B-2 visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling to United States temporarily for tourism, pleasure or visiting.
The following are additional activities that can be conducted on the B-2 visa:
If you are seeking medical treatment in the United States you may be asked for additional documents in support of your application, which may include:
- Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need treatment in the U.S. ;
- Letter from a physician or medical facility in the U.S., stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses); and
- Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the U.S. will be paid. This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns (either yours or the person or organization paying for your treatment).
If you are meet the requirements for traveling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, you should carry this information with you for presentation to U.S. immigration, if asked.
If you are an amateur or a member of a group of amateurs performing in a social and/or charitable context, or as a competitor in a talent show or contest, you may be eligible for a B-2 visa, provided you will not be paid for your performance. You may, however, receive expenses incidental to the visit.
Although you cannot be paid for your performance, you may be performing where an attendance fees is charged.
Provided the fee is just to cover or defray the actual cost of holding the event, or if there is a profit, the money goes to charity rather than a commercial cause, the B-2 visa is still ok.
Please note: An amateur is someone who normally performs without remuneration (other than an allotment for expenses). A performer who is normally compensated for performing cannot qualify for a B-2 visa, even if they do not make a living at performing.
If you are an amateur athlete or a member of a group of athletes competing in an athletic event for which you will receive no payment, other than incidental expenses, you may be eligible for a B-2 visa.
Please note: An amateur is someone who normally performs without remuneration (other than an allotment for expenses). An athlete who is normally compensated for performing cannot qualify for a B-2 visa even if they do not make a living at performing.
If your primary purpose of travel is tourism and during your visit you will engage in a course of study, you may be eligible for a B-2 visa. A B-2 visa is also appropriate if the program is recreational or avocational in nature.
Please note: If you will earn academic credit or completion of an academic program of study, a B-2 visa isnot appropriate. Similarly, if you are traveling to the United States to attend seminars or conferences that are required to earn a degree you are not eligible for the B-2 visa. This includesstudentsengaged in an on-line course of study traveling to the United States for academic consultations or to take examinations.
If your purpose of travel is to attend a professional education, seminar, or conference that does not result in academic credit you may be eligible for a B-1 visa
