The most known US visa is a tourist visa known as B2 Visa. This is influenced by the International tourism growth rate that continues to boost the global economy. To put this in numbers, approximately 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals were listed in 2019, globally. A tourist visa permits applicants to come into the US for tourism purposes, to visit old friends and family, or simply to relax. Tourist Visa only applies to those that are not in the US Visa Waiver Program.
Eligibility Criteria for a US Tourist Visa
In terms of eligibility, it is very easy to obtain a US tourist visa once a detailed purpose is presented. Hence, one of the following must be provided when applying for a tourist visa:
- holiday booking in the US
- reservation for tour/tours in a US city/cities
- booking confirmation for a social event (music festival, sports event)
- evidence that medical treatment must be done in the US
- confirmation of enrollment for a short study course at a US institution (like cooking class or language course),
- proof that a friend or family member has invited an applicant to their home in the US.
Additionally, applicants will have to provide a bank statement that proves their financial stability to show that they can cover their stay. Along with the intention of returning home. If none of the above categories applies to candidates’ reason for travel, then they need to apply for another type of non-immigrant visa that suits their trip purpose.
Application Process for a US Tourist Visa
There are five main steps when it comes to the application process.
- Submitting a DS-160 form. A DS-160 form is a form used for short-term visa applications. It applies to business visas, as well as tourist visas, short study or medical travels. This form will ask to fill in personal details and specific sections that apply to the applicant’s purpose of travel – in this case, tourism. Submission is done purely online. Once an application is submitted, the verification page will pop up. It is important to save the code presented on the verification page as it is needed for further application steps. The form can be filled in online using the Consular Electronic Application Center or third-party services.
- Paying a visa fee. A standard application fee is $160. Additionally, extra fees may be added on top of the standard application fee – this could include issuance fees (which vary from country to country).
- Scheduling Interview. The interview stage is conducted at the US embassy where certain questions about the trip will be asked. The wait for the interview is normally long, therefore it is advised to book the appointment as soon as possible. Once the interview is booked, a confirmation letter will be sent to the applicant’s home address. This needs to be taken with them on the day of the interview.
- Providing supporting documents. Applicants must gather all supporting documents in time for the visa interview. This is because they will need to provide them on the day of the interview. Standard B2 visa required documents include a valid passport, US visa photo, confirmation page and code (obtained after filling in a DS-160), a receipt showing that visa fee has been paid, interview confirmation page, a detailed letter highlighting the purpose of the trip, bank statement (showing applicant can cover their stay), and anything that will prove the applicant is returning home (work contract, property deed).
Additional documents are required when travelling for a specific purpose. For instance, if travelling to see a friend/family an invitation letter, criminal record, and any documents that confirm prior visits to the US. For short-term study travels – transcript, enrolment letter. When travelling for treatment – a letter from a doctor confirming diagnosis and treatment in a US clinic is required.
- Attending the interview. The last stage is attending the interview where all the supporting documents are shown, and detailed questions are asked about the stay. It is essential to plan a detailed trip plan, so the interview process is smooth and quick.
Why is it Recommended to use Third-Party Services during the Application Process?
As mentioned before, there are two ways of applying: through Consular Electronic application Center or Third-Party services. However, it is highly recommended to use a Third-Party service due to the many benefits it offers.
- full assistance during the application process (by providing a full list of required documents & checking the application before sending it off so it has the highest prospect of success)
- staff that will take care of visa appointment booking
- protection to applicant’s finance in case application is denied (so fees are refunded)
Visa Photo Specifications
The person must provide a correct visa photo so their application is approved. Photo must be in colour, have a white background, measure 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), be no older than 6 months, and be printed on high-quality paper. Digital submission requires the file format to be in JPEG, have 600×600 pixels in dimension, and measure no more than 240 kb in size.
For the duration of the photo, individuals should keep a neutral facial expression (no smiling), look straight into the camera, keep their eyes open and mouth closed, and remove all forbidden items (headwear, glasses, uniform). More detailed information can be found on the State Department’s official website.
Processing Time, Validity & Extension of B2 US Visa
Like any other visa, processing time takes between a few weeks up to a few months. This largely depends on the Embassy’s workload. The validity of such a visa is six months, with the possibility of extension.
Extension of the application will allow individuals to stay for six more months, once it is accepted. Application for extension should be done 42 days before the current visa expires.
Following documents need to be provided when applying for tourist visa extension: valid passport, a filled I-539 form, evidence of financial stability, receipt proving that payment of extension fee ($370) has been made, written letter highlighting purpose for extension and original photocopy of I-94 card (arrival/departure record given to those that extends their stay).
Access to American Healthcare System & Green Card Application for B2 Visa Holders
A tourist visa holder is not permitted to use free medical services in the US. Hence, they are responsible for their healthcare when travelling abroad. Due to high financial expenses when it comes to the US healthcare system, it is highly advised that each candidate pays an additional fee for health insurance. This is because even a small treatment in an American hospital can cost between $2,000-10,000.
Moreover, similarly to a B1 visa (temporary business visit), B2 visa holders are not permitted to apply for a green card. During the application process, the applicant must provide evidence that they will be returning to their home country, as a visa is issued for temporary travel only. Moreover, starting a job or studying in the US is also forbidden for tourist visa holders.
