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 South Dakota, as in all U.S. states, foreign nationals must obtain a visa to enter the United States. The B-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for those who wish to enter the U.S. temporarily for tourism, vacation, visiting friends or relatives, medical treatment, and certain other non-business activities. To apply for a B-2 visa, applicants must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and upload a photo that meets the requirements. An interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate is typically required for applicants between the ages of 14 and 79, with some exceptions for visa renewals. Interviews are generally not required for applicants aged 13 and under or 80 and over. It is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance of the intended travel date due to potential wait times for interview appointments. The process is governed by federal law and is consistent across all states, including South Dakota.