Tourist Visas for Temporary Visitors

Most of the people admitted in the United States are visitors for pleasure. Visitors are granted a B-2 visa status. B-2 visitors are usually admitted for six months. They may, however, extend the duration of their stay. A B-2 visa encompasses a variety of persons. Tourists, prospective students, patients seeking medical attention may all qualify for a B-2 visa. In the case of a prospective student, it is important that the student disclose his or her intention to study inside the United States while applying for a B-2 visa. Otherwise, a prospective student may be unable to change the visa from a visitor visa to a student visa once the student chooses a school to attend.

A person admitted into the United States with a B-2 visa is not authorized to obtain employment. The U.S. State Department issues a set a requirements for visitors before entering the United States. First, visitors must possess a visa. Second, they must show they are able to return to their home country after their authorized stay inside the United States. Third, visitors must show they have sufficient funds to cover their stay inside the United States.

Many Mexican citizens were issued Border Crossing Cards in the past. Those citizens are not required to possess a valid passport at the time of entry. The Border Crossing Card is all the documentation required. If a person has a border crossing card, they will likely not be issued an I-94 when crossing into the United States. Border Crossing Cards have been phased out, but many who entered in the past with one may use the border crossing card as evidence of being admitted and inspected into the country. This is particularly important for those seeking to adjust their status in the United States without an I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.

B-1 Visa: Visitors for Business

The Board of Immigration Appeals, in Matter of Hira, provided three requirements for B-1 eligibility. First, the Board held that business visitors must maintain a residence in their home country,

Visa Waiver Program

In some instances, a visitor is not required to present a visa. Citizens of certain countries may enter the United States for business or pleasure without a visa. There are several limitations, however. The authorized stay is usually ninety (90) days. And, a person admitted under the Visa Waiver Program may not adjust status in the United States unless he or she is an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen. Furthermore, a person admitted under the Visa Waiver program foregoes certain rights: to contest removal in most situations, to contest admissibility determinations by immigration officials, etc.