UNITED STATES VISA B1-B2

 

Obtaining a tourist visa for the United States, also known as a B-2 visa, offers several benefits for individuals wishing to visit the country for leisure, tourism, or other short-term purposes. Here are some of the key benefits of a USA tourist visa:


  1. Entry into the United States: A USA tourist visa allows you to enter the country legally for tourism, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, participating in social events, or engaging in short-term recreational activities.

  2. Length of Stay: Tourist visas typically allow visitors to stay in the United States for up to six months per entry. This provides ample time to explore the country’s attractions, visit family and friends, or engage in recreational activities.

  3. Multiple Entries: Tourist visas may allow for multiple entries during their validity period, usually up to 10 years for citizens of most countries. This flexibility enables visitors to travel in and out of the United States as needed without the hassle of reapplying for a visa each time.

  4. Exploration of American Attractions: The United States offers many attractions, including iconic landmarks, natural wonders, cultural sites, and entertainment destinations. With a tourist visa, you can explore famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, Disneyland, Times Square, and the National Mall.

  5. Visiting Family and Friends: Many individuals apply for tourist visas to visit family members or friends who are living in the United States. This visa allows you to spend quality time with your loved ones, attend family events or celebrations, or provide support during important life events.

  6. Business and Conference Attendance: While a tourist visa is primarily for leisure purposes, it may also allow for participation in certain business activities, such as attending conferences, meetings, seminars, or negotiating contracts. However, it’s important to note that engaging in paid work or long-term employment is not permitted on a tourist visa.

  7. Medical Treatment: Tourist visas also allow individuals to travel to the United States for medical treatment or consultations with healthcare providers. This is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking specialized medical care or procedures that may not be available in their home country.

  8. Educational and Cultural Exchange: Visiting the United States as a tourist provides opportunities for educational and cultural exchange, allowing you to learn about American customs, traditions, and ways of life. You can also interact with locals, explore diverse communities, and participate in cultural events or festivals.

Overall, a USA tourist visa provides the gateway to experiencing the country’s diverse landscapes, culture, and attractions, making it an attractive option for travellers seeking memorable experiences in the United States.

 

FAQs for B1-B2 Visa

 
  1. My child is below 14 years old. Is it compulsory for him to attend the visa interview?

Yes, children below 14 years are required to attend the visa interview.

  1. Do Indian nationals qualify for the Visa Waiver Program?

No, Indian nationals do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.

  1. What do I do if I was denied a US B-2 visa before?

If you were denied a US B2 visa before, you have to go through the entire application process again. 

  1. What is B1 and B2 Visa ?

B1 Visa is issued to people who wish to visit the United States for business purposes. It is also known as ‘Visitor for Business’ Visa. This Visa is jointly issued along with the B2 Visa. The B2 Visa or ‘Visitor for Pleasure’ Visa or Tourist Visa is issued to people who wish to visit the United States for tourism purposes.

  1. What is the difference between B1 and B2 Visa  ?

B1 Visa is issued for temporary business purposes while B2 visa is issued for tourism and non-business purposes in the US. Generally, both these Visas are granted together as a B1/B2 Visa by the US embassy.

  1. What is a B2 Visa ?

B2 Visa is a tourist visa issued by the United States to people who wish to enter the country for tourism purposes. It is a multiple entry non-immigrant visa and is generally issued along with the B1 Visa.

Qualifications And Eligibility Requirements For B2 Visa

To apply for a B2 visa, you have to prove to a consular officer that you qualify for the visa as per the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). You can do so in the following ways:

  • By providing proof of the purpose for which you plan to visit the United States. 
  • By proving that you plan to stay in the United States for a limited time period.
  • By proving that you have sufficient funds to cover all your expenses during your stay in the US. 
  • By proving that you have a residence outside the US. You should also provide proof that you have economic and social ties because of which you will have to leave the US when your trip ends. 
 

Documents Required For B2 Visa

While applying for a B2 visa, applicants have to bring the following documents along with them to the Consulate or Embassy when they come for their visa interview:

  • Valid Passport (current and old passports).
  • DS-160 form confirmation page.
  • Application fee payment receipt. 
  • Copy of appointment letter.
  • Current income proof, tax payments, ownership business or property, or assets.
  • Travel itinerary and other explanation for the trip you have planned.
  • A letter from the employer. This letter should mention your designation, salary, employment period, authorized vacation (if any), etc. 
  • Court or criminal records in case of conviction/arrest anywhere. It has to be provided even if you were pardoned or have completed your sentence period. 
 

Depending on the applicant who is travelling to the United States, the following documents have to be provided:

  • If you are a student, you should bring your recent school result, diplomas/degrees and transcripts with you when you visit the Consulate or Embassy for the interview. You should also get financial proof such as bank statements (monthly), FD (fixed deposits) slips, etc. 
  • If you are a working adult, then you should get a letter from the employer and your recent 3 months’ pay slips.
  • If you are visiting a relative in the US, you should get a copy of your relative’s status proof. For example – valid visa, Green Card, Naturalization certificate, etc. 
  • If you have visited US before, you have to bring any document that proves your visa or immigration status.
 

If you are visiting US for the purpose of getting a medical treatment, then you must provide the following documents:

  • A medical diagnosis from the local doctor that explained the nature of the illness and the reason for treatment in the US.
  • A letter from the medical facility or doctor in the US, who expresses the will to treat the illness. This letter should mention in detail the cost of treatment and the expected duration. The treatment cost should include the fee of the doctor, hospital and other medical expenses.

  • A declaration by the organization or individuals who are sponsoring the medical, transportation and living expenses. The sponsors should provide proof that they can bear this cost through their bank statements, savings/income statements or through their income tax returns copy.

How To Apply For B2 Visa ?

Follow the steps mentioned below to apply for a B-2 visa:

  • Complete the online application. You have to fill the DS-160 form. Ensure that you read the guidelines before filling the form and provide accurate information. While filling the online application form you have to upload your photo. Make sure you have a photo in the required format. Once you submit the form, you will not be able to make changes. Take a print out of the confirmation page.
  • Pay the visa fee. Print a copy of the payment confirmation page. 
  • Schedule the visa appointment. To do so, you have to login on the visa page and click on Schedule Appointment, which is present on the left menu of the dashboard. You have to schedule 2 appointments. First appointment for the interview at the Consulate or Embassy and second appointment for the Visa Application Center (VAC). The appointment with the VAC is to complete the photo and fingerprint scan process and it has to be done one day before the visa interview. To schedule the appointment you have to provide your passport number, the date on which you paid the fees and the barcode number (10 digit) mentioned on the DS-160 form confirmation page.

This process will allow you to choose your visa type, fill in personal information, add dependents, confirm visa payment, choose the delivery location and schedule appointments.

  • For the appointment with VAC, you have to get the following along with you:
  • Valid passport. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your intended stay period in the US. If two or more people are included in your passport, each individual has to submit a visa application.
  • DS-160 form confirmation page.
  • Page confirming the appointment.
  • One photo as per the United States visa specifications has to be submitted if the applicant is below 14 years old.
  • For the interview at the Consulate or Embassy, you have to get all the required documents. Prepare for your interview. Based on the interview, the consular officer will decide if you qualify to get the visa or not. If your visa is approved, you must pay a visa issuance fee.