The U.S. B2 Visa for Traveling to the United States
The B2 visa is a visitor visa: for vacations, visiting family, or medical treatment. This guide covers the essentials (eligibility requirements, application process, cost, processing times, and length of stay) and directs you to the detailed page that applies to your situation.
Information verified in September 2026.
Traveling for less than 90 days? Check ESTA first
If you are a citizen of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, etc.) and are traveling for tourism for up to 90 days, an ESTA authorization is generally sufficient. It can be applied for online, costs about $40, and does not require an interview.
A B2 visa is still required if your stay exceeds 90 days, if your ESTA has been denied, or if you have been to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, or North Korea since 2011, or to Cuba since 2021.
ESTA online form ESTA or Visa: The Difference ESTA is not a visa: it does not grant the same rights as a B1/B2 visa (no extensions, no change of status while in the country).What is the U.S. B2 visa?
The B2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa intended for temporary stays for tourism or personal reasons. It is very often issued as a combined B1/B2 visa, which also covers business travel. The applicant must convince the consulate that he or she will return to his or her home country at the end of the stay.
What the B2 visa allows
- Travel and Vacations
- Visiting Friends or Family
- Medical care or treatment
- Social, community, athletic, or musical events, without compensation
- Short recreational course, not eligible for college credit
What it does not allow
- Working for or Being Paid by a U.S. Entity
- Pursue a degree program or earn course credits
- Settling Permanently in the United States
- Business Meetings: You Need a B1 Visa for Business Purposes
- A simple layover: see the transit visa
What are the requirements for obtaining a B2 visa?
U.S. law presumes that every visa applicant intends to immigrate. It is up to you to prove otherwise by demonstrating three things during the interview.
A temporary stay
You have strong ties to your home country (job, family, housing, education) that ensure you will return, and a set departure date.
An eligible reason
The purpose of the trip corresponds to the permitted activities: tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or an unpaid event.
Sufficient resources
You can provide proof of funds for the trip and your stay (bank statements, proof of financial support, reservation).
How do I apply for a B2 visa?
The application process begins online and is completed at the consulate. As of September 2025, it must be submitted in the country of which you are a national or in which you reside. Step-by-step details are available on our B2 visa application procedure page.
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Fill out Form DS-160
The B2 visa application form (DS-160) must be completed online, in English, and include a digital passport photo. See also our guide to applying for a B2 visa online.
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Pay visa fees
The B2 visa fee ($185) must be paid before scheduling an appointment. Keep the receipt.
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Make an appointment at the consulate
Schedule your visa interview at the embassy. In-person interviews are now required for nearly all applicants.
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Prepare the file
DS-160 confirmation, payment receipt, valid passport, photo, and proof of ties to your home country and financial resources.
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Go to the interview
If your application is approved, the consulate will keep your passport to affix the visa and then return it to you. The visa integrity fee is required at this stage.
How much does a B2 visa cost?
| Fees | Amount | When and to whom |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee (MRV) | $185 | Before the appointment. Non-refundable, even if the appointment is declined. |
| Visa Integrity Fee | $250 | Upon issuance of the visa, provided the visa is granted. Established by a law of 2025, it is theoretically refundable if the visa conditions are met. Collection procedures vary by consulate. |
| Reciprocity Fees | Variable | Depends on nationality at the time of issuance. None for French and Belgian citizens. |
| Fast-track appointment (optional) | $750 | Temporary service available through December 31, 2026, in addition to the $185 fee. |
Amounts in U.S. dollars, converted to local currency by the consulate. Details and payment methods: fees for a B2 visa.
How long does it take to obtain a B2 visa?
The process consists of two stages: waiting for an appointment, which can take anywhere from a few days to several months depending on the consulate, and then processing after the interview, which usually takes a few days. Some applications undergo “administrative processing” (additional verification), which can add several weeks to the process.
Plan at least 2 to 3 months in advance of your departure
Check the actual processing time for your consulate usingthe State Department’s official tool, as well as the contact information forthe relevantU.S. embassy.
How long is a B2 visa valid?
Two distinct time periods are often confused:
Visa Validity
This is the period during which you may present yourself at the border. It depends on your nationality (reciprocity agreements): up to 10 years, with multiple entries, for French and Belgian nationals. The visa may expire during your stay without any consequences.
The length of the authorized stay
It is determined by the customs officer (CBP) upon each entry—typically for up to 6 months—and recorded on Form I-94. This is the date that matters: exceeding it may result in the visa being revoked.
To extend your stay, you must file a request with USCIS (Form I-539) before your I-94 expires, ideally at least 45 days in advance. This extension is not automatic and must be justified.
The B2 Visa Based on Your Nationality
Reciprocity requirements, visa requirements (if any), and competent consulates: the rules vary depending on the passport.
The B2 Visa Based on Your Destination
A B2 visa is valid throughout the United States: there is no visa specific to a particular city. Our destination guides provide details on the arrival airport, border control procedures, and practical information for each stop.
What does a B2 visa look like?
A visa is a sticker affixed to your passport. It indicates the category (B1/B2), the number of entries allowed (“M” for multiple entries), and the visa’s expiration date, which is not the same as the end date of your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About the B2 Visa
Can I get a Green Card on a B2 visa?
The B2 visa does not lead to permanent residence. A change of status while in the country is possible only in specific cases (marriage to a U.S. citizen, family sponsorship, or a qualified job offer) and remains risky: entering on a B2 visa when you already intended to settle in the country may be considered a misrepresentation.
Does the B2 visa allow you to work in the United States?
No. Any paid work, even when working remotely for a U.S. client, is prohibited. Business meetings fall under the B1 visa.
What is the difference between ESTA and a B2 visa?
ESTA is an electronic travel authorization valid for up to 90 days, with no possibility of extension. The B2 visa is issued after an interview and allows stays of up to 6 months. See the difference between a visa and ESTA.
Are visa fees refunded if the application is denied?
No, the $185 application fee is never refunded. The $250 visa integrity fee is due only if the visa is granted.
My visa expires while I’m here: Do I have to leave?
No. Only the date listed on your I-94 determines the end of your authorized stay. An expired visa simply means you can no longer re-enter the United States.