How to apply for a B2 visa in the USA?
When you think of the United States, images of the Statue of Liberty, baseball fields, and cherry Blossom Blossoms come to mind. But for many immigrants, life here isn’t as simple as they might think. To legally live and work in the United States, immigrants must have a B1/B2 visa. However, depending on where you are coming from and what kind of job opportunity you want, your options for applying for a B2 visa may be limited or nonexistent. To learn more about how to apply for a B2 visa in the USA, read on!
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a tight-lipped policy on applying for a B2 visa. This is because the visa classification is so restricted — it’s the only non-immigrant visa available to individuals who are “of good character and will not be a public charge.” Therefore, to determine if you qualify, you must apply directly with the USCIS office that serves your area. Unfortunately, knowing which agency to contact can sometimes be challenging since they all have different phone numbers, forms, and instructions. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered! Read on to discover everything you need to know about applying for a B2 visa in the United States.
Besides working and studying, you can also visit the United States on a B2 visa. The B2 visa is a tourist visa that allows you to enter the United States for tourism, pleasure, or to visit friends and family.
Do I Need to Apply for a Tourist Visa Before Entering the USA?
Only those not in the US Visa Waiver Program need to apply for a tourist visa to the USA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country, then you are in luck. You can follow the simple procedures of applying for an ESTA and making travel arrangements.
This tool will help you determine whether you need a B2 visa:
What is a B2 Visa?
The B2 visa class is the only non-immigrant visa available to individuals who are “of good character and will not be a public charge.” This means that a person seeking a B2 visa isn’t seeking political asylum or any other type of legal protection — they’re just looking to make sure they don’t claim any form of public assistance. With a B2 visa, you can work in the U.S. for up to three years without becoming a permanent resident. You can also travel to other countries and return directly to the United States.
How to Apply for a B2 Visa
The first step in applying for a B2 visa is to apply for a non-immigrant Visa. This is the most common type of visa and is often the one you’ll use when applying for a B2 visa. You’ll need to fill out a few forms and pay a fee, but once that’s over, you’re set. You’ll also need a Trusted Traveler Program (TSVP) card. This government-issued identification will allow you to skip customs at various points in the U.S. You’ll need to keep your TSVP card at all times, fill it out when you’re outside the U.S., and bring it with you when you come back.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain a B2 Visa?
The total time it takes to become a U.S. citizen is about four years. That means that if you want to apply for a B2 visa, you have about two and a half years to go through the entire process. The application process for a B2 visa is standard and straightforward. First, you’ll need to: Apply for a non-immigrant visa. This is the most common type of visa. You’ll need to visit a U.S. consulate or embassy to apply. Pay a fee. There are many different fee types, but the price for a B2 visa is $140. Create an I-9A form. You’ll use this paperwork to verify your identity and prevent fraud. Bring proof of your identity and age. You’ll need to show your ID and utility bill for your home country. Pay a bond. You must pay this fee if you don’t have enough money to cover the entire cost of your application.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a Tourist Visa?
To be eligible for a US Tourist visa, the purpose of your visit should be one of the following:
- Have a holiday in the United States.
- Tour various cities in the United States.
- Visit friends or family.
- Participate in social events hosted by various organizations.
- Visit for medical treatment, you can participate in any events or contests related to music or sports for which you won't
- Participate in events or contests related to music or sports for which you will not receive payment.
- Enroll in short study courses for which you will not receive credit (ex., cooking classes).
Whether you do not fit into any of the above categories, you should check into other forms of US non-immigrant visas to see if you qualify for any of them.
Furthermore, you must demonstrate that you have the financial resources to fund your stay in the United States and that you intend to return to your native country as soon as your visa expires.
The B1 visa, on the other hand, permits you to enter the United States to conduct business, negotiate contracts, or attend conferences and other business-related activities.
How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa?
To apply for a US Tourist visa, you must go through these simple steps:
- Submit Form DS-160.
- Pay visa fees.
- Schedule your US Tourist Visa interview.
- Compile your B2 Visa document file.
- Attend the visa interview.
Submit Form DS-160
Please submit your information as well as details about your visit. Please fill in your US Tourist visa sections and then offer them online. After you submit it, you will get a verification page and the code you need for your documents file.
You can fill out the DS-160 form online through the following:
- the Consular Electronic Application Center, or
- with the help of a visa processing assistant.
Pay the application fees.
The US Tourist Visa application price is $160. Other costs may apply depending on your country's relationship with the US. These are known as visa issue fees, and they vary by nation. After you make the payments, please keep the receipts and store them in your necessary documents file.
Schedule your interview for a US Tourist Visa.
All candidates between the ages of 14 and 79 must attend an interview at the US Embassy. Please make an appointment with the US Embassy in your country of residence to participate in this interview. Because of their heavy workload, please plan it as soon as possible. When this procedure is completed, you will be given an interview confirmation letter, which you must carry to the interview.
Compile your B2 Visa document file.
The documents file that you have includes all supporting documents to show the US Embassy that it is safe to give you the visa. You'll need to bring all of the documents to your visa appointment.
Here are the required documents that you need to submit when applying for a B2 visa:
- Valid passport.
- A photograph that complies with the requirements and guidelines.
- Form DS-160 confirmation page and code.
- Receipt of paid visa fees.
- Interview confirmation page.
- A letter that describes the purpose of your trip.
- Proof of financial means. Financial or bank statements to prove you have the finances to stay in the US at least $266 for each day of your planned stay.
- Ties to your home country. Family, job contract, lease, or property deed proves you will return.
- Optional US visitor visa invitation letter from friends or family in the US.
- Criminal records or letters from authorities stating that you do not have prior convictions.
- I've included documents relevant to your prior visits. This only applies to you if you have visited the US before.
- Transcripts or diploma. This only applies to students.
- A letter from your employer and payslips for the last three months. If you are a worker
Photocopies of your relative’s status in the US. - Letters from doctors on your diagnosis and treatment. If you are visiting for medical purposes.
- Social media details. A list of the social media that you use, and the name
of your account in each.
Participate in the visa interview.
A US Embassy official will quiz you about your past and why you wish to visit the US on your interview date. Then, they will review your paperwork to verify that they are in order. The interviews are brief, but it is essential to give all relevant information so that you don't have any complications later on.
VisaExpress specializes in aiding visa applicants throughout the whole visa application process.
How to Apply for a Regular Tourist Visa
You’ll need to apply for a regular tourist visa at your local U.S. consulate or embassy. You’ll need to show up at the consulate or embassy with Proof of your identity. This includes government-issued photo identification, like a driver’s license or passport. Proof of age (for adults) Money. You’ll need to show your access when you apply for a regular tourist visa.
What’s the difference between an A1, A2, and A3 Visa?
The A1, A2, and A3 visas are the most common types of visas and are the ones you’ll use when you’re applying for a regular tourist visa. All three types of visas allow you to enter and stay in the United States for a short period. However, the A1, A2, and A3 visas have different duration guidelines and requirements. The main difference between the A1, A2, and A3 visas is that the A2 visa is for six months, and the most extended type of visa, the A3, allows you to stay for six years.
What's the Fee for applying for a B2 visa?
An A1, A2, or A3 visa fee is $140. The price for a B2 visa is $440, which is why many people will choose the B2 visa over the other types of visa. You can find the fee information and the application forms for all three types of visas on the USCIS website.
Is There Anything You Can Do Right Now to Obtain a B2 Visa?
You can call the number at the bottom of the USCIS website if you have an issue applying for a B2 visa. You can also visit the USCIS website and look for support articles, which are often linked to on the right side of the page. There are also online tools, such as theuscis.gov, that you can use to apply for a B2 visa.
How long does it take to process a B2 visa?
The processing time for the B2 visa might range from a few weeks to many months. Processing periods vary by nation because they are determined mainly by the workload of the US Embassy where you applied. If you are still waiting to hear from the Embassy, be patient, and please be patient and wait for them to let you know you have received the visa.
B2 Visa Duration
The maximum duration of stay on a B2 visa is six months. You can travel throughout the US or for any other purpose during that time. However, as soon as your passport expires, you must return to your home country.
B2 Visa Extension
If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a B2 visa extension for six months. It would be best if you did so 42 days before the expiration of your I-94 card. Yet, you cannot apply within three months of arrival in the US. You should submit the following documents when applying for a B2 visa extension:
- Completed form I-539.
- Your valid passport.
- A written statement on the reason behind the requested extension.
- Evidence of financial support.
- Payment of the extension fee, which is $370.
- Original or photocopy of I-94 card.
The extension processing time varies on the number of applications USCIS is processing at the time of your application.
Do Visitors Have Access to American Healthcare?
As a foreign visitor to the United States for tourism, you will not be entitled to free healthcare. The American healthcare system is the most costly in the world, with treatment for a broken leg or arm costing $2,500 and staying in a US hospital for one night costing more than $10,000 on average.
Can I Apply for a Green Card on a Tourist Visa while in the United States?
It is challenging to obtain permanent residence or a Green Card if you are a tourist in the United States. Because the B2 visa is only valid for 90 days, you must demonstrate that you will return to your home country after it expires. You are also not permitted to look for work or begin studies, so the most direct routes to a Green Card may be unavailable.
Can My Parents Visit Me In the USA With a B2 Visa?
If you are living in the US, working or studying, you can invite your parents to visit you. They will need to follow the processes explained above in this article. The only thing that may differ a bit is the required documents:
- Passports. Your parents should have valid passports
- Completed DS-160 Form.
- Bank Verification Letter. I would like you to please present proof that you can financially support your parents while they are in the US.
- Employment Verification You should ask your current employer for this letter.
- Invitation Letter. It would be best if you wrote your parents an invitation to visit you in the US.
You are responsible for collecting some of the documents for your parents. They will also need to collect some extra in their home country.
More You Should Not Miss:
Get More You need to know before Proceeding with the Application;
- USA Immigration - https://bit.ly/usa-immigrations
- Canada Immigration - https://bit.ly/canada-immigrations
- World Immigration - https://bit.ly/world-immigrations
- Employment Opportunities - https://bit.ly/abroad-employments
- Education Opportunities - https://bit.ly/abroad-scholarship-programs
- Homepage explore - https://bit.ly/immigration-center
Conclusion
The B2 visa is a relatively new one created to allow individuals who are not eligible to apply for a U.S. green card to travel to the United States and work. The visa is not only easy to get, but it only takes a few hours to complete the application process. If you’re interested in working in the United States, it’s important to note that the application process for a B2 visa is pretty standard and straightforward. You’ll only need to provide basic information about yourself, like your full name, date of birth, and country of origin. Once that’s over, you’re set. Also, a step-by-step guide on applying. A Step-by-step Guide: How to Apply for a US Business Visa with the B1 Visa.