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Law Office of Michael
O'Toole
124 Mt
Auburn St., Suite 200N
Cambridge, MA 02138
(800)
386-1008
fax: (617)
812-1272
outside
U.S. (617) 245-3960
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B-2 Visa
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Business or
pleasure, what's your choice. The B-2
visa is the ideal entry pass for
tourists interested in seeing the many
splendorous sites of the U.S. The B-2
Visa is issued for pleasure trips for a
brief period of time, and may also be
granted to spouses, children and parents
of B-1 Visa holders.
So what, officially, is the definition
of the term, 'pleasure'? The State
Department defines the term as
legitimate activities of a recreational
character, including tourism, amusement,
visits to friends and/or relatives,
rest, medical treatment and activities
of a social or service nature.
The B-2 Visa can also be used by foreign
students wishing to visit or tour U.S.
schools prior to enrollment. You should
make sure to inform the embassy or
consulate of your intentions when you
receive the B-1 Visa. You may then be
able to change your status at a later
time without leaving the U.S.
Steps
You may apply for a B-2 visa at the
American Embassy or Consulate in your
region or nation. We recommend you do
not apply at a U.S. Consular Office
outside of your permanent residence,
since that process is more difficult.
You can apply at the Consular Office of
the Embassy or Consulate General nearest
your residence, or use one of the
following options:
- Authorized travel agencies:
Travel agencies approved by the U.S.
Embassy in your region or nation may
submit visa applications for you.
- The VIP Business Program: Your
enterprise can register with the VIP
Business Program if it repeatedly
sends employees to the U.S. Your
appearance may be waived, if your
application was submitted by an
approved business.
- By drop box: Individuals who
travel extensively, or have recently
received a validated visa, may use
the drop box in the embassy or
consulate. Applications at drop
boxes should be completed before
traveling.
You may still need to apply in person.
Further, there may be delays in this
process due to cross-checking
information at the Washington, D.C.
database.
Documents
To apply for a B-2 Visa, you must supply
the following documents:
- A filled-in visa application
Form OF-156.
- Two recent photographs 1 & 1/2
inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each
applicant, with the entire face
visible. The picture should be taken
before a light background and
without head covering.
- A passport, valid for travel to
the United States for at least six
months longer than your intended
visit.
You may also be asked
to provide the following documents:
- Evidence showing the purpose of
your trip. You may show a letter
sent by the company explaining the
purpose and length of the trip. You
may also show letters from relatives
or friends that you intend to visit.
- If you are traveling to the U.S.
for medical purposes, you should
have a statement from a doctor or
medical institution about your
treatment.
- A copy of a tour itinerary.
- Proof of your intention to leave
the U.S. after a temporary visit.
Round-trip air tickets will show
intent to return to your home
country.
- Proof that arrangements have
been made to cover the cost of your
trip. An affidavit of support may be
required for children who are
traveling.
- If you do not have enough funds
to support yourself while in the
U.S., you must
- provide evidence that an
interested person will provide
support.
You may also provide evidence that
establishes your ties with the
sponsor.
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Law Office of Michael O'Toole
University Place at Harvard Square
124 Mt. Auburn St., Suite 200N
Cambridge, MA 02138
(800) 386-1008
(617) 245-3960
mail@visaatty.com
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Temporary Visas
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Student Visas
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Work Visas
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Visitor Visas
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Other Visas
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