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B-2 — Tourist / Medical Visitor
VisasUnited StatesB-2 — Tourist / Medical Visitor
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

B-2 — Tourist / Medical Visitor

Tourist

At a Glance

Processing Time

14-90 days

Application Fee

435 USD

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$51,000
Quality of Life
186/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Tourism, vacation, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, or participation in social events.

The B-2 is a US nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals visiting temporarily for tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or unpaid social and amateur events. Applicants must show strong ties to their home country and no intent to work, study, or remain permanently.

CBP officers grant up to 180 days at the port of entry; extensions come in six-month increments via Form I-539. No work authorization or PR pathway, and dual intent is not permitted. Fees are $185 (MRV application) plus a $250 Visa Integrity Fee at issuance; reciprocity fees apply for some nationalities.

This visa is ideal for travelers outside the Visa Waiver Program who need a multi-purpose entry permit for leisure, medical care, or family visits.

Fee Breakdown

MRV Application Fee
185 USD
Visa Integrity Fee
250 USD
Visa Issuance Fee (reciprocity)
—

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant6 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

F-1 — Student Visa
United States flagUnited States

F-1 — Student Visa

ValidityAdmitted for 'Duration of Status' (D/S), which covers the length of the academic program plus a 60-day grace period.
Processing14-56 days
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay

Demonstrated non-immigrant intent and ties to home country

Sufficient funds to cover the trip

No intent to work, study, or remain permanently in the U.S.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond intended stay)

DS-160 confirmation page

Application fee payment receipt

Digital photo meeting U.S. visa photo requirements

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Covers both tourism and medical treatment under a single visa category
  • Valid for travel even after the issuing passport expires (travel with both passports)
  • Often issued as combined B-1/B-2 covering both business and tourism
  • Can be issued with multiple-entry validity up to 10 years (nationality-dependent)

Worth Knowing

  • Employment or paid performances strictly prohibited
  • Enrollment in academic or vocational programs not permitted
  • Birth tourism explicitly prohibited
  • CBP officers have final admission authority at the port of entry — a visa does not guarantee entry
  • ESTA/Visa Waiver Program countries do not need a B-2 for stays under 90 days
  • Canadian and Bermudian citizens have alternative entry options and generally do not need a B-2
  • Visa issuance fee assessed post-approval and varies by nationality (reciprocity fee)

Application Process

1

Complete Form DS-160 online

2

Pay the $185 MRV application fee

3

Schedule an interview appointment at a U.S. consulate or embassy

4

Attend in-person interview with all required documents

5

Pay the $250 Visa Integrity Fee (and any reciprocity fees) upon visa approval

6

Await visa decision; collect passport if approved

Application Forms

DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Fill online

Verified Claims (33)

Last verified May 30, 2026
Application StepsComplete Form DS-160 online; Pay the $185 MRV application fee; Schedule an interview appointment at …travel.state.gov
Blockers—travel.state.gov
Can Convert Tous-f-1travel.state.gov
Categoriestouristtravel.state.gov
Codeus-b-2travel.state.gov
Criminal PolicyCertain criminal convictions may result in inadmissibility; a waiver (Form I-192) may be requiredtravel.state.gov
Dual Intentfalsetravel.state.gov
Fee BreakdownMRV Application Fee: 185 USD; Visa Integrity Fee: 250 USD; {"label":"Visa Issuance Fee (reciprocity)…travel.state.gov

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