B-2 — Tourism, Family and Medical Visitor

Visa overview

The B-2 covers personal travel: holidays, visiting family or friends, attending a wedding or graduation, participating in social events, and travelling for medical treatment. It also covers short recreational courses that do not count toward a qualification. Employment is not permitted, and neither is enrolling in a course of academic study — that requires a student category. Applications are assessed on whether the stated purpose is credible, whether the trip can be funded without working, and whether ties to the home country support an intention to return. Most applicants receive a combined B-1/B-2 visa covering both business and personal travel.

Who may qualify

• Tourists travelling for holidays or sightseeing
• People visiting family members or friends in the United States
• Guests attending weddings, graduations, funerals or other family events
• Patients travelling for treatment at a specific medical facility
• People taking short recreational courses that do not lead to a qualification

This is general information about the category, not an assessment of your circumstances.

Key requirements

• A specific personal or medical purpose consistent with visitor activity
• A defined period of stay and a genuine plan to depart
• Sufficient funds for the trip, personally or through a documented sponsor
• Ties to your home country — employment, family, property, studies or other commitments
• For medical travel, a diagnosis, a treatment plan and evidence you can pay for it
• No intention to work or to enrol in academic study

Typical application process

1. 1Confirm the trip purpose falls within permitted visitor activity
2. 2Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application and pay the fee
3. 3Book the consular appointment — availability varies considerably between posts
4. 4Prepare evidence of the purpose, the funding and your ties at home
5. 5Attend the interview and answer directly and consistently
6. 6If issued, travel; the period of admission is decided at the port of entry
7. 7Depart on or before the date recorded on admission

Documents commonly required

• Passport valid for the required period beyond the intended stay
• Visa application confirmation and fee receipt
• Travel itinerary and accommodation details
• Invitation letter from your host, with evidence of their status in the United States
• Bank statements, or a sponsor’s letter with their financial evidence
• Employment letter confirming your role and approved leave, or evidence of studies or business
• Evidence of ties: property documents, family circumstances or ongoing commitments
• For medical travel: the diagnosis, treatment plan, cost estimate and evidence of ability to pay

Typical processing considerations

Appointment availability is the dominant variable and differs greatly between consular posts, sometimes by many months. Cases may also be placed in administrative processing after the interview. The visa authorises travel to a port of entry; the length of stay actually granted is decided there, and it is often shorter than applicants assume. Government processing periods change and no date or outcome can be guaranteed.

Common questions about the B-2