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Key elements of a B-2 visa
- For leisure and personal travel: Covers activities such as sightseeing, visiting U.S. attractions, staying with friends or relatives, attending non-business conferences, or getting medical care.
- Short-term stay: This is usually granted for up to six months per visit, with the possibility of requesting an extension for an additional six months if there’s a valid reason.
- No work allowed: B-2 visa holders cannot accept employment, be paid by a U.S. company, or engage in activities that would require a work visa.
- Proof of ties to home country: Applicants must show evidence, such as a job, family, school enrollment, or property ownership, that they will return home after their visit.
- Application process: Applicants must complete the DS-160 form online, pay the application fee, and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. They may also need to provide supporting documents like travel itineraries, bank statements, and proof of strong home-country ties.
- Possible multiple entries: Many B-2 visas are issued for several years and allow multiple entries. You can visit the U.S. more than once during the visa’s validity period, as long as each stay is temporary.
Planning travel with a B-2 visa
The B-2 visa offers flexibility for personal travel to the U.S. but comes with strict rules. Overstaying your permitted time or working without authorization can lead to visa cancellation or future entry bans. To avoid problems, keep records of your travel plans, follow your approved stay dates, and be prepared to explain your visit’s purpose to immigration officials at the border.
