Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

A B-2 visa is available for persons who want to enter the United States for the following reasons:

• Tourism

• Vacation (holiday)

• Visit with friends or relatives

• Medical treatment

• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations

• Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating

• Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.

Complete the Online Visa Application

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160—you must: (1) complete the online visa application and (2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.

• Photo—You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the photograph requirements provided at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html by the U.S. Department of State.

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant. If you are age 13 or younger, an interview is generally not required; if you are age 14-79, an interview generally is required—with some exceptions for renewals; and if you are age 80 or older an interview is generally not required.

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate—but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply.

In Minnesota, as in all U.S. states, the process for a foreign citizen to obtain a B-2 tourist visa to enter the United States for temporary purposes such as tourism, vacation, visiting friends or relatives, medical treatment, and participation in certain social or amateur events, follows federal regulations. Applicants must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, typically in the country of residence. The requirement for an interview generally applies to individuals aged 14-79, with certain exceptions for renewals and other specific cases. It is recommended to apply early due to varying wait times for interview appointments. The specific steps and order may vary by location, so applicants should consult the U.S. Embassy or Consulate's website for detailed instructions. All visa applications are subject to the rules and procedures established by the U.S. Department of State.