The B-2 visa classification allows foreign visitors to enter the US temporarily for legitimate activities of recreation character, ("visits for pleasure"). The visa may be issued in a single entry format, multiple entry formats, for a limited time frame, or for an indefinite basis, anywhere from a period of 3 months to 10 years.

There are many advantages of the B-2 visa, the main one being that there is no need for a United States sponsor. Second, the decision is made relatively quickly after filing with a United States consulate abroad.

Once approved you are allowed to temporarily stay in the United States for no longer than a period of six months, although you may obtain a onetime six month extension. During your temporary stay, you may not be lawfully employed.

Unlike other visas, family members are not included. Hence, each family member must apply and be approved independently from each other in order to temporarily visit the United States for pleasure.

Legitimate recreational activities include:

1. Tourism
2. Amusement
3. Social Visits with friends or relatives
4. Rest
5. Medical treatment, and
6. Activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature
   

The alien qualifies by:

1. Having a foreign residence that s/he has no intention of abandoning;
2. Entering the US for a temporary visit;
3. Visiting the US for purposes of pleasure; and
4. Having sufficient funds to support her/himself without resorting to unauthorized employment.

Suggested Documentation:

1. Ownership or lease documents for the alien's residence in the home country;
2. Evidence of work, studies, or activities to be resumed upon the alien's return to the home country;
3. Evidence of family member left behind in the home country;
4. Evidence of other businesses or holdings in the home country;
5. Financial records showing money available to demonstrate the alien's ability to support him/herself;
6. Documentation or the temporariness of the visit;
7. Round-trip ticket;
8. Travel itinerary; and
9. Letter from friends, relatives or others in the United States inviting the alien, detailing the length of the visit as well as the purpose.

Visa Waiver Pilot Program:
You do not need a visa for visits to the US of up to 90 days as long as you are traveling on a participating airline and have purchased a return ticket to a country (other than Canada) if you are a Citizen of one of the following recognized countries. Those aliens who enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program are subject to the same conditions as a B1 or B2 visa, but it is not usually possible to obtain a visa extension or change to another visa once in the US. N.B. If you travel on a private airplane (and not a commercial airline) you will require a B1 or B2 visa instead.