U.S. Visas: B-2

A B-2 is a visa issued to persons visiting the United States for pleasure.

Who Qualifies For A B-2 Visa Classification?
What Are The Requirements For A B-2 Visa?
Can B-2 Dependents Be Employed?
How Long Is The B-2 Visa Valid?

Who Qualifies for B-2 Visa Classification?

Eligible pleasure activities are defined as legitimate activities of a recreational character and include:

1. Tourism;
2. Amusement;
3. Visits with friends or relatives;
4. Rest;
5. Medical treatment; or
6. Activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature.

Other activities classified under the B-2 visa include:

• Amateur entertainers and athletes to perform in a social or charitable context or to compete in a talent show, contest, or athletic event without compensation except for incidental expenses;
• Dependents of alien members of the U.S. armed forces temporarily assigned duty in the U.S.;
• Dependents of crewmembers (“D”) solely to accompany the principal alien;
• Aliens coming to the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien, upon establishing that after the marriage, they will depart from the U.S., even though intending ultimately to immigrate;
• Aliens whose purpose in entering is to marry an alien in valid nonimmigrant (F, H, J, L, M) status if they have a residence abroad to which they intend to return;
• Nonimmigrants accompanying a U.S. spouse or parent on a temporary visit;
• Dependents of nonimmigrants for whom no derivative classification is available, e.g., the elderly parent of an “E” alien;
• Aliens and their dependents who enter to apply for special naturalization benefits, on the basis of U.S. military service;
• Under emergency circumstances, temporary entry for lawful permanent residents who lack appropriate documentation;
• Dependents of B-1 visa holders;
• Attendance at a short course of study when incidental to a clearly proper visit.

What are the Requirements for a B-2 Visa?

CHANGE OF STATUS IN THE U.S.:

If the applicant is presently in the United States, in valid status, VISANOW can file an application for a change of status to B-2 with the USCIS.

B-2 APPLICATION AT A U.S. CONSULATE:

If the applicant is residing outside of the United States, the applicant will submit Form DS-156 and possibly Form DS-157 to the Consular office in the country where he/she resides.

An interview at the local U.S. embassy is required for almost all applicants for B-1 visas. The waiting times for the interviews will vary. If the B-2 visa is approved, the embassy will issue a visa stamp in the applicant’s passport within a week of the interview. The officer may request that some applicants provide additional information.

Applicants for a B-2 visa must show that:

1. They have “nonimmigrant intent” i.e. intent to depart the U.S. after the completion of their activities in the U.S;
2. They have a foreign residence that they intend to maintain;
3. They will be engaging in activities permitted under the B-2 visa and they will not be engaging in gainful employment in the U.S; and
4. They have adequate financial arrangements to carry out the purpose of their visit.

Can B-2 Dependents Be Employed?

No, there is no gainful employment allowed under this visa classification for either the primary visa holder or the dependent.

How Long Is The B-2 Visa Valid?

A B-2 visa is valid for up to ten years. Upon entry, a B-2 visa holder is usually given a six-month stay, which can be extended for another six-month period.