Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The presumption in the law is that every visa applicant is an intending immigrant. That is, immigration officials assume that the foreigner intends to stay in the United States. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:

The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment; They plan to remain for a specific, limited period; and They have a residence outside the U.S. and other binding ties which will insure their return abroad.

Applicants for visitor visas should generally apply at the American Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.

Required Documentation

Each applicant for a visitor visa must submit:

• An application with a picture.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States in the United States.

Please read the section on Visa denials for more information.

Medical Emergencies

From time to time we are asked what is the visa used to bring a loved one in the United States for emergent medical care. The B2 Visitor visa is used for that purpose. The Doctor in the foreign country usually recommends a Doctor in the United States. This must be documented in order to show a bona fide claim of medical emergency or necessity to obtain what is not obtainable out of the United States.