The B2 visa is typically used by people traveling to the United States temporarily for business (tourism is not considered business). However, the U.S. allows for the B2 visa to be used for urgent medical treatment if you plan on leaving the country afterwards. A typical applicant may use this visa if he/she needs a surgery that cannot wait until their return to their home country, or there is a sudden onset of a disease/illness that requires 48 hours of regular hospital care. If a normal tourist visa would have been denied and an emergency medical treatment is needed, a B2 visa may be used. There are seven types of hospitals where applicants can receive treatment: Air Ambulance Service, Critical Access Hospital, Rehabilitation Facility, Community Mental Health Center, Children’s Hospital, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Hospice.
If a person is traveling to the US for medical purposes, a B2 visa can be obtained by the US Embassy or consulate in his or her home country. In most cases, once this type of visa is granted, it will allow travel through the United States for a period of 6 months (although applicants should verify this period with their individual embassies). To successfully obtain a B2 visa, you will need to provide documentation from your doctor showing that you are overseas receiving medical treatment from an expert in the particular field of medicine.
. B-2 Visa: Appropriate U.S. Visa For Medical Reasons
The B-2 visa is the most appropriate visa category for foreign nationals who wish to enter the United States temporarily to seek medical treatment in USA or for other health-related reasons.
In addition to the normal requirements for B-2 visa, including, demonstrating residence in a foreign country which the applicant doesn’t intend to abandon, those seeking a B-2 medial visa must also demonstrate that they have a solid reason for seeking medical treatment in USA and have the means to pay for the treatment, including doctor’s and hospitalization fees, as well as other related expenses.
DID YOU KNOW
Unlike most other U.S. nonimmigrant visa classifications, the B-2 visa classification does not provide derivative status for dependents of a B-2 visa holder. Family members who intend to accompany the foreign national undergoing treatment, must apply for and secure their own B-2 visas.
B. B-2 Visa Requirements
To meet the eligibility requirements for B-2 visa, you should be able to demonstrate why you are not pursuing or receiving treatment in your home country, and that you will be able to afford the high U.S. healthcare expenses incurred. You will need to provide evidence that verifies:
1.You are traveling specifically for medical treatment
a.You should be ready to submit copies of medical reports and/or documents from the doctor treating you in your home country and any correspondence or documents from the doctor/health facility in the U.S
2.You plan to stay in the U.S. for a specified period of time
a.You should be ready to submit documentation showing how long you will need for treatment, preferably a letter from the doctor or health professional in the U.S.
3.You have a permanent residence in your home country, and evidence that you will not abandon it, for example evidence of a permanent job and/or family
4.You can afford your stay and treatment during the U.S. trip