The B2 visa is one of the most commonly issued non-immigrant visas for individuals wishing to visit the United States on a temporary basis. It is designed for those whose travel is for leisure, to visit family or friends, or to obtain medical treatment. Unlike work visas or student visas, the B2 visa does not allow employment or study that leads to formal qualifications, but it remains an important route for millions of visitors worldwide each year.
What this article is about: This guide explains the B2 visa in full detail, from its purpose and eligibility requirements to the application process, supporting documentation, and compliance obligations. It is written for applicants in the UK and other countries considering a visit to the United States under this route, as well as for sponsors, families, and advisers assisting with applications. By the end of the article, you will have a clear understanding of the B2 visa process, how to prepare an application, and how to maintain compliance with US immigration rules during your stay.
Section A: Understanding the B2 Visa
The B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to individuals who wish to enter the United States temporarily for leisure, visiting family and friends, or receiving medical treatment. It is distinct from the B1 visa (business travel) and from the combined B1/B2 visas that many applicants receive in practice. A visa’s validity (often up to 10 years for UK nationals under reciprocity) is not the same as the period of stay, which CBP decides at entry and records on the I-94. Most B-2 entrants are admitted for up to six months, but CBP may grant a shorter period. You must comply with the I-94 date, not the visa foil’s expiry.
1. Purpose of the B2 Visa
The B2 visa exists to allow foreign nationals to visit the United States for purposes not connected to employment or full-time study. Typical reasons include:
- Tourism, such as visiting cities, landmarks, or cultural attractions
- Visiting family members or friends who are legally residing in the US
- Attending social or recreational events, such as cultural programmes, music festivals, or amateur sports activities (with no pay)
- Obtaining private medical treatment in the US, with evidence of arrangements and ability to pay
Limited recreational or short study that is incidental to the visit and not for credit can be permissible (commonly framed as under ~18 hours per week); anything leading to academic credit or a qualification requires the appropriate student status.
2. Activities Not Permitted
The B2 visa has strict limitations. Prohibited activities include:
- Taking up paid or unpaid employment of any kind
- Enrolling in a course of study that is for credit or amounts to full-time education
- Working as a journalist or in any professional activity needing a specific visa category
- Using B-2 as a path to residence or to undertake activities inconsistent with visitor status
Attempting restricted activities risks visa cancellation, removal, and future refusals (including findings under INA 214(b) or, in serious cases, misrepresentation).
3. Length of Stay
Although a B-2 visa foil may be valid for multiple years, each visit’s authorised stay is set by CBP and shown on the I-94. Overstaying the I-94, even briefly, can void the visa used to enter under INA 222(g) and may start accruing unlawful presence, which triggers the 3- or 10-year bars if you later depart after more than 180 days or 1 year respectively. Always check and comply with your I-94.
Visitors who need more time may request an extension by filing Form I-539 with USCIS before the I-94 expires. A timely, non-frivolous filing generally places you in a period of authorised stay while the application is pending (you still cannot work). Approval is discretionary and evidence-driven.
Section Summary:
The B2 visa permits short-term, non-work visits for leisure, family and certain medical reasons. The I-94 controls your stay, not the visa validity, and breaching it carries significant consequences.
Section B: Eligibility Requirements
To obtain a B2 visa, applicants must satisfy the US authorities that they qualify and that travel is genuinely temporary. The burden of proof is on the applicant; consular officers refuse many cases under INA 214(b) where non-immigrant intent is not established.
1. Demonstrating Non-Immigrant Intent
The central requirement is showing that you will depart the U.S. after your visit. Evidence includes:
- Employment in your home country (contract, employer letter confirming role and approved leave)
- Property ownership or a tenancy
- Immediate family members remaining behind
- Ongoing education or professional commitments
If a consular officer believes you intend to remain unlawfully, the visa will be refused under 214(b).
2. Financial Requirements
You must show funds to cover the trip without working in the U.S.: flights, accommodation, daily costs, and any medical expenses. Evidence may include bank statements, payslips, savings/investments, or a sponsor’s letter with proof of their ability to support you. Where medical treatment is the purpose, provide the U.S. provider’s letter confirming diagnosis, proposed treatment, anticipated duration and costs, and proof you can pay.
3. Medical & Background Considerations
Applicants must be admissible to the U.S. Grounds of inadmissibility (e.g., certain criminal or immigration violations) can bar issuance. For medical-treatment travel, supply: the nature of the condition, reasons treatment is sought in the U.S., provider confirmation of arrangements/duration/cost, and evidence of funds/insurance. Security and background checks apply to all applicants.
Section Summary:
Eligibility centres on proving temporary intent, financial sufficiency, and admissibility. Weak evidence in these areas is the leading cause of refusals.
Section C: Application Process
The B2 process is structured but unforgiving of errors. Applicants complete the online DS-160, pay the MRV fee, and attend a consular interview at the U.S. Embassy in London or the Consulate General in Belfast.
1. Completing Form DS-160
Submit the DS-160 via CEAC with accurate, complete answers; upload a compliant photo; retain the barcode confirmation for scheduling. Inconsistencies may cause delays or refusal.
2. Paying the Visa Fee
The current B-1/B-2 MRV fee is $185 (non-refundable). Keep the receipt number to book your interview. Additional charges (e.g., courier) may apply.
3. Booking & Attending the Visa Interview
Schedule at London or Belfast; peak seasons can lengthen waits. Bring:
- Valid passport (see passport-validity note below)
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Appointment confirmation
- MRV fee receipt
- Supporting evidence (ties, finances, medical papers if relevant)
At interview, a consular officer will assess eligibility and purpose. If approved, your passport is returned with the visa by courier. If refused, the officer states the legal basis. Passport validity: UK nationals are in the Six-Month Validity exemption (“Six-Month Club”), so your passport generally needs to be valid for the intended stay, though some airlines apply a six-month rule—check carrier policy.
Section Summary:
Success turns on a clean DS-160, correct fee, and targeted evidence at interview. Understand local logistics and passport-validity rules before you book.
Section D: Key Considerations & Compliance
Obtaining a B2 visa is only the first step. You must comply with conditions while in the U.S. and depart or extend on time.
1. Extensions & Changes of Status
To extend stay, file Form I-539 before your I-94 expires and maintain visitor activities only. A timely filing generally places you in a period of authorised stay while USCIS decides the case; this is not work permission. If you travel while a change of status request is pending, it is typically treated as abandoned; travel during an extension request can also create complications and is generally discouraged—seek case-specific advice before travel. USCIS may excuse late filings only in narrow “extraordinary circumstances.” Premium processing exists for certain I-539 change-of-status categories (e.g., F/M/J) but does not generally expedite B-2 extensions.
2. Overstays & Consequences
Overstaying the I-94 can: (i) void the visa used to enter under INA 222(g), requiring most applicants to reapply in their nationality country; and (ii) accrue unlawful presence, triggering a 3-year bar (over 180 days but less than one year) or a 10-year bar (one year or more) upon departure. These consequences can severely impact future U.S. travel.
3. Alternatives to the B2 Visa
Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries (including the UK) may be eligible to travel on ESTA for visits of up to 90 days. VWP travellers generally cannot extend or change status after entry; CBP may grant Satisfactory Departure (up to 30 days) in emergencies. For stays longer than 90 days, or if you are ineligible for VWP/ESTA, a B-2 is usually the appropriate route.
Section Summary:
File any extension on time, avoid activities outside visitor status, and never overstay. Use ESTA only when its 90-day, no-extension model fits your trip.
FAQs
How long does a B2 visa take to process?
Timelines vary by post and season. From DS-160 to interview can be several weeks or more; allow time for possible administrative processing after interview. Check local scheduling and plan well ahead of travel.
Can I work in the US on a B2 visa?
No. B-2 status prohibits employment (paid or unpaid) and professional activities that require another visa category.
How do I extend my B2 stay?
File Form I-539 before your I-94 expires, with a clear explanation and supporting proof (e.g., medical letters, extended itinerary, finances). A timely, non-frivolous filing generally places you in a period of authorised stay while pending; you must still follow B-2 rules.
Is ESTA the same as a B2 visa?
No. ESTA (VWP) is visa-free travel for eligible nationals for up to 90 days; there is no routine extension or change of status, though “Satisfactory Departure” may be available in emergencies. B-2 normally allows a longer stay and the option to apply for an extension with USCIS.
What documents are required for a B2 interview?
Passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, MRV receipt, and evidence supporting your purpose, ties and funds; for medical travel, include the U.S. provider’s letter with treatment details and costs.
Conclusion
The B2 visa remains the principal route for temporary U.S. visits for leisure, family or medical treatment. Preparation should focus on non-immigrant intent, funding, and adherence to B-2 limits. Remember the distinction between visa validity and I-94 stay, and the consequences of overstay (INA 222(g) and 3/10-year bars). For shorter trips where ESTA eligibility is clear, VWP can be faster but offers no extension or change-of-status path. A careful, evidence-led approach reduces risk and protects future travel.
Glossary
Term | Definition |
---|---|
B2 Visa | A non-immigrant visa allowing temporary visits to the U.S. for tourism, visiting family/friends, or medical treatment. |
DS-160 | The online non-immigrant visa application used for B-category visas; filed via CEAC. |
MRV Fee | The Machine Readable Visa fee ($185 for B-category as at the time of writing). |
I-94 | CBP arrival/departure record that governs each visit’s authorised stay. |
ESTA (VWP) | Visa Waiver Program authorisation for eligible nationals, max 90 days; no extension/change, only limited “Satisfactory Departure” in emergencies. |
INA 222(g) | Statute that voids the visa used to enter if you overstay the I-94. |
Unlawful presence bars | 3- and 10-year inadmissibility bars triggered by departure after 180+ days/1+ year of unlawful presence. |
Period of authorised stay | Time you are allowed to remain in the U.S. (e.g., while a timely I-539 is pending), which is distinct from being in a formal “status.” |
Six-Month Validity (UK) | UK is in the Six-Month Club; passport must be valid for the intended stay (airlines may still require longer). |
Useful Links
Resource | Link |
---|---|
US Embassy London – Nonimmigrant Visas | Visit page |
US State Department – B2 Visa Information | Visit page |
Form DS-160 (CEAC) | Visit page |
USCIS – Extend/Change Status (I-539) | Visit page |
CBP – VWP & ESTA FAQs | Visit page |
CBP – Six-Month Validity Update | Visit page |
NNU Immigration – B2 Visa Guide | Visit page |
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
- Anne Morrishttps://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/
- Anne Morrishttps://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/
- Anne Morrishttps://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/
- Anne Morrishttps://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/