The B2 visa to enter the United States

The B2 visitor visa is one of the main American visas requested each year by foreign nationals wishing to visit the United States.

What is the American B2 visa?

The B2 visa is a tourist visa for the United States that also allows you to visit close friends and family. The B2 visa also allows you to stay in the USA for medical treatment or to take part in social activities. It does not allow you to work in the United States. Applicants must prove their intention to return to their country of origin after their temporary stay.

For a tourist stay of less than 90 days: you don’t need to apply for a B2 visa if your country is a member of the Visa Waiver Program. You can apply for an ESTA in just a few minutes by clicking on ESTA online form.

Please note: ESTA is not a visa, and an ESTA authorization does not confer the same rights as a visa.

What are the eligibility criteria for a B2 visa?

The main requirements for obtaining a B2 visa to visit the USA are :

1. Temporary residence in the United States
2. The purpose of the stay must be eligible for a B2 visa
3. Have the financial means necessary for a stay in the USA

Temporary residence in the USA

To obtain a B2 visa, applicants must demonstrate that they intend to spend a temporary period in the United States. They must prove that they have strong ties with their home country that will encourage them to return at the end of their stay.

What are the eligible reasons for residence?

The following is a list of reasons for which an applicant may apply for a B2 visa:

• Tourism in the United States
• Visiting friends and family
• Participate in friendly or social events
• Getting medical treatment
• Take part in sporting or musical events without remuneration
• Participate in apprenticeships without training credit.

For any stay for business or professional reasons, the applicant should apply for a B1 business visa or any other non-immigrant visa that corresponds to the purpose of the stay. There are a large number of different U.S. visas, depending on the purpose of your stay. There is even a specific visa for transiting the United States.

Have sufficient financial means for the stay

When applying for a B2 visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means to cover the costs of their stay in the United States.

How do I apply for a B2 visa?

The B2 visa application procedure is initiated online. It includes the following steps:

1. Complete the B2 visa form online
2. Pay B2 visa fees online to validate your application
3. Schedule a visa interview at the embassy
4. Prepare all supporting documents for your visa application
5. Attend the visa interview.

How much does a B2 visa cost?

When applying for a tourist visa, the fee for a B2 visa is US$185. Depending on the applicant’s citizenship, there may be additional fees to pay. In fact, when fees are imposed by a foreign government, the United States applies reciprocal fees to citizens of that country for a B2 visa application.

Once the visa fee has been paid, the applicant must keep the payment receipt and attach it to the file of supporting documents to be presented at the visa appointment at the embassy.

How long does it take to obtain a B2 visa?

It takes at least a few weeks to process a visa application. This timeframe depends on the number of applications being processed by the U.S. consular authority in the applicant’s country of origin.

The time needed to complete the application process also depends on the applicant’s ability to provide additional information, and to arrange an appointment with the American embassy.

How long is a B2 visa valid?

The initial duration of a B2 visa is 6 months. To extend the duration of the visa, the visa holder must request an extension for a further 6 months. This extension request can only be made after 3 months and no later than 42 days before the visa expires.

What does a B2 visa look like?

Here’s an image of a B2 visa specimen to see what it looks like. This image also shows the dimensions required for the visa passport photo.

Can I get a Green Card on a B2 visa?

Obtaining a Green Card directly from a B2 visa is generally difficult. The B2 visa is a temporary visitor’s visa. To change your status and become a permanent resident, you must follow a specific procedure which may include, for example :

• Marriage to an American citizen ;
• A qualified job offer;
• Family sponsorship.

What are the main destinations accessible with a B2 visa in the USA?

The B2 visa allows foreign travelers to stay anywhere in the United States. To find out more, take a look at some specific information about visas for New York. On the U.S. Northeast coast, there are also many travelers who use a Washington visa to enter the USA. Information on obtaining a Boston visa or traveling on a Chicago visa is also very useful.

For a tourist trip to the U.S. West Coast, you’ll need a visa for San Francisco, or a visa for Los Angeles if you’re traveling further north. If you’re planning a trip to the Nevada desert, check out our information about a visa for Las Vegas.

The other most popular tourist destination in the USA is the southern part of the East Coast. Get a visa for Miami to discover Florida in the USA.