit to the US.
- Interview confirmation page.
- A photography.
- Medical examinations on your treatment and diagnosis. If you are visiting the US for medical reasons.
- Details of your social networks. In general, a list of your social networks that you use and the name you have on each of them.
- Evidence of your financial means. It can be your bank statement or financial statements. These funds will be to prove that you can cover your expenses in the US.
- Relations with your country of origin. It may be the employment contract or the property deed in NJ that justifies that you will return.
- Invitation letter from American friends or family.
- Criminal record. You can present a letter from the authorities stating that you have no criminal record.
- Photocopies of your relatives’ status in the US in case you have American relatives.
Do not attempt to hand over any documents to the official consular officer unless requested.
Do I need to apply for a tourist visa before entering the US?
If you wish to travel to the United States temporarily, you may be eligible for the B-2 visa. However, you may be exempt from this visa if you are a foreign citizen from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
If you belong to a member country of the VWP program, you simply have to apply for the ESTA permit and you will be able to travel to the USA without the need for a B-2 visa.
How long does the B-2 tourist visa for temporary tourists last?
The permitted duration of the B-2 visa is the period during which the visa is valid and can be used for travel. This visa is valid for up to 10 years, allowing travel to the United States without restrictions within this period.
However, the specific duration of the visa will be subject to the decision of the US embassy or consulate official when evaluating the application.
Maximum allowed stay of the tourist visa
The maximum continuous stay with a B-2 visa could be extended up to 180 days. Of course, the immigration authority is responsible for determining the exact period allowed.
This information will be recorded on Form I-94, which will be given to you upon entering the US.
Can the tourist visa for the United States be extended?
The B-2 tourist visa can be extended, allowing the stay to be extended beyond the time specified on the Form I-94.
Therefore, it is possible to add up to 6 additional months to the initial 6 months, reaching a total stay of one year (12 months).
To do so, you must go to a local immigration office with enough time to request said extension.
Once the extension period ends, you will have to leave the country. Overstaying in the United States on a tourist visa could have immigration consequences for you.
How to renew the tourist or visitor visa
To renew your tourist or visitor visa, you must do so at a US embassy or consulate abroad.
Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas within the US. The renewal process is the same as the initial application, even if your current visa is close to its expiration date.
What does the B-2 visa for temporary tourists allow me to do?
The B-2 temporary tourist visa allows foreign citizens to travel to the United States for tourism purposes. This includes:
- Short vacation visit.
- Visits to family and friends.
- Receive medical treatment.
However, it is important to remember that this visa does not allow you to work, study, or do business in the United States.
If you want to work in the US, you will need to apply for an F-1 student visa. If you do not have the necessary documents to work, check our blog: “How to get a job in the US while being illegal”.
What else can you do with a B-2 temporary tourist visa?
In addition to visiting family members or receiving medical treatment, the B-2 visa also allows:
- Sightseeing.
- Participate in social events organized by fraternal, social or service organizations.
- Participate as a fan in musical, sporting or similar events or contests. However, you should not receive any payment for participating.
- Enroll in a short-term recreational course that does not grant academic credit. For example, a 2-day cooking class during the holidays.
What cannot be done with a US B-2 visa for temporary tourists?
These are some activities that require different visa categories and cannot be done with a tourist visa:
- Study.
- Work.
- Obtaining a Green Card in the United States.
- Performing paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience.
- Arriving as a crew member of a ship or aircraft.
- Work as a foreign journalist in radio, film, print journalism or other media.
- Visiting the US for the sole purpose of giving birth in this country to grant American citizenship to the baby.
If you wish to carry out any of these activities, we invite you to learn about the different types of American visas .
Can you attend school or work on a B-2 visa?
You cannot attend school or work if you are in the United States on a B-2 tourist visa. In fact, if immigration catches you working or attending academic institutions, you could face serious immigration consequences.
How long does it take to process a B-2 temporary tourist visa?
On average, the processing time for a B-2 visa is usually about 5 business days from the interview.
However, this period may vary depending on the time of year and the workload of the US embassy. In some cases, if no appointments are available, the interview may be scheduled for several months later.
What to expect at the interview for the US B-2 visa for temporary tourists?
At the B-2 visa interview, you can expect a duration of 10 to 15 minutes, where an officer will review your application and ask you questions about your:
- Trips,
- Family,
- Employment, and
- Properties.
All of this will be to evaluate your eligibility. Ultimately, the officer will decide whether to approve your visa or if you need further review, which can take up to 2 weeks.
What can I do if I was previously denied a B-2 visa?
In this case you will have to repeat the entire application process again. It should be noted that you will have to pay the corresponding fees again.
Can my parents visit me in the US on a B-2 temporary tourist visa?
If you are a US resident or citizen, your parents will be able to visit you through a B-2 visa. To do this, they must apply for this visa following the process explained above.
If you want to petition your parents to the US, check our blog dedicated to US family-based immigration and specifically to US citizen petition for parents.
What happens when I arrive in the United States with a B-2 visa?
When you arrive in the United States on a B-2 visa, you will need to report to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. There, you must show your passport and the I-94 arrival/departure card.
The officer will review your documents and confirm your intentions for temporary stay. If everything is in order, you will be admitted for the authorized period.
You may be given a brief interview to verify that you still meet the B-2 visa requirements.
Things to take into account when traveling to the United States with a tourist visa
When traveling on a B-2 visa, please note the following:
- Medical Insurance: Make sure you have travel medical insurance valid in the US for the entire duration of your stay.
- Adequate Funds: Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your visit.
- Flexible Itinerary: Plan your trip around your visa dates and be prepared to adjust your itinerary if necessary.
- Important Documents: Make copies of your passport, I-94, visas and other documents; Keep the originals in a safe place.
- Compliance: Answer CBP’s questions, follow instructions regarding your location in the US, and adhere to the duration limits of your visa.
What is the difference between B-1 and B-2 visas?
The B-1 and B-2 visas are for temporary visitors to the United States, but they serve different purposes.
The B-1 business type is for business-related projects, attending meetings or conventions. On the other hand, the B-2 visa is for tourism or visiting family.
Both visas allow a stay of up to 6 months, with the possibility of extension under certain conditions. For a combination of business and tourism purposes, a B-1/B-2 visa can be applied for.
What is the B-1/B-2 visa?
The B1/B2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign citizens to temporarily enter the United States to conduct business activities (B-1) or for tourism and visiting family (B-2).
It should be noted that this visa does not confer lawful permanent residence or American citizenship. Therefore, it only allows a temporary stay in the country.
Who can apply for a B-1/B-2 visa?
Anyone wishing to travel to the United States for tourism, business, medical treatment or family visits can apply for the B1/B2 visa.
However, it is essential to meet certain requirements and have the intention to return to the country of origin at the end of the permitted stay.
Can I obtain a Green Card with a B-2 visa for temporary tourists in the United States?
You cannot obtain a Green Card directly with a B-2 tourist visa. However, it is possible to change your visa status from visitor to lawful permanent resident in certain circumstances.
An example is marrying an American citizen after entering the country on a B-2 visa.
Of course, you must demonstrate that your initial intention was not to obtain residency and work with an immigration attorney to ensure an adequate process.
How Will Curbelo Law Help You Process the B-2 Visa?
The B-2 visa is one of the most requested visas for the US in addition to being one for which the most applications are rejected. Most applicants try to obtain this visa to carry out an activity for another purpose than that authorized in the United States.
Furthermore, some foreigners take advantage of this visa to stay and live illegally in the country.
Our lawyers have more than 10 years in this type of cases and procedures. Only by knowing the circumstances and facts surrounding your case can we give you more details about your chances of obtaining one.
