Tourist Visas or Visitor Visas
(Short Stay in the U.S.)

This section explains what you will need to accomplish if you want to travel to the United States temporarily for tourism, medical visits, or business purposes

A brief overview of tourist visa: The tourist visa is appropriate for foreign nationals who wish to enter the United States temporarily for tourism, medical visits, or some business purposes. A tourist visa or a visitor visa is generally issued up to period of 3 months to 10 years. Once the tourist is in the U.S., an added extension of 6-month time period can be obtained upon approval by USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).

In addition to taking pleasure trips, an alien entering the U.S. on a tourist visa is qualified for participating in many other activities, such as conventions, conferences, amateur unpaid arts entertainment events, short classes, voluntary programs conducted by charitable organizations, etc. Under any circumstance, tourists are not authorized to work in the country.

Types of visitor visas: There are mainly two types of tourist visas, namely, B-1 Business Visitor Visa and B-2 Pleasure Visa.

B-1 Visa allows business people to participate in trade shows, and scientific, educational or religious conventions. The visa also permits these people to engage in business-related activities, such as negotiating contracts, consulting with clients, and litigation, while in the United States. However, the persons cannot take a position that would require a U.S. working visa and cannot be paid by a U.S. firm. To know more about Business Visitor Visa, visit B-1 Visa page.

B-2 Visa is also a non-immigrant category that allows a person to spend up to 6 months in the U.S. for pleasure (no work authorization) or medical treatments with the possibility of an extension from the USCIS. See B2-Visa page to know more about B-2 Pleasure Visa.

All visiting visa applicants must submit the following things:

• Completed Form DS-156;
• Completed Form DS-157 (for men between 16 and 45 years of age);
• Current, valid passport or travel document;
• Evidence that their visit is temporary and that they will leave the United States after their lawfully authorized stay;
• Photographs (requirements are strict for photograph type, size, and quality). Please check with your nearest US Embassy for specifications before you get your picture taken;
• Application fees. Some applicants must also pay an issuance fee depending on nationality and type of visa;
• Proof of funds to cover their expenses in the United States; and
• Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad.

Contact your nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy for exact information on how to pay fees, get an appointment for an interview and get application forms, as well as the latest details regarding visa requirements.

You may not require a tourist visa or a visitor visa if you are a citizen from certain eligible countries…

There are many nations whose citizens do not need tourist visas or visitor visas to enter the U.S. temporarily. These people are qualified for visiting the United States without a visa, through the Visa Waiver Pilot Program (VWPP). Citizens of Canada (under NAFTA agreement with USA) do not also require the visit visa to enter the U.S.

The following countries participate in the VWPP:
 

Andorra	Austria	Belgium	Brunei	Denmark	Finland
France	Germany	Iceland	Ireland	Italy	Japan
Liechtenstein	Luxembourg	Monaco	Netherlands	New Zealand	Norway
Portugal	San Marino	Singapore	Slovenia	Spain	Sweden
Switzerland	United Kingdom

Note: In the United Kingdom, the Visa Waiver Pilot Program is offered for citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.