B-2 Visitor Visa: Tourism, Family Visits and Medical Treatment

Immigration » B-1/B-2 visitor visas » B-2 tourism and family visits

The B-2 visa is for temporary visits for pleasure or personal reasons. Most people who get a B-2 are admitted for up to six months, and the exact date is shown on the electronic I-94 record, not on the visa itself.

Typical B-2 purposes

Tourism and sightseeing.
Visiting family and friends.
Medical treatment, including consultations and planned procedures.
Attending social events such as weddings, graduations and funerals.
Taking a short recreational course that is not for credit toward a degree.
Participating in amateur events or contests without pay.

Documents that help

A clear itinerary or a letter explaining the purpose of the trip.
An invitation letter from family or friends who will host you. The letter should describe the relationship and the dates, but it does not guarantee approval.
For medical travel: a letter from the U.S. doctor or hospital, an estimate of costs and proof of how you will pay.
Evidence of your job, business, school, property or family in your home country.
Bank statements or other proof that you can support yourself or that someone is paying for the trip.

Medical visits

Officers want to see that the treatment is real, that you can pay, and that you plan to return home after treatment. Open-ended plans can raise concern. Provide a realistic treatment timeline, and be ready to explain who is covering costs.

Study on a visitor visa

A B-2 does not allow you to enroll in a program that leads to a degree or certificate, or a full-time program that would normally require a student visa. If you want to study, see our F-1 and J-1 guide.

Pregnancy and childbirth

People sometimes travel to give birth in the United States. Officers may refuse the visa when the main purpose appears to be birth, especially when the family has not planned how to pay medical costs. A short trip for a planned birth should be discussed with us before you apply.

Marriage and fiance plans

Entering on a visitor visa while planning to marry and stay permanently can be treated as a misuse of the visa. If you plan to marry a U.S. citizen, review the K-1 fiance visa and marriage-based options before you travel.

B-1/B-2 visitor visas guide

How our firm helps with visitor visas

We evaluate the purpose of your trip and your ties abroad, and tell you honestly how strong the application is.
We help you build a clean, consistent record, which matters if you ever apply for a work visa or green card.
We review past refusals and overstays and plan the safest next step.
We advise on whether a visitor visa, the Visa Waiver Program or another visa fits your plan.

Situations we handle

Applicants refused under section 214(b)
Visitors who need more time
Family visits and medical travel
Business travelers unsure what activities are allowed

Why clients choose our firm

A Texas-licensed attorney serving immigration clients in all 50 states.
Russian-language service for clients and families.
Clear communication and updates through our client portal.
A full review of your history before anything is filed, so problems are caught early.
Organized filings and representation through interviews, requests for evidence and appeals.

Get help with b-1/b-2 visitor visas

Every case has its own facts. Request a consultation and we will review your situation, options and timeline.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration rules, policies and fees change often. Last updated: November 2026.