Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).
A B-2 visa is available for persons who want to enter the United States for the following reasons:
• Tourism
• Vacation (holiday)
• Visit with friends or relatives
• Medical treatment
• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)
How to Apply
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.
Complete the Online Visa Application
• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160—you must: (1) complete the online visa application and (2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo—You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the photograph requirements provided at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html by the U.S. Department of State.
Schedule an Interview
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant. If you are age 13 or younger, an interview is generally not required; if you are age 14-79, an interview generally is required—with some exceptions for renewals; and if you are age 80 or older an interview is generally not required.
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate—but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply.
In Texas, as in all other U.S. states, the process for a foreign citizen to obtain a B-2 tourist visa follows federal regulations. The B-2 visa is designed for those who wish to enter the United States temporarily for tourism, vacation, visiting friends or relatives, medical treatment, participation in social events, amateur musical or sports events, or short recreational courses not for credit towards a degree. To apply for a B-2 visa, applicants must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, typically in the country where they reside. The requirement for an interview can vary based on the applicant's age, with certain exceptions for renewals and for those under 13 or over 80 years of age. Applicants should be aware that wait times for interviews can vary and are advised to apply early. The specific instructions and requirements for the visa application process, including photograph requirements, are available on the U.S. Department of State's website and the respective U.S. Embassy or Consulate's website.
