Entering the United States as a citizen of another country, whether it is for a vacation or medical treatment, a valid visa will be necessary. Without a visa, it will not be possible to enter the U.S. for either purpose. The planned travel that is recreational, including tourism, amusements, visits with friends or relatives, social or fraternal occasions, participation by amateurs in musical or sporting events, are all in the B-2 visitor’s visa classification. Planned travel to study a short course, of less than 18 hours per week and that is not for credits toward a degree, such as a cooking class with no credits earned. This classification is also appropriate for the person, who plans to travel to the United States for medical treatment. The consular officer can help to determine if this visa category is the right one, for the intended travel to the United States.
Qualifying for a B-2 Visa
There are specific rules and regulations for this type of visa classification and the individual applying must meet the regulations in order to have the visa approved, under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Applicants must prove:
- The reason for the visit to the United States is for pleasure, business or medical treatment.
- The duration of their stay will be limited to 90 days or less.
- They can prove they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses, while visiting the United States.
- They have convincing economic and social ties abroad.
- The individual must prove they have a residence outside of the U.S. and other ties to ensure they will return to their own country, after their visit to the United States.
The individual applying for this type of visa will normally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate within the jurisdiction of their permanent residence. The visa application will go through a process of review, which requires that the individual apply well in advance of their planned travel. This process will include an interview for applicants between the ages of 14 and 79, applicants who are younger than 13 or over the age of 80 usually will not be interviewed.
Making an appointment for the interview will be the beginning process of the visa application, and the waiting time can vary. During this interview, an ink-free digital fingerprint scan will be done. There will be documentation required to submit with the application, and this will include:
- Evidence showing the purpose of the trip and the intent to leave the United States, with arrangements and costs to cover the travel.
- Applicants who do not possess sufficient funds, must provide evidence that another person will provide the support. This must be convincing evidence or the visa will not be approved.
- There may be other evidence or documentation required, which is on an individual basis. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate officer will be able to explain any other documentation necessary, for the individual’s application.
The South Dakota immigration lawyer can explain the B-2 visa process to the family or person in the United States, who are waiting for a visit from a foreign national. One thing the immigration lawyer South Dakota will reiterate is the applicant should apply for the visa much earlier than their projected time of travel to the U.S., since it takes time for the review process during the visa application approval.
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