11/20/2017
Thank you for following us on Facebook and asking us questions about how you may come to the United States to visit, study or temporarily work in the United States.
Given that most the questions we received are similar, we will briefly discuss about B2 visas. We will shortly write a brief guideline for student and employment visas.
We would, however, like to note that we are not an employment agency and do not hire any foreign workers. Our law firm, which is based in Seattle, WA is here to assist you in your non-immigrant and immigrant visa petitions and applications.
If you have specific questions and need our assistance, kindly do not post your questions on our page but rather, send us your email to [email protected] to protect your confidential information.
What is a B-2 Tourist for Pleasure?
If you or your family are planning to visit the United States, a B-2 business/ visitor visa is what you need to get from a US consulate abroad. You will need to fill out and submit a DS-160 form online, pay the application fee and attended the interview at US embassy abroad. Although the B visa category may be used by visitors for business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2), this brief article is intended for visitor coming to the United States on a B-2 Tourist visa for pleasure
Although the visa may be issued for a maximum of 10 years (2 years if you have an Ethiopian passport), you may remain for a maximum of 6 months as will be noted on the admission stamp issued by a Customs and Boarder Protection Officer when you enter the United States.
The Department of State has set the following requirements for the issuance of a B2 visa for foreign nationals. These requirements will help consular officers determine if the visa applicant has the required non-immigrant intent:
1. Residence in a foreign country;
2. seeking admission for the sole purpose of engaging in legitimate activities relating to business or pleasure;
3. No intention to abandon one’s foreign residence
The Visitor’s Intent
Of primary concern for the B visitors, is the importance of demonstrating to the consular official that they have bona fide nonimmigrant intent. This means that the visitor is truly a non-immigrant who intends on departing at the end of the authorized stay. The visitor cannot have immigrant intent. With an immigrant intent the visitor does not intend to depart the U.S. but is planning to remain in the U.S. permanently or at least for an extended period of time beyond the period granted.
To demonstrate non-immigrant intent an applicant may show
1. Employment;
2. Family, social ties to residence abroad
3. adequate financial arrangement to carry out the purpose of the visit
4. Prior trips abroad
Owning a business or having a steady job outside the U.S., is one of the best evidence of a strong ties abroad that would assure the consulate that the visitor intends to return to his or her home country. If you are leaving behind a spouse and children in many countries it would be considered persuasive, however in countries were the overstay is at a high level, this fact alone is enough. You will need the other factors mentioned to solidify your application. Of course, maintenance or owning of a residence is an essential item that proof should be included in your application package.
If you have ties to the United States, it can affect the consular decision. The greater the family ties in the U.S. the more the Consular officer may believe that the visitor is not going to return to his home country. Remember much of these requirements depends on what country you come from. If you come from a country that has a very low rate of overstays, such as from western European countries, then a bit of proof will suffice. But if you come in from countries notorious for overstays such as Ethiopia, Colombia or Mexico then the more you provide the better chance you have of the visa being granted.
If you need assistance with applying for a tourist visa, you may contact us via email: [email protected]
