US Visitor Visa (B2)
The B2/B1 US visa is a non-immigrant visa which allows foreign nationals to enter into the U.S. temporarily for activities like tourism, visiting friends and relatives, medical care, participation in conventions, conferences, etc. The US visa for Tourist and Business purposes allow applicants to stay for a period of 6 months with multiple entries valid for up to 10 years.
How to Apply for B2 Tourist Visa
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Complete the Online Visa Application
- Online Non-immigrant Visa Application, form DS- 160– You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160.
- Schedule an Interview - Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.
- Appointment Wait Time - Check the estimated wait time for a non-immigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy consulate.
- Gather Required Documentation - Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
- Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States.
- Non-immigrant Visa Application, form DS- 160 confirmation page.
- Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
- Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160.
- Additional Documentation May Be Required - Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:
- The purpose of your trip,
- Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
- Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.
- Attend Your Visa Interview - A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.
US Visa Documents required
Must have Documents for US Visitor Visa:
- Original Passport with at least 6 months validity and minimum 3 blank pages + all old passports if any;
- Printout of your form DS 160 confirmation;
- Appointment letter confirmation;
- US Visa Fee Payment Receipt;
- 2 recent colour photographs (Photo Specification);
- Personal Covering letter (For Employed - Plain paper/ For Self-Employed - Letterhead);
- Original updated Bank Statement with sufficient bank balance (last 6 months);
- Income Tax Returns / Form 16 for last 3 years;
- Supporting Financial Documents such as Fixed Deposits, Property Investments, Recurring Deposits, any other Investments etc (Optional but advisable).
US Visitor Visa Fee
The application fee for the most common non-immigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas.
