Activities and Uses for the B-2 Visa
- Tourism, sightseeing, and pleasure trips to the U.S.
- Visiting friends and relatives in the U.S.
- Entering the country to marry a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
- Amateur (unpaid) athletes, musicians, or other performers competing or performing in their field.
- Attending conventions or events for social organizations (not for business).
- Coming to the U.S. to receive medical treatment.
Unlocking the B-2 Visa: Exploring Permissible Activities
The B-2 visa is a temporary, non-immigrant U.S. visa that permits the holder to enter the United States for a short time for travel, recreation, or family purposes.
B-2 Visa Requirements
In our experience, the main factor in getting a B2 visa approved is showing that the applicant has every intention of returning to their home country at the end of their permitted stay.
You must fulfill or prove all the requirements below in order to qualify for a B2 visa.
• Prove your visit will be temporary.
• Prove your intention to depart the U.S. at end of your stay (or any extension).
• Hold a valid foreign passport.
• Maintain a residence abroad where you intend to return.
• You are able to support yourself financially while in the country.
Most Common B-2 Forms and Their Associated Cost
- Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application: This form is required for all B-2 visa applicants. The DS-160 itself has no separate fee; the nonimmigrant visa application (MRV) fee for a B-2 visa is $185.
- Biometric Services: Consular B-2 visa applicants do not pay a separate biometric services fee; when biometrics are required they are collected as part of the visa application process at no additional charge.
The main government cost for the B-2 visa is the $185 nonimmigrant visa application (MRV) fee; Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, has no filing fee ($0). Please note that these are just the common forms and costs for the B-2 visa. The specific forms and costs may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant. It is important to consult with an immigration attorney to determine the specific requirements for your case.
USCIS filing fees are current as of July 2026; always confirm the latest amounts on the USCIS fee schedule and consular fees on the U.S. Department of State visa fee page.
New visa fee (as of July 2026)
The July 2025 budget law created a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee that will apply to most nonimmigrant visa issuances. As of July 2026 it is enacted but not yet being collected, pending federal implementation guidance. Contact us to confirm the fees that currently apply to your case.
B-2 Visa Processing Time and Length of Stay
A B-2 visa can be valid for several years and allow multiple entries, but the length of each stay is set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry — usually up to six months. If you need more time, you can request an extension of up to six additional months by filing Form I-539 with USCIS before your authorized stay expires. Consular processing times vary widely by embassy — from a few weeks to several months, depending on interview appointment availability — so apply well ahead of your intended travel.
What You Can and Cannot Do on a B-2 Visa
Permitted on a B-2 visa:
- Tourism, sightseeing, and vacations.
- Visiting family and friends.
- Receiving medical treatment (bring documentation of the treatment plan and proof that you can pay for it).
- Participating in amateur, unpaid musical, sports, or similar events or contests.
- Enrolling in a short recreational course that is not for credit toward a degree — for example, a weekend cooking class while on vacation.
Not permitted on a B-2 visa:
- Paid employment or running a business for profit in the U.S.
- Performing for pay — paid artists and athletes need a P, O, or other work visa.
- Enrolling in a full-time academic program for credit toward a degree, which requires an F-1 student visa.
- Working as foreign press or media, which requires an I visa.
B-2 Visa vs. the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
If you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, you may be able to visit for tourism without a B-2 visa by obtaining an ESTA authorization online. The key differences:
- Stay length: ESTA allows up to 90 days per visit and cannot be extended or changed to another status; a B-2 visa typically allows up to six months per entry and can be extended with Form I-539.
- Who it's for: ESTA is only for nationals of participating countries; travelers from other countries need a B-2 visa.
- Cost and speed: ESTA is a smaller online fee with a decision in minutes to days; a B-2 visa requires the MRV fee and a consular interview, with wait times that vary by embassy.
If you need to stay longer than 90 days, may want to extend your stay, or your country is not in the Visa Waiver Program, the B-2 visa is the right route.
How to Apply for a B-2 Visa
- Complete Form DS-160 online and print the confirmation page.
- Pay the MRV visa application fee ($185).
- Schedule your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Gather supporting documents — a valid passport, proof of funds, evidence of strong ties to your home country (employment, property, family), and your travel plans.
- Attend the interview. The consular officer's main concern is whether you intend to return home, so be ready to demonstrate your ties abroad.
B2 Visa FAQs
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