DuPage County Tourist and Visitor Visa Attorneys
Skilled Assistance with Non-Immigrant Tourist and Visitor Visas in Illinois
Foreign nationals who want to come to the United States as tourists or visitors may apply for a B2 non-immigrant (visitor) visa. Tourist and visitor visas are temporary visas that are granted for a specific purpose and valid for a specified length of time. To be approved for a B2 visa, you must meet certain requirements and convince a U.S. consular that you are qualified. To find out if a B2 visa is a good option for you or a family member, it is best to speak with a skilled immigration attorney.
Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices has several decades of combined experience helping foreign nationals become approved for tourist and visitor visas for temporary stays in Chicago, Northern Illinois, and throughout the U.S. Our award-winning attorneys frequently represent clients before USCIS and ICE for all types of immigration matters, and we have a strong track record of success dealing with these agencies. We are highly acclaimed not only for our experience and skill but also for our client-centered approach. We understand the confusion and frustration involved in dealing with large and bureaucratic government agencies and put our experience to work to provide a strong voice for each client we serve.
Tourist and Visitor Visa Requirements
B2 visas are given to foreign nationals who want to enter the U.S. temporarily for pleasure. B2 visas are valid for up to six months, and visa holders may apply for one extension for a total stay of one year. Valid reasons for seeking a visitor visa include:
- Tourism;
- Visiting Family and/or Friends;
- Attending a Certain Event (such as a wedding or funeral); and
- Seeking Medical Treatment.
Please note, foreign nationals who want to come to the U.S. to conduct temporary business should apply for a B1 (business) visa.
To be approved for a tourist/visitor visa, you must lodge your application, pay a non-refundable fee and schedule an interview at a nearby U.S. Embassy or Consulate. At the interview, your application is reviewed by the consular, and you are asked several questions to determine eligibility. To be successful in gaining approval, you must demonstrate to the following:
- Financial Wherewithal: Bank statements and other financial records are critical in showing you are financially capable of traveling to the U.S.
- Maintenance of a Foreign Residence: Because tourist and visitor visas are temporary, it is important to have a foreign residence, ideally one that you own rather than rent.
- Strong Ties to your Home Country: The deciding factor in granting a B2 visa is how likely you are to return home when your stay in the U.S. is completed. For this reason, showing sufficient ties to your home country, such as family members you are leaving behind, permanent employment, meaningful business, and other such commitments are essential.
