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How to Get a USA B-2 Visa

Contributor
By Christi Bowers
eHow Contributing Writer
(4 Ratings)

The USA B-2 Visa is a Visa intended for those who will be tourists in the United States. This Visa allows foreign nationals to enter the United States without having to become permanent residents or qualify for citizenship. This article will explore how to obtain a USA B-2 Visa.

From Quick Guide: Visas - Accepted Everywhere
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • certain intentions for coming to the US (like for tourism or medical care)
  • money to fund the trip yourself
  • strong ties to your home country
  • service to use to get the b-2 visa
  1. Step 1

    Make sure you qualify. Valid reasons include tourism, undergoing medical care, and/or participation in a convention or conference. Amateur entertainers and athletes wishing to perform/participate in event may also qualify.

  2. Step 2

    Check to see if you qualify for the visa waiver program. The program allow eligible persons to enter the United States for up to ninety days without a B-2 Visa.

  3. Step 3

    Agree to stay in the United States for less than six months. For person planning to stay longer, still obtain a B-2 Visa. Once in the country, request an extension. Or, change your status to permanent residence by applying and qualifying for a Green Card.

  4. Step 4

    Make sure you meet all requirements of the B-2 Visa. You have to have a permanent residence in your home country. Also, prove you have the money to fund the trip yourself. You do not qualify for US assistance programs.

  5. Step 5

    Make sure you have a valid passport. It cannot be dated to expire within six months of the date you will enter the United States.

  6. Step 6

    Start the application process. You will need to make an appointment with the Consulate in your area. Bring your passport, money to cover the associated fees, a description of your trip and a recent 2 by 2 inch photo. You may be digitally fingerprinted at the interview. Allow plenty of time between the interview and the approval of your B-2 Visa paperwork.

  7. Step 7

    Visit the US Department of State website, and review the section on Visas to get more information. The Web site will also list the required documentation for the interview as well as the countries that are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.

Tips & Warnings
  • If you live in certain countries, you may not need a B-2 Visa to come to the United States. You could go through the Visa Waiver Program. This exempts you from having to apply for a visa, as long as you will be in the United States for less than 90 days. For more information on the Visa Waiver, see the site listed in the resource section.
  • One advantage of the B-2 Visa is that it can be changed to a Green Card. With the Visa Waiver program, you would first have to change to a B-2 Visa and then seek the Green Card.
  • If you are planning to come to the United States to work or study, you need a different type of visa. The B-2 visa is a tourist visa.
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