If you would like to visit the United States for a pleasure trip, the B-2 visa is, likely, the best fit for your situation. The key is that you have a foreign residence to which you intend to return and you want to enter the U.S. to visit for a relatively short duration.
In this article we’ll describe who the B-2 visa is appropriate for, but consult with a qualified immigration attorney to determine whether it is indeed necessary in your individual situation. To promote international tourism, the U.S. government waives the visa requirement in certain situations.
Do You Wish to Visit the U.S. for Business Purposes?
If you’re interested in visiting the United States as a business visitor, the B-1 (not B-2) visa may be appropriate for you. However, if you need to stay in the U.S. for a length of time, you will need a different type of visa. Which kind of visa depends on whether you are investing in a U.S. based business or working for a company doing business with a U.S. based business.
Is a B-2 Visa the Visa You Need?
If you wish to tour the U.S. (or any part of it) or you wish to visit a friend or relative, the B-2 visa may be a good fit for you.
The B-2 visa may also be the best fit for you if you are a(n):
- Ill individual and are seeking medical treatment (e.g. you need an organ transplant and seek care at the Cleveland Clinic)
- Engaged person and wish to enter the U.S. to marry a Green Card holder (e.g. you want to get married on the beach of Lake Erie and you and your new spouse will depart the U.S. after the wedding)
- Non-paid entertainer or athlete (e.g. you are an Olympic athlete)
- Dependent of foreign national member of the U.S. armed forces, who is based in the U.S. (e.g. your spouse is stationed at Fort Bragg)
- Individual who served in the U.S. military and wish to apply for special naturalization benefits (e.g. you served in the Marines during Desert Storm and wish to become a U.S. citizen)
- Individual who wishes to attend a convention (e.g. you are an wood salesman and want to attend the annual international wood salesperson conference in Cuyahoga Falls)
- Crewmember dependent (e.g. your spouse or parent is an authorized crewmember)
- B-1 visa holder dependent (e.g. you’d like to accompany your spouse, who is authorized to enter the U.S. under a B-1 visa, on a business trip)
- Individual who doesn’t fit in any other visa category
Where to Get Help Obtaining and B-2 Visitor Visa
We focus our practice on immigration law and help people just like you every day. If you or a loved one would like to visit the United States, contact our office at 513-791-1673 or Thomasjr@geygan.com. We will guide you through the B-2 visitor process.