B-2 Visa
Tourist Visitor
What is B-2 visa?
The B-2 visa is a tourist visa. It allows foreigners to come to the United States for visiting and pleasure. It is authorized under the Immigration and Naturalization Act Section 101(a)(15)(B). The B-2 visa has several criteria: (a) The applicant has a foreign residence; (b) The applicant has no intention to abandon foreign residence; and (c) the visit is temporary.
How to use B-2 visa?
B-2 visa can be used for many purposes. The following are common uses of B-2 visa:
• For tourists to travel in the U.S.
• Visiting friends and relatives in the U.S.
• Visiting for health and medical purposes.
• Participating in conventions of social organizations in the U.S.
• Dependents of U.S. armed forces personnel.
• Accompanying D-1, D-2 or B-1 visa holders.
• For foreigners to accompany principal E, H, or L visa holders when corresponding dependent E, H, or L visa is not available to the dependent spouse or child.
• For foreigners to come the U.S. to marry non-immigrant and then must change to spouse’s dependent status.
• Parents accompanying F-1 child may use B-2 visa.
Limitations of B-2 visa:
• B-2 visa holders can legally stay in the United States only up to the expiration date on the I-94 form or extensions approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
• B-2 visa holders are not allowed to engage in employment activities in the U.S.
• B-2 visa holders are not allowed to begin to study in the U.S. unless a change of status application is approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to change to another non-immigration status that allows studying in the United States.
How to apply for B-2 visa?
• If you are not in the United States at this time, you should use forms DS-156 and DS-157 to apply for B-2 visa with a U.S. Consulate office.
• If you are currently in the United States and in a status other than B-2, you should use form I-539 to apply for the B-2 status.
• If you are already in the United States and in the B-2 status and wish to extend the period of stay, you should use form I-539 to apply for an extension.
