- 19200Von Karman Ave, Suite 400, Irvine, CA 92612, USA
- Info@rasamglobal.com
B‑2 Tourist / Visitor Visa
The B‑2 visa is the standard U.S. visitor visa for tourism, vacations, visiting family or friends, and certain types of medical treatment on a temporary basis. It does not allow employment or long‑term study in the United States
Ideal for tourism and family visits
with flexibility to travel anywhere in the U.S. during your stay.
Can also cover medical treatment
if you prove medical need and ability to pay.
Often issued as a multiple‑entry B‑1/B‑2 visa
allowing several trips during the visa’s validity period.
No U.S. sponsor required
you can apply based on your own travel plans and financial resources
B‑2 Tourist / Visitor Visa overview
The B‑2 visa is for people who want to visit the U.S. for pleasure, not for work or full‑time study. Many travelers receive a combined B‑1/B‑2 visa, which also allows limited business activities, but the B‑2 portion focuses on tourism and social visits.
Common B‑2 purposes:
Tourism and vacations (sightseeing, holidays, exploring cities)
Visiting family or friends living in the U.S.
Receiving medical treatment or consultations
Participating in social events (weddings, family gatherings, cultural events)
Participating in amateur musical, sports, or similar events without pay
Enrolling in short, recreational courses (for example, a weekend cooking or art class) not for credit toward a degree
Not permitted on B‑2:
Any form of paid employment or skilled/unskilled labor in the U.S.
Full‑time or degree‑seeking study (F‑1/M‑1 is required instead)
Long‑term residence or immigration plans during this trip (you must show nonimmigrant intent)
Who is the B‑2 visa for?
You are a good candidate for B‑2 if you:
Plan a short, temporary visit for tourism, family visits, or medical care.
Have strong ties to your home country (job, studies, business, family, property) and can prove you will return.
Can show sufficient funds to cover your travel, accommodation, and other expenses without working in the U.S.
Have no serious immigration or criminal issues that would make you inadmissible.
Each traveler (including children) needs their own B‑2 visa unless they qualify to travel visa‑free under the Visa Waiver Program.
What you can and cannot do
| Activity type | B‑2 status? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism, sightseeing, vacations | Allowed | Main purpose of B‑2; includes holidays and general travel. |
| Visiting family or friends | Allowed | Social visits to relatives or friends across the U.S. |
| Medical treatment | Allowed | Requires detailed medical letters and proof of ability to pay costs. |
| Social / cultural events | Allowed | Weddings, religious or social events, or amateur performances with no pay. |
| Short, recreational non‑credit courses | Allowed | For example, short workshops; no credits toward a degree. |
| Paid work or performing labor | Not allowed | Employment is categorically prohibited on B‑2. |
| Full‑time or degree‑seeking study | Not allowed | Requires F‑1 or M‑1 status; B‑2 cannot be used instead. |
| Long‑term residence or “trying out” immigration | Risky | You must show a residence abroad and nonimmigrant intent. |
B‑2 visa application process
The B‑2 process matches the standard visitor visa steps.
Complete the DS‑160 form
Fill out the DS‑160 online, choosing tourism/visit (B‑2 or B‑1/B‑2) as your purpose of travel.
Upload a visa‑compliant photo and print the confirmation page for your interview.
Pay the visa fee and schedule your interview
Pay the nonimmigrant visa fee (commonly $185, subject to change) using the embassy/consulate’s instructions.
Book an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you reside and check local wait times.
Prepare supporting documents
Typical B‑2 documents include:Valid passport and any previous passports
DS‑160 confirmation page and appointment letter
Visa‑compliant photo
Evidence of trip purpose (itinerary, hotel bookings, invitation letter from family/friends, event details)
Financial evidence (bank statements, salary slips, tax returns, sponsor letters)
Proof of ties to your home country (employment, business registration, property, family documents)
For medical treatment: diagnosis from local doctor, acceptance and cost estimate from U.S. hospital/clinic, and proof you can pay for treatment and related expenses.
Attend your visa interview
Explain clearly why you are traveling, how long you will stay, who will pay, and what ties will bring you back.
The consular officer will assess your nonimmigrant intent and documentation and decide whether to issue the visa.
Travel and entry to the U.S.
A B‑2 (or B‑1/B‑2) visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port‑of‑entry and request admission; CBP officers make the final decision.
If admitted, your I‑94 will normally allow a stay of up to six months, which can sometimes be extended with USCIS if justified and filed before expiry.
Secure Your B1 Business Visa Today!
Expert guidance for US B1 visas – perfect for business meetings, conferences, and professional travel. Our consultancy simplifies DS-160 forms, interview prepration, and documentation to boost approval rates
