• Visit the U.S. (tourism)
• Vacation (holiday)
• Visit with friends or relatives
• Receive medical treatment
• Participate in social events that might be hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations.
• Participate in musical, sports, or similar events or contests given you won’t be receiving compensation for this.
• Enrollment in a short recreational course of study which does not serve as credit toward a degree.

[Source: U.S. Department of State].

What does A foreign national have to do in order to apply for a B-2 nonimmigrant visitor visa?

In order to apply for a B-2 visa, you will need to fill out Form DS-160, which can be done online, and a Hackensack medical visa attorney could help you with this process. As you complete the form, you will be asked to upload a photo that will be submitted with your application. Once Form DS-160 is filled out and submitted, be sure to print the application form confirmation page as you will need to bring it with you to your interview should you need to attend one.

If you are required to attend an interview, and you can find out more about this by speaking with Hackensack, NJ immigration attorney Eric M. Mark, you will need to schedule an appointment for your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. The U.S. Department of State says that while you are permitted to schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you should aware of the fact that “it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.” In the event you are required to attend an interview, be sure you have the following documents with you:

• Your passport that is valid for travel to the U.S. “Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements).
• The Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• The application fee payment receipt given you are required to pay this before your interview.
• A photo. Although you are required to upload your photo when completing the online Form DS-160, sometimes the upload fails. If this is the case, then you are required to bring a printed photo that conforms to the photograph requirements.

Now, because you are traveling for medical treatment, you may be asked to provide the following documents as well at your interview:

• “A medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you [are seeking] treatment in the United States.”
• A “letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).”
• “Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the United States will be paid. This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns (either yours or the person or organization paying for your treatment).”

Important: “Wait times for interview appointments do vary by location, season, and visa category,” so to find out when the best time would be for you to apply for your B-2 visa, contact The Law Office of Eric M. Mark, a Hackensack, NJ immigration law firm.

How much does it cost to apply for a B-2 visitor visa?

The fee to apply for a visitor visa (B-2) is $160 and a foreign national may also be subject to paying a visa issuance fee depending on what their nationality is.

Can a B-2 visa recipient request to have their stay extended?

If you are approved for a B-2 visa and wish to extend your stay, perhaps so that you can continue to have care rendered, you will need to file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can do this by submitting Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. As a Hackensack attorney who is well-versed in medical visa law could explain, it is extremely important that you get this form submitted prior to when your authorized stay expires.

Anyone who stays in the U.S. longer than authorized is subject to being deported and potentially barred from returning. Therefore, we do recommend that you check your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record to determine the date your authorized stay expires. USCIS does suggest that you apply to have your stay extended at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires to ensure your paperwork is submitted and USCIS has time to process it.

Is it necessary to hire an immigration lawyer in Hackensack, NJ when applying for a B-2 visa?

If you are already living in the U.S. legally and wish to apply for a B-2 visa as your current visa is on the verge of expiring or you know someone who is looking to come to the U.S. but needs a B-2 visa, it is always recommended that you consult with an immigration attorney in Hackensack, NJ. An attorney can provide you with a brief overview of the requirements that must be met in order to qualify for a B-2 visa as well as the process you must go through based on your current circumstances.

If you have questions pertaining to applying for a B-2 visa or need more information, The Law Office of Eric M. Mark is here for you. Contact our firm today to speak with a Hackensack medical visa lawyer.