B-2 Tourist and Medical Treatment Visas

B-2 Visa Qualifications

To qualify for a B-2 tourist or medical treatment visa, applicants must demonstrate that they are genuine temporary visitors to the United States.

U.S. immigration law requires that applicants:

• Maintain a residence abroad that they do not intend to abandon;
• Intend to enter the United States for a specifically limited duration; and
• Seek admission solely for legitimate activities permitted under B-2 classification, such as tourism or medical treatment.

The term residence is defined under U.S. immigration law as a person’s principal, actual dwelling place in fact, without regard to intent. For B visa applicants, consular officers must be satisfied that the applicant maintains such a residence abroad and intends to return after their visit. Doubts about intent to return cannot be overcome merely by showing that family members or dependents will remain abroad.

The “temporary” nature of a B-2 visit generally signifies a limited period of stay. Applicants must establish with reasonable certainty that they will depart the United States at the end of their visit and that they have realistic plans for the entire stay.

Importantly, B-2 visa holders are prohibited from engaging in any form of productive employment while in the United States. The visa is strictly for temporary visits and does not provide authorization for work or long-term residence.

B-2 Medical Treatment Visa Requirements

Applicants seeking to travel to the United States for medical treatment must provide detailed documentation demonstrating both the necessity of treatment and the ability to cover all associated expenses. Consular officers require clear evidence that the purpose of travel is legitimate and that sufficient financial resources are in place to support the treatment and related costs.

Applicants must show that:

• A qualified U.S. physician or medical facility has agreed to provide the treatment;
• The projected cost of treatment, including doctors’ fees, hospitalization, and incidental medical expenses, has been outlined; and
• Funds are available from lawful sources to pay for the treatment and all related expenses, including transportation, housing, and living costs.

Consular officers will request supporting documentation such as:

• A medical diagnosis from a physician in the applicant’s home country explaining the nature of the illness and the reason U.S. treatment is being sought;
• A letter from a U.S. physician or hospital confirming their willingness to provide treatment, along with details of the expected duration and cost; and
• Evidence of financial ability to cover expenses, which may include bank statements, proof of income, tax returns, or documents from a sponsoring individual or organization prepared to cover the applicant’s costs.

Applicants must demonstrate that their stay in the United States is temporary and tied directly to receiving treatment, and that they have intent to return abroad once the medical purpose has been fulfilled.

B-2 Visa Validity and Period of Admission

The validity of a B-2 visa is determined by the reciprocity schedule established for the applicant’s country of citizenship. For example, nationals of the United Kingdom, Belgium, and France may be issued B-2 visas valid for up to 10 years, while applicants from Nigeria and Russia are limited to maximum validity periods of 3 months and 3 years, respectively.

It is important to note that consular officers retain discretion when issuing visas and may choose to grant a validity period shorter than the maximum permitted under the reciprocity schedule. This approach is sometimes taken when there are concerns about the applicant’s travel intentions, allowing the officer to issue a visa rather than deny the application outright.

Visa validity, however, is distinct from the period of admission granted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry. While a visa allows the holder to request entry into the United States during its validity period, it does not determine the length of stay permitted once admitted. For B-2 visitors, CBP typically authorizes a maximum initial stay of six months, though officers have discretion to grant a shorter period based on the purpose and circumstances of the visit. Travelers must depart the United States on or before the date noted on their Form I-94, regardless of the visa’s overall validity.

The Barella Global Advantage

Navigating the complexities of the B-2 visa for tourism or medical treatment can be challenging, but at Barella Global, we offer unique advantages that set us apart.

1. Consular Level Experience: With offices in London and Brussels, and a presence in Paris, we have a distinct edge in understanding consular processing, given our physical proximity and routine dealings with U.S. consulates in these key cities and across Europe.
2. Broad-based Focus on B-2 Visas: We handle a wide range of B-2 visa applications, whether you’re planning a leisurely visit to the U.S. or seeking critical medical treatment. Our extensive background with these cases allows us to give you tailored, up-to-date advice for your specific circumstances.
3. Holistic Service Package: We understand that every case is unique—especially those involving medical treatments. From initial application to crucial interviews, we offer comprehensive assistance every step of the way.
4. Up-to-Date Knowledge: Immigration policies are always evolving. We are consistently updated with the latest immigration trends and policies, ensuring that you have the most current and accurate guidance.
5. Personalized Attention: At Barella Global, you’re not just a case number. We offer personalized consultations to better understand your individual needs and offer the most suitable solutions.

For a consultation tailored to your specific immigration needs, we invite you to contact our B-2 visa lawyer.