B-2 Visa

A B-2 visitor for pleasure is defined as an alien who has a residence in a foreign country, which he or she has no intention of abandoning, and who is coming to the United States temporarily for pleasure. The statute also states that the alien cannot be coming to the United States primarily for the purpose of studying. This does not, however, prohibit the alien from engaging in brief or incidental study. The State Department defines pleasure as any legitimate activity of a recreational character, including amusement, tourism, visits with friends or relatives, medical treatment, rest, and activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature. However, the B-2 visa precludes any type of employment whatsoever, even if the alien receives no remuneration, benefit, or gain for the service rendered.

Since the alien's stay in the United States must be temporary, there must be a clear intention to depart prior to the end of the authorized period of stay. In addition, the B-2 alien must show that he or she has sufficient funds to accomplish the purposes of the stay in the US.

The B-2 visa, which is issued by a US consul abroad, like the B-1 visa, may be issued for varying periods of time, and may be issued for single or multiple entries. Again, this must be distinguished from the period of time that is granted by the United States immigration service once the alien makes application for entry at a United States border point. In most instances, an applicant entering as a B-2 will be admitted for a period of six months

Accompanying family members of B-2s, who are defined as the spouse and minor unmarried children, are usually given the same period of time as the principal alien. If, after entry to the United States, the alien discovers that he or she needs additional time in order to accomplish the purpose of the trip, an extension of time may be requested from the US Immigration Service, on US Immigration Form I-539, which applications are usually granted.

In many instances, the United States consul will issue a joint B-1/B-2 visa. In these cases, the alien may seek to enter the United States, in either nonimmigrant category. At the time of entry, the alien will advise the United States immigration officer at the port of entry of the primary purpose of the trip. If the primary purpose is for business, the alien will be admitted as a B-1, business visitor. Otherwise, the alien will be admitted as a B-2, visitor for pleasure.