If you plan to visit the United States, you will most likely need a B2 visa. The next natural question is: what documents do I need to get my B2 visa? This B2 Visa document checklist contains a quick guide to what you need to get your B2 visa and how to apply for it.
What Is a B2 Visa?
A B2 visa is a visitor visa meant for nonimmigrants visiting the US for pleasure or medical treatment. A B2 visa is distinct from a B1 visitor visa, which is for nonimmigrants who wish to enter the US for business purposes. For example, if you are visiting the US for tourism, medical treatment, or visiting with friends or family members, you would need a B2 visa to enter the country. If you were visiting for a business convention or sales purposes, you would need a B1 visa instead.
How Long Is a B2 Visa Valid For?
A B2 visa can be valid for up to ten years, but you can only stay in the US for up to six months (180 days) per entry. The exact amount of time you can stay in the US per entry depends on your individual circumstances and Border Patrol’s discretion. Overstaying your visa can render it void and bar you from applying for other US visas in the future.
What Is Not Allowed With a B2 Visa?
A B2 visa is only valid for visits of a recreational or medical nature. Activities that are not allowed on a B2 visa include:
- Study
- Long-term employment
- Arriving as aircraft crew
- Foreign press or news work
- Permanent residence
- Birth tourism (e.g., visiting for the purpose of having a child)
These activities require a different type of visa, which you can find on the Bureau of Consular Affairs’s website.
Necessary Documents for B2 Visa Application Form
Below is a checklist of all the documents you need to apply for your B2 visa. Note that approval is not guaranteed, so you should not make any travel arrangements or pay for flights until you receive approval.
- Passport. You will need a valid passport from your home country that is valid for at least six months after your intended stay in the US. If your country is on this exemption list, the six-month rule does not apply, and you only need a passport valid through your stay.
- Photo. You will also need a digital photo that meets US photo identification requirements.
- National ID Card. If your country issues them, you will also need a copy of your national identification number.
- Intent of visit. One document should state your intended reasons for visiting the United States.
- Proof of funds. You may have to provide bank statements or other proof you have funds to finance your trip.
- Proof of strong family ties. Proof of strong family ties is usually sufficient to demonstrate your intent to return home to your country.
- Proof of visa fee payment. Applicants must also provide a receipt for paying the $185 general visa application fee.
- Copy of Form DS-160. Form DS-160 is a general nonimmigrant visa application all visa-seekers must fill out.
Form DS-160
Form DS-160 is required for all nonimmigrants seeking visas. You fill out the form with your personal information, travel information, passport, education/employment, and any other factors relevant to your visit. You can fill out the form online and print a Form DS-160 confirmation page, which you will need to take to your scheduled visa interview.
B2 Visa Application Interview
When you fill out our Form DS-160, you will schedule an interview at your local US embassy. During the interview, a consulate officer will review your application, ask questions, and take digital fingerprint scans. You should bring your passport, travel itinerary, and printed photograph to the embassy. After the interview, the consular office will either grant your visa or ask for additional documentation.
How Long Does It Take to Process a B2 Visa?
The time it takes to process a B2 application depends heavily on the city in which you apply. Wait times can total anywhere between a week and over a year. You should be able to check general wait times with this tool on the State Department’s website.
Immigration Lawyers in Austin
Our visa application attorneys at the Law Office of William Jang, PLLC, have decades of experience helping individuals and families with their immigration issues and concerns. If you would like more information about B2 visa documents or have other immigration questions, contact us online or call today to receive an in-person or virtual case evaluation.
