B2 Visa Guide: US Visitor Rules & Application

The B2 visa is one of the most widely issued U.S. nonimmigrant visas, available to individuals seeking to enter the country for a temporary visit. It is primarily intended for leisure travel, visits to relatives or friends, and private medical treatment. Unlike employment- or study-based visas, the B2 does not authorise work or full-time academic programmes leading to qualifications. Despite its restrictions, it continues to be a vital route for millions of international visitors each year.

What this article is about: This guide explains the B2 visa comprehensively, covering its purpose, eligibility rules, application procedure, documentation requirements, and compliance obligations. It is intended for applicants in the UK and other countries planning travel to the United States, as well as for families, sponsors, and professional advisers who assist with applications. By the conclusion, you will understand how the B2 process works, how to prepare a strong application, and how to maintain lawful compliance with U.S. immigration rules during your stay.

Section A: Understanding the B2 Visa

The B2 visa is a temporary visitor visa category reserved for individuals who wish to travel to the United States for leisure, family visits, or medical treatment. It is distinct from the B1 visa (business visitors) and from the combination B1/B2 visas often issued in practice. Importantly, a visa’s validity period—for example, up to ten years for many UK nationals under the principle of reciprocity—does not determine the actual length of stay. The period of authorised stay is set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry and recorded on the I-94 arrival record. While most B-2 entrants are admitted for up to six months, CBP may grant a shorter period depending on the circumstances. Compliance with the I-94 date is mandatory, regardless of the visa’s printed expiry date.

1. Purpose of the B2 Visa

The B2 visa exists to facilitate short-term visits to the United States for purposes unrelated to employment or full-time study. Common uses include:

• Tourism, such as visiting U.S. cities, landmarks, or cultural sites
• Visiting relatives or friends residing in the United States
• Participating in social or recreational events such as cultural programmes, music festivals, or amateur sporting activities, provided there is no form of remuneration
• Accessing private medical treatment in the U.S., supported by documentary proof of arrangements and the ability to pay

Incidental study is permissible, but it must be short, recreational, and non-credit bearing. Any study leading to academic credit or a qualification requires the appropriate student status such as F or M classification.

2. Activities Not Permitted

B2 visa holders must remain strictly within the scope of authorised visitor activity. Prohibited activities include:

• Undertaking paid or unpaid employment of any kind
• Enrolling in a course of study that provides credit or amounts to full-time education
• Working as a journalist or engaging in any professional activity requiring a separate visa category
• Using the B2 as a means to live in the United States or carry out activities inconsistent with visitor status

Attempts to engage in prohibited activity may lead to visa cancellation, removal, or future visa refusals under INA §214(b). In serious cases of misrepresentation, applicants risk a finding under INA §212(a)(6)(C)(i), resulting in a permanent bar from the United States.

3. Length of Stay

Although a B2 visa foil may be valid for multiple years, each period of stay is set individually by CBP and noted on the I-94. Remaining in the U.S. beyond the authorised period, even briefly, can trigger INA §222(g), which automatically voids the visa used to enter. Overstays may also result in the accrual of unlawful presence, which carries serious penalties: a 3-year re-entry bar for more than 180 days of unlawful presence, and a 10-year bar for one year or more. Strict adherence to the I-94 record is therefore essential.

Visitors who require more time may request an extension of stay by submitting Form I-539 to USCIS before the I-94 expiry date. A timely, non-frivolous application generally places the applicant in a period of authorised stay while a decision is pending. However, this does not create lawful nonimmigrant status. If the application is refused, unlawful presence may accrue back to the I-94 expiry date. Importantly, there is no premium processing option for B-2 extensions.

Section Summary:
The B2 visa allows short-term, non-work visits for tourism, family visits, and certain medical purposes. The I-94, not the visa validity, determines how long you may remain. Overstaying has severe consequences under U.S. immigration law, and extension requests must be filed on time and supported by evidence.

Section B: Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a B2 visa, applicants must convince the U.S. authorities that their visit is temporary and that they will leave the country after their authorised stay. The burden of proof lies entirely with the applicant. Many refusals occur under INA §214(b) where the consular officer is not satisfied that the applicant has sufficient ties outside the United States.

1. Demonstrating Non-Immigrant Intent

The key requirement is to demonstrate that you will return to your home country after your trip. Consular officers assess your overall situation, and supporting evidence can include:

• Employment in your home country, supported by a contract or an employer’s letter confirming your position and approved leave
• Ownership of property or evidence of a tenancy agreement
• Family members who remain in your home country
• Ongoing academic or professional commitments

If the officer believes you intend to remain unlawfully, the visa will be refused under INA §214(b). A lack of clear, credible ties to your home country is the most common reason for B2 refusals.

2. Financial Requirements

Applicants must show they have sufficient financial resources to cover the full cost of their trip without working in the United States. This includes travel, accommodation, daily expenses, and any planned medical treatment. Supporting documents may include:

• Recent bank statements or payslips
• Evidence of savings or investments
• A sponsor’s letter of support, accompanied by proof of their financial ability to cover expenses

For applications based on medical treatment, additional documents are required. These include a letter from the U.S. medical provider outlining the diagnosis, recommended treatment, anticipated duration, and projected costs, as well as proof that the applicant can pay or has insurance to cover expenses.

3. Medical & Background Considerations

Applicants must be admissible to the United States under U.S. immigration law. Certain criminal convictions, immigration violations, or health-related grounds can render an applicant inadmissible. In medical treatment cases, you must provide:

• Details of the condition and the reason U.S. treatment is required
• Written confirmation from the U.S. provider of treatment arrangements, duration, and cost
• Evidence of funds or health insurance to cover medical expenses

All applicants undergo security and background checks as part of the visa adjudication process. Any prior immigration or criminal history will be carefully reviewed.

Section Summary:
Eligibility depends on three factors: proving that the trip is temporary, showing that you can fund your stay without employment in the U.S., and satisfying admissibility requirements. Weakness in any of these areas significantly increases the risk of refusal under INA §214(b) or other statutory grounds.

Section C: Application Process

The B2 visa application process is structured and requires accuracy at every step. Even minor errors or inconsistencies can result in delay or refusal. Applicants must complete the online DS-160 form, pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee, and attend a consular interview at either the U.S. Embassy in London or the U.S. Consulate General in Belfast.

1. Completing Form DS-160

The DS-160 is completed online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). Applicants must provide truthful and complete information. A compliant passport-style photo must be uploaded, and once submitted, the confirmation page with barcode should be printed and retained for scheduling the interview. Any errors or inconsistencies between the DS-160 and supporting documents can cause complications at interview.

2. Paying the Visa Fee

The current MRV fee for B-1/B-2 applications is $185, payable online. This fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused. The payment receipt number is required to schedule the interview. Additional service charges, such as courier fees, may apply depending on local arrangements.

3. Booking & Attending the Visa Interview

Once the DS-160 is complete and the MRV fee is paid, the applicant can schedule an interview appointment in London or Belfast. Wait times vary throughout the year, with longer delays often seen during peak travel seasons. Applicants must bring:

• A valid passport
• The DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
• The interview appointment confirmation
• The MRV fee receipt
• Supporting evidence demonstrating the purpose of travel, financial means, and strong ties to the home country
• For medical treatment cases, documentation from the U.S. provider setting out the nature, duration, and costs of treatment

During the interview, a consular officer assesses eligibility and intent. If approved, the visa is issued and the passport is returned by courier with the visa foil affixed. If refused, the officer will state the legal basis, most commonly INA §214(b). For UK nationals, passport validity requirements are more flexible due to the country’s membership in the Six-Month Club. This means the passport only needs to be valid for the intended period of stay in the United States. However, some airlines apply a stricter six-month validity rule, so travellers should confirm requirements with their carrier.

Section Summary:
A successful B2 visa application depends on careful completion of the DS-160, timely payment of the MRV fee, and presentation of strong supporting evidence at interview. Applicants should also be aware of seasonal wait times and the passport-validity exemption for UK nationals, while checking airline rules separately.

Section D: Key Considerations & Compliance

Securing a B2 visa is only the beginning. Compliance with immigration rules during your stay is critical. Remaining within the scope of permitted visitor activities, leaving on time, or filing for an extension properly can protect your future ability to travel to the United States.

1. Extensions & Changes of Status

If you need to remain in the United States longer than the period granted on your I-94, you may file Form I-539 with USCIS to request an extension of stay. The application must be filed before the expiry of the I-94 and must include a valid reason, such as extended medical treatment or unforeseen circumstances. A timely, non-frivolous filing generally places you in a period of authorised stay while USCIS makes a decision. This is not lawful nonimmigrant status and if the application is ultimately refused, unlawful presence may accrue from the I-94 expiry date.

Applicants should not depart the United States while an extension request is pending, as it can create complications. If you leave the country, the application is generally treated as abandoned. Change of status requests are also considered abandoned upon departure. While USCIS has introduced premium processing for some I-539 categories, such as F, M, and J status changes, there is no premium processing option for B-2 extensions.

In rare situations, USCIS may accept a late-filed I-539 if the delay was due to “extraordinary circumstances” beyond the applicant’s control. This exception is narrowly applied and requires strong evidence.

2. Overstays & Consequences

Overstaying the I-94 period carries severe immigration consequences. Under INA §222(g), the visa used to enter is automatically void if the I-94 is not complied with. Most individuals must then apply for a new visa in their home country rather than a third country. In addition, overstaying triggers unlawful presence, which can result in:

• A 3-year bar on re-entry if you accrue more than 180 days but less than one year of unlawful presence before departing
• A 10-year bar on re-entry if you accrue one year or more of unlawful presence

These penalties can affect eligibility for future visas or other immigration benefits. Even brief overstays can complicate subsequent travel to the United States and may result in increased scrutiny at future visa interviews or border inspections.

3. Alternatives to the B2 Visa

Nationals of countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), including the UK, may be eligible to travel without a visa under ESTA authorisation for visits of up to 90 days. ESTA is often faster and more convenient but comes with important limitations:

• No routine extensions or change of status are allowed once admitted under ESTA
• In exceptional cases, CBP may grant Satisfactory Departure for up to 30 days if an emergency prevents timely departure
• ESTA is suitable only for short visits within the 90-day limit; those requiring longer stays should apply for a B2 visa

Section Summary:
B2 visa holders must carefully monitor their I-94 expiry date, file extensions on time if required, and avoid prohibited activities. Overstays carry long-term consequences under U.S. immigration law, while ESTA may be a useful alternative for shorter trips where extension or change of status is unnecessary.

FAQs

How long does it take to process a B2 visa?
Processing times vary depending on consular post and season. From completing the DS-160 to attending the interview can take several weeks or more. Additional delays may occur if the case is subject to administrative processing. Applicants should check the U.S. Embassy London or U.S. Consulate Belfast scheduling systems and plan well ahead of travel.

Can I work in the United States on a B2 visa?
No. Employment of any kind—paid or unpaid—is prohibited under B2 status. Engaging in work can lead to visa cancellation, removal from the United States, and long-term inadmissibility issues.

How can I extend my stay in B2 status?
To extend your stay, file Form I-539 before your I-94 expires, providing a detailed explanation and supporting evidence such as medical documentation, extended itineraries, and proof of funds. A timely and non-frivolous application usually places you in a period of authorised stay while pending, but it does not allow you to work and may backdate unlawful presence if denied.

Is ESTA the same as a B2 visa?
No. ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program permits travel for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. ESTA cannot be extended or changed to another status once admitted, although CBP may grant a 30-day Satisfactory Departure in emergencies. By contrast, a B2 visa can allow for longer stays and provides the option to apply for an extension with USCIS.

What documents should I bring to a B2 interview?
Applicants should bring a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation, MRV fee receipt, and strong supporting evidence showing the purpose of travel, ties to their home country, and financial ability to fund the trip. For medical treatment cases, a letter from the U.S. medical provider confirming diagnosis, treatment plan, duration, and cost is also required.

Conclusion

The B2 visa remains the principal route for temporary U.S. visits for leisure, family purposes, and medical treatment. Applicants should prepare carefully, focusing on demonstrating non-immigrant intent, financial sufficiency, and compliance with visitor restrictions. A key distinction to remember is that visa validity is separate from the authorised period of stay noted on the I-94. Overstays can lead to serious immigration consequences, including the automatic voiding of the visa under INA §222(g) and the 3- and 10-year unlawful presence bars.

For shorter visits where travellers meet Visa Waiver Program eligibility, ESTA may be a convenient alternative. However, ESTA cannot be extended or converted to another status, making the B2 visa the more suitable route for those needing longer stays or additional flexibility. By approaching the application with an evidence-led strategy and adhering strictly to U.S. immigration rules, applicants can reduce risks and safeguard their ability to visit the United States in the future.

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Gill Laing

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law. Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

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