B-2 Visas

Visitors for Pleasure (B-2 Visa)

What benefits can be obtained from a B-2 Visa?
The B-2 visa allows an individual to enter the United States for pleasure. These activities may include visiting a family member, touring, and receiving medical treatment.

How long may the visitor for pleasure stay in the United States?
Tourist are automatically given a period of entry of six months. A border agent, however, may give a period of stay of less than six months.

What is the process for an individual to obtain a B-2 visa?
An individual must submit his or her application for a nonimmigrant visa (B-2) to the U.S. consulate.

What is the period of validity for the B-2 visa?
Most U.S. embassies issue a B-2 visa with a period of validity of up to ten years.

May the visitor for pleasure be allowed to work while in the United States?
No. Individuals with B-2 visas cannot engage in gainful employment while in the United States.

What are the requirements to obtain a B-2 visa?
An individual must satisfy five requirements to obtain a B-2 visa:

1. The individual is entering the U.S. for a specific period of time;

2. The individual must intend to depart the U.S. at the expiration of his or her stay;

3. The individual must maintain a foreign residence while in the U.S;

4. The individual has adequate funds to travel to and depart the U.S. and;

5. The individual will engage in legitimate activities relating to pleasure.

Are citizens from all countries required to obtain a B-2 visa from a U.S. embassy to enter the United States as a visitor for pleasure?
No. Citizens of Canada are not required to obtain a B-2 visa from a U.S. embassy to enter the U.S. as a visitor for pleasure. Nationals of twenty-nine countries do not need to obtain B-visas for tourist visits to the United States of ninety days or less.

These countries are:
Andorra	Ireland	San Marino
Argentina	Italy	Singapore
Australia	Japan	Slovenia
Belgium	Liechtenstein	Spain
Brunei	Luxembourg	Sweden
Denmark	Monaco	Switzerland
Finland	The Netherlands	The United Kingdom
France	New Zealand	Uruguay
Germany	Norway
Iceland	Portugal