Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: General Information about the B-2 Visa
• Part 2 of 2: Interview
• Warnings
• What do you need

Foreigners planning a temporary stay in the United States for medical treatment or tourism must obtain a B-2 nonimmigrant visa. Basically, tourist visas are issued for 6 months, although it is possible to extend the validity of the visa for another 6 months. Although the procedure for applying for a B-2 visa is approximately the same everywhere, the requirements and duration of the visa may differ from country to country.Follow the next steps to obtain a B-2 visa.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: General Information about the B-2 Visa

1. 1 To get started, find out to whom the American B-2 tourist visa is issued. Every citizen of another country who wants to visit the United States must obtain a visa. B-2 is a tourist visa, which is provided for the following activities:
   • Tourism, vacations (vacations), a trip to friends or relatives, admission to a short training course that does not affect the receipt of a certain scientific and qualification degree (has an entertainment nature), treatment, participation in events organized by service or social organizations or societies, and unpaid participation in sports or music events.
   • If you are traveling to the United States for 90 days or less, you do not need a visa if you are a citizen of a visa-free country. A complete list of these countries can be found at travel.state.gov.
2. 2 To apply for a visa, contact the US Embassy or Consulate. While you can go to any US consulate, it may be easier for you to obtain a visa from the mission that has jurisdiction over your permanent residence. It is also important to apply in advance for a visa, as in each country it takes different time.
   • Please be aware that the procedure for applying for a visa at some consulates and embassies may differ from the procedure described in our article. So in that case, follow the directions from your consulate.
3. 3 Schedule an interview at the consulate or embassy. It must be passed by citizens from 14 to 79 years old. People of other age groups do not need to be interviewed unless the embassy or consulate requires it.
   • You should be aware that applying for a visa is allowed at any embassy or consulate, but it may be more difficult for you to obtain a visa at an embassy outside your country of residence.
4. 4 Fill out the online application. It's called the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa application. The application is completed online and sent to the US Department of Foreign Affairs website for review. It determines if you are eligible to enter the United States on a B-2 visa. You can fill out an application here.
5. 5 Choose the right photo. When you apply, you will need to upload your photo. It must meet the following requirements:
   • Photo must be in color (black and white photos are not allowed).
   • The face (from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin) should be 22 × 35 mm, that is, it needs to occupy 50-69% of the image height.
   • The photo must be taken no earlier than six months before the application is submitted. It is recommended that you look the same in the photo as you do now.
   • The background should be pure white.
   • Your face should be looking straight into the frame.
   • It is necessary that the expression on the face is neutral, the eyes are open, the clothes should be what you usually wear (but, of course, not the work uniform).

Part 2 of 2: Interview

1. 1 There is a non-refundable registration fee for applying for a visa. It may be required that you pay the full amount before your interview. In October 2013, the fee was $ 160. Depending on your citizenship, you may need to pay an additional visa issuance fee. You can find out more about this here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/fees_3272.html
2. 2 Bring everything you need with you to your interview, namely:
   • Passport: This must be a valid international passport. It must expire no earlier than six months after the end of your trip.
   • DS-160 Application Confirmation Receipt: An electronic version of your application is sent immediately to the consulate or embassy, ​​but you must also print the confirmation receipt that you will receive after submitting your application.
   • Registration fee receipt: you need to bring it with you if you paid for it before the interview.
   • Photo: Take it only if you were unable to upload it when you filled out Form DS-160.
   • Your embassy or consulate may require you to bring other documents to your interview.The exact list can be found on the website of the embassy or consulate. Among other documents, you may need proof that you are able to pay for the trip, or confirmation of the purpose of your visit.
3. 3 Prepare for your consular interview. You should not raise suspicions that you are going to emigrate to the United States. Explain that the purpose of your trip is medical treatment, tourism, visiting relatives or any other of the above listed activities.
4. 4 Prepare proof of temporary stay. You must show that you will only stay in the United States for a specific period of time and that you, or the person acting on your behalf, have the funds to cover your expenses while in the United States. You will need to show that you have close ties at home (including where you live) to ensure that you will return home. If you are traveling for medical treatment, you may need to provide documents confirming the diagnosis. They must state the reason for the need for treatment in the United States, as well as confirmation from the doctor or institution where you will receive treatment in the United States. It is recommended to indicate the cost, duration and method of payment for the treatment.
5. 5 When you are interviewed, you will be digitally fingerprinted.
6. 6 It may take longer to process your application. Some applications take longer to process than others. The consular officer at the interview will tell you if your application needs to be processed more carefully.
   • When you get your visa, you may need to pay an additional visa issuance fee.
7. 7 Keep in mind that no one guarantees you a visa. Based on this, postpone the purchase of tickets until you receive confirmation, or buy them with a refund option.

Warnings

• Exceeding the period of stay in the United States is a violation of the immigration laws of the United States.
• Willful misrepresentation of material facts may result in a lifetime ban from travel to the United States.
• The B-2 visa allows you to travel to a US Customs checkpoint. There you will ask the immigration inspector for permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee you will be allowed to enter the United States. If approved, you will receive a Form I-94 documenting your stay.

What do you need

• Form DS-160, which is an electronic online application for a nonimmigrant visa.
• A valid passport that allows you to travel to the United States. It must expire no earlier than six months after the end of your visit. Exceptions are possible.
• Photo 5 × 5 cm.
• Registration fee payment receipt.