United States•North America

Open

B-2 — Tourist / Medical Visitor

Tourist

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 3 months

Estimated Cost

USD $935

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$52,000

Quality of Life

185/200

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); 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.

Curious about life in the United States?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

MRV Application FeeUSD $185

Visa Issuance Fee (reciprocity)—

Expedited B1/B2 Interview Appointment Fee (Optional)USD $750

TotalUSD $935

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

6 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United 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.

Processing2 weeks – 2 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED 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.

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)