Independent private US visitor visa consultancy
What the B-2 visitor category is for
A B-2 visitor visa is generally used for temporary tourism, holidays, visits to relatives or friends, and certain medical visits. Many applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visa, which may also cover permitted short business activities. It does not permit employment or permanent residence in the United States.
The application is not decided by a checklist alone. The officer considers whether the proposed trip is temporary and credible, how it will be funded, and whether the applicant has reasons to leave the United States after the visit.
Official reference: Department of State visitor visa guidance.
Build the application around the real trip
Before opening the DS-160, define who is travelling, why they want to visit, the approximate duration, intended destinations, accommodation plan and who will meet the expenses. These details should fit the applicant’s job, business, studies, retirement or family responsibilities in India.
- Holiday: a practical route, timing and budget appropriate to the applicant.
- Family visit: accurate information about the US relative, relationship and intended stay.
- Friend visit: a genuine connection and a clear explanation of accommodation and costs.
- Medical visit: relevant medical information, treatment arrangements and funding evidence.
Evidence should support—not replace—the explanation
Core items normally include the passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation and fee receipt where applicable. Additional documents may help establish the purpose of the trip, ability to pay, occupation or business position, and reasons to return to India.
A salaried applicant may rely on employment and leave evidence; a business owner may need ownership, activity and financial records; a retired applicant may rely on pension, savings and family circumstances. Sponsored applicants should be able to explain the relationship with the sponsor and why that funding arrangement is reasonable.
The Department of State states that an invitation letter or Affidavit of Support is not required for a visitor visa application. It may be carried where relevant, but it does not replace the applicant’s own eligibility.
DS-160 and interview consistency
The DS-160 records personal, travel, employment, education, family, previous travel and security information. The applicant should be able to discuss the same facts at the interview without changing the story or relying on a memorised script.
Common questions concern the purpose and duration of travel, occupation, monthly or annual income, family situation, previous international travel, US contacts and who will pay. Brief, direct and truthful answers are usually more useful than rehearsed speeches.
Five decisions to make before submitting the form
A visitor visa application becomes easier to explain when the practical details have been considered in advance. The applicant does not need to purchase a complete holiday before applying, but the proposed trip should be sufficiently clear to answer ordinary questions.
- Primary purpose: decide whether the trip is mainly tourism, a family visit, medical travel or a permitted combination.
- Reasonable duration: choose a period that fits approved leave, business responsibilities, study schedules and the proposed activities.
- Funding: identify whether the applicant, an Indian family member, a US host or an employer will meet each major cost.
- Accommodation: explain whether the applicant will use hotels, stay with relatives or use a genuine mixed arrangement.
- Return plan: be ready to discuss the work, business, family, education or other commitments that continue after the visit.
Funding scenarios require different evidence
| Arrangement | What should be clear |
|---|---|
| Self-funded holiday | Income or savings, estimated trip cost and why the expense is reasonable for the applicant |
| Adult child funding a parent | The relationship, sponsor's ability to pay, purpose of the visit and the parent's own circumstances |
| US host providing accommodation | The genuine relationship, address, length of stay and which other costs the applicant will pay |
| Employer-supported visit | The permitted purpose, employer's role, expense arrangements and the applicant's continuing position in India |
A sponsorship letter cannot repair an implausible trip. The financial explanation should match the DS-160, supporting records and what the applicant can explain personally.
When it is better to pause and correct the application
Do not rush to submit merely because an appointment may be available. Pause if the passport details are uncertain, the US contact has not been verified, the occupation history contains unexplained gaps, the funding arrangement keeps changing, or the proposed activity may fall outside visitor rules. Correcting a factual issue before submission is safer than creating a second version of the story at the interview.
Applicants with an earlier refusal should review the previous DS-160 and the refusal information before filing again. A new form should disclose the prior application accurately and explain the current facts without blaming the earlier outcome on a single guessed answer.
How our tourist visa assistance works
- Review the purpose, timing, funding and applicant profile.
- Prepare or check the DS-160 using accurate applicant-provided information.
- Identify relevant supporting evidence without creating an excessive file.
- Assist with the official fee and appointment process.
- Review likely interview topics and consistency with the submitted form.
We do not guarantee approval, influence a consular officer or encourage false information. Visa decisions are made only by the relevant US authority.
Frequently asked questions
Is B1/B2 the same as a tourist visa?
B-2 covers tourism, family visits and certain medical visits. A combined B1/B2 visa may also permit qualifying temporary business activities. The actual category depends on the purpose stated in the application and the visa issued.
Is an invitation letter compulsory for a US tourist visa?
No. The Department of State explains that an invitation letter or Affidavit of Support is not required for a visitor visa decision. The applicant must qualify based on the overall circumstances.
How much bank balance is required?
There is no single published balance that guarantees approval. Funds should reasonably cover the proposed trip and make sense in relation to income, savings, sponsor arrangements and trip duration.
Can a tourist visa be used for employment?
No. B-2 visitor travel does not authorise employment in the United States.
Should I purchase flights before the visa is issued?
Non-refundable travel should normally be avoided until the visa has been issued and the passport has been returned. A proposed itinerary can explain the trip without creating an irreversible booking.