US B2 Visitor visa

US Visitor visa is non-immigrant visa for person who wish to enter the United States temporarily for tourism or holidays.  This visa allows you to enter the United States for tourism, pleasure, or visit friends and family.  Any individual who wants to visit the United States of America for tourism purposes needs to have a B2 Visa. It is a non-immigrant visa, which is provided for various purposes such as travel, visits with relatives or friends, medical treatment, etc.

What should be the purpose of US B2 visitor visa

1. Tourism
2. Vacation (holiday)
3. Visit relatives or friends
4. Medical treatment
5. Participation in social events.
6. Negotiable business deals
7. Attend events and conferences.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for a Tourist Visa? 

1. Prove that you plan to stay in the United States for a limited time period.
2. Your purpose is to travel to US is tourism or meeting friends.
3. Participate in events or contests related to music or sports, for which you will not receive money.
4. Visit for medical treatment.
5. Your plan to remain in the United States for a specific and limited time period.
6. Evidence of funds to cover your expenses while in the United States

Documents required for B-2 visitor visa

1. Valid Passport (current and old passports). A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period
2. 2 Recent colour photographs, 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) photograph taken within the last six months.
3. DS-160 form confirmation page.
4. Income Tax Returns / Form 16 for last 3 years.
5. Photocopies of your relative’s status in the US.
6. Supporting Financial Documents such as Fixed Deposits, Property Investments, Recurring Deposits, any other Investments etc (Optional but advisable).
7. US Visa Fee Payment Receipt.
8. No criminal record.
9. US Tourist Visa interview
10. A letter which describes the purpose of your trip.
11. If you are an employee, a letter from your employer and payslips for the last three months.
12. If you are visiting for medical purposes then Letters from doctors on your diagnosis and treatment

US tourist visa step by step process

Step1: Choose the visa type that applies to your situation

Step2: The next step is to complete the Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. Make sure All information must be correct and accurate. Once the form is submitted, you cannot make any changes.

Step3: Once you have determined the correct visa type and completed the DS-160, you must pay the visa fee.

Step4: schedule your visa appointment. You must schedule two appointments, one for the Visa Application Center (VAC) and one for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.  Children under 14 years of age are not required to attend the appointment at the Visa Application Centre or visa interview at the Embassy/Consulate. Accompany/Guardians/Parents can carry the above documents. First, schedule your appointment at a Visa Application Center. This appointment will allow you to go to one of the five Visa Application Center locations to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This appointment must be at least 1 day before your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate.

Second, schedule your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate. You will need three pieces of information in order to schedule your appointment:

1. Your passport number.
2. The date you paid your fee
3. The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

Step5: Go for the visa interview. Documents you need to bring for your visa interview is:

• DS-160 confirmation page.
• Appointment confirmation page.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States with validity dates at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
• One photograph as per U.S. visa specifications if the applicant is under 14 years of age.

Step6: Following your visit to the Visa Application Centre to have your photo and fingerprints taken, you will then visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. You must carry the below

• Printed copy of your appointment letter,
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Current and all old passports
• Supporting Documents as per your visa type

You should bring the following documents to your interview. Original documents are always preferred over photocopies and you must bring these documents with you to the interview.

• Travel itinerary and/or other explanation about your planned trip.
• Current proof of income, tax payments, property or business ownership, or assets.
• A letter from your employer detailing your position, salary, how long you have been employed, any authorized vacation, and the business purpose, if any, of your U.S. trip.
• Criminal/court records pertaining to any arrest or conviction anywhere, even if you completed your sentence or were later pardoned.