Max Stay Per Entry
Application Form
Burden of Proof
Strictly Prohibited
Temporary visitor visa for pleasure and leisure travel
The B-2 Tourist visa is a temporary, non-immigrant visa for individuals traveling to the United States for pleasure, tourism, vacation, or medical treatment. It's the primary visa for visitors coming for leisure, visiting family and friends, or seeking healthcare services.
The B-2 visa is one of the most popular U.S. visas for international travelers. It allows you to explore America, visit loved ones, or receive medical care. Most embassies issue combined B-1/B-2 visas by default, which permits both tourism and business activities.
U.S. immigration law (INA Section 214(b)) presumes that every B-2 applicant intends to immigrate permanently. You must overcome this presumption by proving strong ties to your home country. This is the most common reason for B-2 visa denials.
Most U.S. embassies issue combined B-1/B-2 visas even if you only request B-2. This gives you flexibility to engage in both tourism AND limited business activities (like attending conferences). If your visa says "B-1/B-2", you can use it for vacation purposes.
Permitted pleasure and leisure activities
General sightseeing, holidays, and recreational travel throughout the United States.
Social visits with relatives and friends who reside in the United States.
Seeking specialized medical care or treatment at U.S. healthcare facilities.
Attending or participating in social, cultural, or sporting events as an amateur (unpaid).
Enrolling in brief recreational courses that do not count toward a degree or certificate.
Various personal, social, and recreational activities for pleasure.
Key requirements to qualify for tourist visa
U.S. immigration law (INA Section 214(b)) presumes that ALL B-2 visa applicants are intending immigrants. This means the U.S. government assumes you want to stay permanently unless you prove otherwise. You must overcome this presumption by demonstrating strong ties to your home country. This is the #1 reason for B-2 visa denials.
Your trip must be for temporary pleasure or leisure only. You must demonstrate that you plan to remain for a specific, limited period of time.
You must have a permanent residence outside the U.S. that you do not intend to abandon. Strong ties to your home country are essential.
Must demonstrate ability to cover all expenses during your U.S. stay without working. Show you can afford travel, accommodation, and living costs.
Must demonstrate clear intent to return home after your temporary visit. Return tickets and specific travel plans help prove this.
The More Ties, The Better: Consular officers want to see multiple categories of ties. Someone with a stable job, family, and property has much stronger case than someone with only one tie!
These situations often lead to B-2 visa denial under Section 214(b):
If you have a weak profile, consider waiting until your circumstances improve before applying. Multiple denials make future applications even harder!
Four straightforward steps to get your tourist visa
Fill out Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) completely and accurately. Select B-2 Tourist/Pleasure as your visa category.
Important: Be honest and specific about your travel purpose. Vague answers like "tourism" without details raise red flags. Say "2-week vacation visiting Grand Canyon, New York, and Disney World" instead.
Pay the non-refundable visa application fee ($185) and schedule your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Fee: $185 USD (MRV fee - non-refundable even if denied)
Tip: Schedule your interview as early as possible, especially if traveling during summer or holidays. Interview appointments can fill up months in advance at busy embassies!
Collect all documents that prove your strong home country ties and financial ability to cover trip expenses.
Appear for your scheduled interview. Consular officer will ask about your travel purpose and evaluate your ties to home country.
1-2 days
DS-160 completion
1-12 weeks
Interview wait
5-10 days
Visa issuance
Total Cost: $185 visa fee + optional assistance
Complete documentation checklist for tourist visa
Critical: Without these mandatory documents, you will NOT be allowed to attend your interview!
Most Important: Proving strong ties to your home country is THE most critical aspect of B-2 visa application. These documents overcome Section 214(b) presumption of immigrant intent!
If a U.S. family member or friend is paying for your trip, provide:
Important: Even with a sponsor, YOU must still prove strong home country ties. Having someone pay for your trip doesn't replace the requirement to demonstrate intent to return!
Interview Reality: Consular officer may NOT ask to see all your documents. They often decide based on interview answers alone (2-5 minutes). However, having comprehensive documentation ready demonstrates preparedness and gives you confidence during the interview!
If visiting family/friends, they should write an invitation letter including:
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern / U.S. Embassy / Consulate General
Re: Invitation Letter for [Visitor's Full Name], [Passport Number]
I, [Host's Full Name], a [U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident/Legal Status] residing at [Full Address in U.S.], am writing to invite [Visitor's Name] to visit me in the United States.
Relationship:
[Visitor's Name] is my [relationship - brother/sister/friend/etc.]. We have known each other for [number] years.
Purpose of Visit:
The purpose of this visit is [vacation/family reunion/attend wedding/etc.]. [Visitor's Name] plans to visit from [start date] to [end date], approximately [number] days/weeks.
Accommodation:
During this visit, [Visitor's Name] will stay at my residence at the above address. I will provide accommodation and assist with local transportation.
Financial Support:
[Choose one:]
- [Visitor's Name] will cover all expenses for this trip from their own funds.
- I will cover the expenses for [Visitor's Name]'s trip, including accommodation, meals, and local transportation.
About Me:
Status: [U.S. Citizen/Green Card Holder]
Occupation: [Job Title]
Employer: [Company Name]
Annual Income: [Amount]
I have attached copies of:
- My [passport/green card/citizenship certificate]
- Proof of residence (utility bill/lease agreement)
- Employment verification letter
- Recent bank statements (if sponsoring financially)
I assure you that [Visitor's Name] will return to [country] after the visit and will not overstay the authorized period.
Should you require any additional information, please contact me at:
Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Printed Name]
[Date]
Attachments: [List all attached documents]
Common questions about B-2 tourist visa
The length of stay is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry, not by the visa validity printed in your passport:
| Purpose | Typical Admission |
|---|---|
| Tourism/Vacation | 6 months (most common) |
| Visiting Family | 6 months (standard) |
| Medical Treatment | Duration of treatment + recovery time |
| Short Vacation | Sometimes shorter (2-3 months) if stated |
Yes, but not guaranteed. File Form I-539 for extension:
Overstaying Consequences: Staying even ONE day beyond your I-94 date without approval automatically voids your visa and may result in 3-10 year bans from re-entering the U.S.!
B-2 tourist visas strictly prohibit employment and full-time study. Violating this results in deportation, visa cancellation, and permanent bans.
There's no fixed amount, but you must demonstrate ability to cover all trip expenses. The amount depends on trip duration, lifestyle, and destination cities.
| Trip Duration | Suggested Bank Balance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 weeks | $3,000 - $5,000 | Basic tourist budget |
| 1 month | $5,000 - $10,000 | Extended vacation |
| 3 months | $10,000 - $20,000 | Long-term visit |
| 6 months | $20,000+ | Maximum stay period |
| Medical Treatment | Treatment cost + living expenses | Must cover all medical bills |
Getting married on B-2 is legal, but adjusting status afterward is extremely risky and often results in denial.
If you marry or file I-485 within 90 days of B-2 entry, USCIS presumes you entered with fraudulent intent. This typically results in I-485 denial, visa cancellation, and possible bar from future visas.
If planning to marry and live in U.S.:
If you marry on B-2:
Bottom Line: Don't enter on B-2 with intent to marry for green card. Use K-1 or CR-1 visa instead. Trying to "convert" B-2 is visa fraud with serious consequences!
B-2 visa denial is common, especially under Section 214(b) (presumption of immigrant intent). Here's what you need to know:
This means the consular officer wasn't convinced you have strong enough ties to your home country and sufficient intent to return after your visit. It's the most frequent denial reason for tourist visas.
Important: Multiple denials make future applications harder. If you have weak profile, wait until your circumstances genuinely improve before reapplying!
Seeking medical care in the United States is a legitimate reason for B-2 visa. However, you must provide extensive documentation.
U.S. medical care is VERY expensive. You must prove you can pay:
CBP typically grants admission for the duration of treatment plus recovery time. Bring medical letters showing treatment timeline. Can request extension if treatment takes longer than expected.
Schedule a free consultation with our B-2 visa specialists to get personalized guidance for your U.S. visit.
The B-2 tourist visa opens the door to exploring America's incredible destinations, visiting loved ones, or receiving world-class medical care. Our experienced consultants guide you through every step: DS-160 completion, documentation preparation, financial evidence review, and interview coaching. We help you demonstrate strong home country ties and genuine temporary intent to maximize your approval chances.
Tourist visa experts • High approval rates
Vacation and sightseeing
Visit loved ones in U.S.
Treatment in U.S. facilities
B-2 specialists
Other visas for visiting and living in the U.S.
For temporary business activities, meetings, and conferences on behalf of foreign employer.
Most common visa issued - allows both business AND tourism activities on same visa.
For full-time academic study at U.S. colleges and universities. Includes work authorization.
Important: Using wrong visa type (like B-2 when you need work/study visa) results in denial or deportation. Always choose the correct visa for your true purpose!