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The B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for tourism, family visits, medical reasons, or participation in a social event. It is typically valid for up to 10 years and allows travellers to stay in the US for up to 180 days. The wait time for a B2 visa can vary from 7 days to more than 2 years, depending on the applicant's city. Those intending to get married in the US and then return to their home country may consider using a K visa or fiancé visa, which is a dedicated visa for those intending to marry a US citizen or permanent resident. Obtaining a green card through marriage can take 5 to 16 months, provided the marriage is in good faith and not for the sole purpose of obtaining a green card.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | B2 (tourist visa) |
| Visa category | Non-immigrant visa |
| Validity | Up to 10 years from the issue date |
| Maximum stay | Up to 180 days |
| Cost | $185 |
| Additional costs | Cost of gathering documents, evidence, and acquiring passport photos |
| Application time | 7 days to more than 2 years, depending on the city |
| Additional information | B2 visa holders can apply for jobs and attend interviews in the U.S. |
| Alternative option | K visa (fiancé(e) visa) |
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What You'll Learn
B-2 visa wait times
The B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for tourism, vacation, or to visit friends and family. It is also used by those who wish to get married to their partner, who is a US citizen or permanent resident. The B-2 visa is valid for up to 10 years from the issue date, and travellers can stay in the US for up to 180 days.
The wait time for a B-2 visa can vary depending on several factors. On average, the processing time for a B-2 visa is 3-5 working days if the application is approved during the visa interview. Applicants should allow for at least another 5 working days for delivery. If a visa application is submitted via the Interview Waiver Program, the average processing time is approximately 10 working days from the date the application is received.
However, it is important to note that wait times may differ based on the specific embassy or consulate where the application is submitted. The wait time can range from 7 days to more than 2 years, depending on the city and country of application. Applicants should refer to the website of the specific embassy or consulate to determine eligibility and local procedures. In addition, applicants are advised to apply well in advance and not to make non-refundable travel arrangements until they have received their visa and passport.
If a waiver of ineligibility is required before issuing the visa, the application may take up to 9 months to process from the interview date. Incomplete applications may also result in longer processing times. It is recommended that applicants consult the relevant embassy or consulate websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding B-2 visa wait times.
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B-2 visa validity
B-2 visas are typically valid for up to 10 years from the issue date, and travellers can stay in the US for up to 180 days (6 months) with the option to return again after that time. The wait time for a B-2 visa can take anywhere from 7 days to more than 2 years, depending on the city in which the applicant applies.
The B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the US for tourism, vacation, or visiting friends and family. It also covers certain medical treatments and participation in social events or contests without receiving pay. The B-2 visa does not grant permanent resident status but can be adjusted to another type of visa while in the US, as long as certain requirements are met.
If you are entering the US intending to get married and then return to your home country, the timing of your wedding about your entry is irrelevant. However, CBP officers may be sceptical about your intentions and could refuse you entry if they believe you are marrying a US citizen for permanent resident status. In this case, a K visa is recommended as it is a dedicated fiance(e) visa that will eliminate any questions about your intentions and provides a clear pathway for seeking a green card.
As a B-2 visa holder, you can apply for a marriage visa to live with your spouse in the US. You can apply for a green card through a process known as ""Adjustment of Status"" and file your application with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Alternatively, you can apply from your home country using consular processing.
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B-2 visa eligibility
The B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for tourism or to visit friends and family. It can also be used for certain medical treatments, participation in social events or contests without receiving payment, and short courses of study (less than 18 hours per week).
To be eligible for a B-2 visa, applicants must demonstrate the following:
- Proof of funds: Applicants must provide evidence that they can cover all the costs of their trip, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Non-immigrant intent: Applicants must prove that they do not intend to stay in the United States permanently and that they have binding ties to their home country, such as a job, property, or family, that will ensure their return.
- Valid passport: Applicants must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in the United States.
- Government-compliant photograph: Applicants must provide a recent digital photograph that meets the government's requirements.
- Documentation of previous trips: If applicable, applicants must provide details of their past five trips to the United States.
- Interview: Applicants may be required to attend an interview before their visa is approved. The wait time for interviews can vary by location, season, and visa category, so it is recommended to apply early.
- Visa fees: Applicants must pay the non-refundable visa application fee, and if the visa is approved, they may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on their nationality.
It is important to note that the B-2 visa is not intended for those seeking permanent residence in the United States. Applicants must demonstrate their intention to return to their home country after their permitted stay.
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B-2 visa extension
The B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for tourism, vacation, or to visit friends and family. It is also used by those who intend to get married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The B-2 visa is typically valid for up to 10 years from the issue date, and travellers can stay in the U.S. for up to 180 days.
If you are seeking to extend your B-2 visa, you may do so by filing an I-539 application. There is no legal limit on how many times one may extend their B-2 visa, but it is generally not recommended to extend more than once or twice without special circumstances. USCIS typically extends the visa by the same duration as the initial period of authorised stay, which is usually six months. It is important to note that CBP officers may be sceptical of your intentions, especially if you are married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
If you are seeking to extend your B-2 visa with the intention of getting married, it is recommended to obtain a K-1 fiancé visa instead. The K-1 visa is a dedicated visa for fiancés/fiancées and provides a clear pathway to seeking a green card after your wedding.
If you are already married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for a green card by submitting an application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process is known as "adjustment of status". The application package must prove that you married your spouse "in good faith" and not solely for the purpose of obtaining a green card. The time to receive your green card varies, but it can take anywhere from 5 to 16 months after USCIS receives your application.
Alternatively, you can apply for a green card from your home country through consular processing. This option typically has lower fees but may result in a longer wait time for receiving your green card.
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B-2 visa marriage rules
The B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for tourism, family visits, medical treatment, and other non-business activities. It is typically valid for up to 10 years and allows visitors to stay in the US for up to 180 days.
If you are planning to travel to the US to marry your partner and then return to your home country, a B-2 visa can be used for this purpose. However, it is important to note that the B-2 visa is not intended for those who plan to immigrate or apply for permanent residence. Marriage to a US citizen implies "immigrant intent", and travelling with "dual intent" is forbidden when it comes to the B-2 visa.
If you plan to marry and remain in the US, it is recommended to obtain a K-1 fiancé(e) visa, which provides a clear pathway to seeking a green card. If you are already married to a US citizen, you can apply for a green card through a process known as “adjustment of status” by filing an application with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process typically takes 5 to 16 months.
It is important to be aware of the 90-day rule, which states that temporary visa holders who file a green card application within 90 days of arriving in the US are presumed to have "willfully misrepresented" their intentions. To avoid this, it is recommended to wait at least 91 days after your arrival before filing your application.
Additionally, when travelling to the US on a B-2 visa after marriage, you will need to provide strong evidence that you plan to continue living in your home country and do not intend to immigrate. This can include proof of a job, home, family, and personal property in your home country.
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Frequently asked questions
The wait time for a B2 visa can vary from 7 days to more than 2 years, depending on the city from which you are applying. The B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the US for tourism, family visits, medical reasons, or social events.
Yes, you can apply for a B2 visa even if you are already married to a US citizen. However, CBP officers may be skeptical about your intentions and could refuse you entry. It is important to note that marrying a US citizen solely for the purpose of obtaining a green card is considered misconduct and may result in a denied application or long-term immigration problems.
If you are travelling to the US to get married, you may consider applying for a K visa or a fiancé visa (K-1). These visas are specifically designed for individuals who are engaged to marry a US citizen and can provide a clearer pathway to seeking a green card.
