B-2 Visa for Tourists: Foreign nationals who wish to visit the United States for leisure or tourism are normally eligible to receive
a B-2 Tourist Visa. B-2 Tourist Visas are "visitor visas" and are required for citizens of countries that are not included in the
Visa Waiver Program. However, even citizens of countries included in the Visa Waiver Program are required to obtain a B-2 visa if they plan to stay in the United States for longer than 90 days, change status to
another
nonimmigrant visa, or adjust status to permanent resident (
Green Card) after entering the country.
B-2 Visa for Medical Treatment: B-2 Visas are also issued to individuals who are coming to the United States to undergo medical treatment. The application process is similar to that of a
Tourist Visa, but there are additional documents that must be submitted to establish that the applicant qualifies for the visa. The list of required documents and the application process is described in the
B-2 Tourist Visa Application Guide.
Tourist Visa Length of Stay: Persons admitted to the United States
on a B-2 Tourist Visa are usually issued a 6-month stay. The maximum length of stay for visitor visa holders is 6 months. The immigration officer at the port of entry determines how long each visitor is allowed to stay in the country. Most visitors have their I-94 cards stamped with a 6-month stay; however the immigration officer has the right to issue a shorter stay on a case by case basis. Upon entry into the United States, the foreign visitor has the right to request an
extension of stay.
US Visitor Visa Change of Status: Individuals who enter the United States on
a B-2 Tourist Visa are normally eligible to change status to
permanent resident (Green Card holder) if they qualify, or to
another nonimmigrant status, such as temporary worker (
H-1B,
H-2B,
E-1,
E-2,
E-3, etc.), student (under
the
F-1 Student Visa), or even to permanent United
States resident (
Green Card). Individuals who enter the United States under the the
Visa Waiver Program
are not eligible to change status. The option to change status is the major
advantage of nonimmigrant visas, such as the B-2 Tourist Visa, over the
Visa Waiver Program.
Important Warning for Tourist Visa Holders: Persons admitted to the United States on a B-2 Tourist Visa are not allowed to work or receive any kind of payment while
staying in the United States. Foreign nationals who wish to work in the United States must apply for a work visa, such as the
H-1B Visa or
H-2B Visa.
The B-2 Tourist Visa Application Guide includes:
- B-2 Tourist Visa overview
- B-2 Tourist Visa eligibility information
- B-2 Tourist Visa for tourism or pleasure
- B-2 Tourist Visa for medical treatment in the United States
- How to fill out the Tourist Visa application forms
- B-2 Tourist Visa extension information
- Tourist Visa document checklist
- Visa Waiver information
- List of countries in the Visa Waiver Program
- List of all USCIS (formerly INS) offices nationwide
- List of United States Embassies and Consulates
- FREE Tourist Visa application forms
B-2 TOURIST VISA FEES:
- APPLICATION FEE NOT INCLUDED: The fee for the B-2 Tourist Visa Application Guide does not include the application fee.
- APPLICATION FEE: The B-2 Tourist Visa application fee varies according to applicant's nationality and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the application is filed.
- ABOUT THE FEES: The download fee ($49.95) is paid to the US Immigration Support (this website, an independent organization not affiliated with the USCIS or the United States government). The application fee is paid directly to the United States Embassy or Consulate.
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SPECIAL OFFER: SAVE $20 |
Visa Waiver Program and B-2 Tourist Visa Application Package
The Visa Waiver Program and B-2 Tourist Visa Application Package includes the following 2 products:
- B-2 Tourist Visa Application Guide [the product on this page]
- Visa Waiver Information Guide [only
for Visa Waiver Program visitors that are ESTA qualified]
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Regular Price: $99.90 [if downloaded separately]
Package Price: $79.90
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Save $20: Download the B-2 Tourist Visa Application Guide
and Visa Waiver Information Guide together. |
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