Tourist B1 B2 Visa Lawyer, Boston MA

Eligibility

Tourist visa applicants must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their authorized stay in the United States.

Tourist visa applications are most commonly denied when applicants fail to establish:

1. Temporary nature of intended visit;
2. Intent to depart the United States at expiration of requested stay;
3. A foreign residence, which they do not intend to abandon; and/or
4. Adequate financial resources to carry out purpose of visit.

Required Documents

Tourist visa applicants are required to submit:

1. Passport;
2. Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page; and
3. Application fee payment receipt.

Tourist visa applicants may also be required to produce documentation concerning the purpose of the trip, their intent to depart the United States after the trip, and/or their ability to pay all costs of the trip.

Tourist visa applications may be rejected or denied for failure to submit required evidence or supporting documents. All required evidence should be submitted with the initial application.

Application Process

Tourist visa applications involve several steps:

1. Step 1: DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application; and
2. Step 2: Attend Interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Tourist visa application processes vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate Website for more specific instructions.

Costs

Tourist visa costs generally include:

1. $160 – Form DS-160; and
2. Reciprocity fee/visa issuance fee (if applicable)*.

* Applicants from certain countries may be required to pay a visa issuance fee after their application is approved.

Visa issuance fees are based on the principle of reciprocity; meaning, if the government in your country imposes fees on U.S. citizens for similar types of visas, the United States will likewise impose a reciprocal fee on you for that type of visa.

Cost of applying for a tourist visa varies from country to country. Visit the U.S. Department of State Reciprocity Page and select your country of nationality from the list of countries on the left side menu. Under “Visa Classifications,” click the “B” button. Look for an amount indicated in the B-2 fee section.

Processing Time

Tourist visa applications are processed at varying speeds depending on a variety of circumstances. Estimated wait times for tourist visa interview appointments are available at the Department of State website.

You can visit the Department of State website here.

Validity Period

B-2 tourists are generally admitted for a period of six months.

The validity period of a tourist visa depends on your country of nationality. Visit the U.S. Department of State Reciprocity Page and select your country of nationality from the list of countries on the left side menu. Under “Visa Classifications,” click the “B” button. Look for a time frame in the B-2 Validity Period.

B-2 tourists who remain in the United States longer than authorized may be barred from returning and/or may be removed (deported) from the United States.

Extensions

Tourist visas may be extended in increments of not more than six months.

B-2 tourists who wish to stay beyond the time indicated on the Form I-94 without departing from the United States, must file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and submit any required supporting documents to USCIS.

B-2 tourists who remain in the United States longer than authorized may be barred from returning and/or may be removed (deported) from the United States.

Change of Status

B-2 tourists may request a change of nonimmigrant status while in the United States by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS.

In general, foreign nationals may apply to change their nonimmigrant status if:

• They were lawfully admitted to the United States with a nonimmigrant visa;
• Their nonimmigrant status remains valid;
• They have not violated the conditions of their status; and
• They have not committed any crimes that would make them ineligible.

Family Members

Separate Form DS-160 tourist visa applications must be submitted for each individual who needs a tourist visa, including any family members listed in an applicant’s passport.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Lally Immigration Services, LLC is NOT assisting with B1/B2 visa applications during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is, in part, due to the unknown processing times at the various consulates around the world and thus, our inability to manage client expectations.

Last Reviewed/Updated: 07/16/2021