The B-2 Visitor Visa is intended for individuals who wish to enter the United States temporarily for tourism, vacations, visits to family or friends, medical treatments, participation in social events, or similar purposes. It is a non-immigrant visa that allows for a temporary stay in the United States. A tourist Visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to people entering the United States temporarily. Any foreign citizen including parents who want to visit the USA for tourism, visit children, family, friends, and relatives to attend special events, family functions, or ceremonies may qualify and can apply for Tourist Visa. Visitor visa is subject to approval. You must apply and get the visitor visa stamped in your passport.
When applying for a B-2 Visitor Visa, you will need to complete the online non-immigrant visa application (Form DS-160), pay the visa application fee, schedule an appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country, and attend an interview. During the interview, you will need to demonstrate your intention to visit the U.S. temporarily, your ability to financially support yourself during your stay, and your plans to return to your home country after the visit.
The B-2 Visitor Visa is typically granted for a specific duration of stay, which is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry. It is important to comply with the authorized duration of stay and not overstay your visa. A person entering the United States on a visitor visa should not be involved in study, business, or work. If the purpose of your trip is business, you must apply for a US Business Visa (B1 Visa).
There are several benefits to visiting the United States as a tourist. Here are some of the key advantages:
The United States offers a wide range of attractions and destinations to suit every traveler’s interests. From iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon to vibrant cities like New York City and Los Angeles, there is something for everyone. The country also boasts stunning national parks, beautiful beaches, renowned museums, cultural events, and a rich history.
The United States is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. As a tourist, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in American culture, interact with people from various backgrounds, and experience the unique customs, traditions, and cuisines of different regions.
The United States is known for its stunning natural landscapes. From the rugged mountains of the Rockies to the picturesque coastlines of California and the vibrant fall foliage of New England, the country offers breathtaking scenery that can be explored through national parks, hiking trails, and scenic drives. Shopping and entertainment: The United States is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide array of malls, outlets, and boutique stores offering a variety of goods. Additionally, the country is home to the entertainment capital of the world, Hollywood, where you can experience the glamour of the film industry and enjoy world-class shows, concerts, and sporting events.
Visiting the United States as a tourist can be an educational experience. The country is home to prestigious universities, museums, and research institutions that offer opportunities to expand your knowledge and gain insights into various fields.
For individuals with family or friends residing in the United States, visiting as a tourist allows you to
reunite and spend quality time with your loved ones.
The United States offers a wide range of recreational activities and adventure opportunities. Whether it’s hiking in national parks, skiing in the mountains, surfing in coastal areas, or exploring outdoor adventure parks, there are plenty of thrilling experiences to enjoy.
The maximum stay allowed on a B-2 Visitor Visa, which is the commonly used visa for tourism and visiting purposes in the United States, is generally six months. However, the actual duration of stay granted is determined by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry when you arrive in the United States.
When you enter the U.S. on a B-2 Visitor Visa, the CBP officer will typically stamp your passport with a date indicating the authorized period of stay. It is important to pay attention to this date as it specifies when you are required to leave the United States. If you need to stay longer, you may be able to apply for an extension of stay within the United States before your authorized period expires.
It’s essential to remember that the maximum duration of stay is not guaranteed and is subject to the discretion of the CBP officer. It is crucial to abide by the authorized period of stay and avoid overstaying your visa, as that can have negative consequences and affect your ability to enter the United States in the future.
The most common visitor visa for the United States is the B-2 tourist visa, which is intended for individuals visiting the country for tourism, pleasure, or to visit family and friends. However, there are other types of visitor visas available, such as the B-1 visa for business purposes. Determine the visa category that suits your purpose of travel.
Visit the official website of the U.S. Department of State and complete the DS-160 online non-immigrant visa application form. This form will require you to provide personal information, details about your trip, and other relevant information.
After completing the DS-160 form, you will need to pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The fee amount will depend on the type of visa you are applying for. Payment options and instructions will be available on the website.
Once the fee is paid, you will need to schedule an interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Wait times for interview appointments may vary, so it is advisable to schedule your appointment well in advance.
Gather the necessary documents to support your visa application.
These may include:
After the interview, the consular officer will decide whether to approve or deny your visa application. If approved, your passport will be returned to you with the visa affixed. If denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the denial.
Start at least three to four months before your intended travel: The visa application process can take time, especially if there is a high demand for appointments at the US embassy or consulate in your country. Starting early allows you to have enough time to gather the required documents, schedule an interview, and receive a decision on your application
Yes, it is possible to work in the United States while studying, but there are certain restrictions and requirements that you need to be aware of. Here are a few options for employment while studying in the USA such as On-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Severe Economic Hardship.
You need to pay your fees before fixing the appointment.
There are numerous tricks to increase the visa chances rate. Few tricks can be applied on-the-spot and few have to be applied before a certain period of time. The counsellors at VISA VALLEY will be able to guide you about the visa after gone through your documentation.
Yes, While Under F-1 visa status, students have two options for working in the USA. Students are eligible for Curricular Practical Training after 9 months of study and can work full time or part time during vacation periods at a job or Internship which is directly tied to or required by a course they are taking. Optional Practical Training allows for 18 months of paid work following competitions of course. This work must be directly related to the student’s field of study and the student must have completed a minimum of 9 months of study.
To check which option is best suited for you, kindly send the following to evisavalley@gmail.com for appropriate advice.
*For more details please contact our Visa Valley counselors.
