If you plan to travel to the United States for medical purposes, you must obtain the appropriate visa. While some people visit the U.S. for tourism or business, others come for short-term medical treatment. The B-2 “visitor” visa is designed for citizens of foreign countries to temporarily enter the U.S. for medical reasons. Please continue reading to learn more about the B-2 visa and how an adept New Jersey Immigration Lawyer can help guide you through this complex legal process.
What is a B-2 visa?
The B-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to travel to the U.S. temporarily for business, tourism, or medical treatment. It’s crucial to understand that it’s not meant to be used for residing or working in the U.S. long-term.
The application process starts with completing Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. After you complete the application, you must print the confirmation page and bring it to your interview. From here, you will upload your photo, meeting the photograph requirements of USCIS. You will undergo an interview with a consular officer at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Remember that you will also have to pay the nonrefundable visa application fee.
During the interview, you will have to provide supporting documentation and photographs, which includes:
- Detailed medical diagnosis from your physician with explanations as to why travel to the U.S. is necessary
- Letter from a U.S. physician stating appointment dates and period and cost of the treatment
- Evidence that you or someone else will pay your medical, living, and travel expenses
It’s crucial to note that you must bring an unexpired passport to the interview. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your authorized period of stay in the U.S. Furthermore, to obtain a medical treatment visa, you must demonstrate that you have the financial means and intent to return to your home country once your treatment is complete.
Will I be examined by a physician at the U.S. embassy or consulate?
Sometimes, the consular officer may request a medical examination to determine whether they should issue a B-2 visa for medical treatment. While medical examinations by U.S.-authorized physicians are primarily required for those who wish to immigrate to the U.S. permanently, they may be necessary to obtain a temporary visitor visa.
Ultimately, this examination serves as a means to figure out whether treatment for your ailment is available in your country of origin. In most cases, you will be screened for anyinfectiouse diseases that would make you inadmissible to the U.S.
For more information regarding the B-2 visa for medical treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact a knowledgeable lawyer from the Law Offices of Aditya Surti, LLC, who can help you determine whether you’re eligible for this visitor visa.
