B-2 & Visa Waiver for Tourism (WT)

These nonimmigrant visa categories allow short-term visitors to come to the United States for tourism, vacation, visiting family and friends, or medical treatment. Visitors must request a B-2 visa at the appropriate U.S. consulate unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

Detailed information can be found on the Department of State’s Visitor Visa webpage.

Students, are you inviting family and friends for a visit or graduation? Please see our Inviting Relatives to the United States page.

Restrictions

Individuals in B-1 or B-2 status are prohibited from enrolling in a course of study. Such enrollment will constitute a violation of status and could risk eligibility for future benefits or statuses.

They are also not allowed to work.

Length of stay

B-2 visitors are generally admitted for six months or less, but may not exceed one year. The period of stay is determined by the U.S port of entry official at the airport.
Citizens or nationals of participating countries may travel to the U.S. for tourism purposes for 90 days or less without a visa as long as they have valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel.

Additional resources

Other Immigration Statuses

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is provided by Visa and Immigration Services as a service solely to the international students and scholars of Stony Brook University. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in this handout. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be considered legal advice or used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel.

E-5310 Frank J. Melville Jr. Memorial Library Stony Brook, NY 11794-3393

Phone: (631) 632-4685 Fax: (631) 632-7064

vis@stonybrook.edu

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