Requirements
The
B-2 Tourist Visa or Visitor for Pleasure Visa
allows foreign nationals to enter the United
States for a temporary visit for pleasure or
tourism. A letter of invitation is required
for a Chinese National prior to submitting an
application for a B-2 Visitor Visa. The
Applicant must satisfy the consular officer of
his non-immigrant intent, that he will return
home within the time period required by the
Visa, and that he will not engage in
unauthorized employment. The visa will also
only be issued to persons who can demonstrate
sufficient financial resources to accommodate
a roundtrip as well as living expenses during
his stay in the United States.
Extension
of Visa
It
is possible to obtain a six-month extension,
then leave the United States and apply
immediately for another six months.
Re-admission to the United States may be
denied, however, as the applicant is expected
to maintain his residency abroad for the
duration of his Visa. This is often
interpreted as meaning that the Visa holder
should, over the long course, average no more
than six months a year in the United States.
Duration
of Visa
The
decision to issue a Tourist Visa is made by
the consular office on an immediate or
short-term basis. The Visa is limited to an
initial maximum stay of no more than six
months. The Visa may be issued in single entry
or multiple entry formats.
Change
of Status of Visa
It
is possible to seek a change of status to
other non-immigrant visas while in the United
States on a B-2 Tourist Visa.
Spouse
and Dependants
The
spouse and dependants of the applicant are not
included in the Tourist Visa. Each family
member must apply for his or her own B-2
Tourist Visa
Visa
Waiver Program
The
Visa Waiver Program is available for people
from countries without a history of illegal
immigration to the United States. Countries
that currently qualify are Andorra, Austria,
Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
and the United Kingdom. Foreign nationals from
these countries may enter the United States
for a period of 90 days without the necessity
of a Visa. The only entry requirement is that
the foreign national entering the United
States must be in possession of a ticket to
exit the United States. If the specified
foreign national is entering the United States
by land from Canada or Mexico they must
provide evidence of sufficient funds to
support themselves in the United States
without being employed.
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