Non-Immigrant Visas

Visas for Medical Treatment

In order to travel to the United States for medical treatment, examination, ect. a visitor visa (B-2) should be obtained.  Therefore, such applicants must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act, including Article 214 (b): "…every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status", which means that they have to be prepared to provide evidence of a residence abroad that they have no intention of abandoning. The law places the burden of proof on the applicant.  Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have ties abroad that would compel them to leave the United States at the end of the temporary stay. Ties are the various aspects of your life that bind you to your country of residence:  your possessions, employment, social and family relationships.

Each applicant for a visa for medical treatment must pay a nonrefundable US$131 application fee and submit:

1) An application Form DS-156, completed and signed;
2) A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States;
3) One passport size photograph, showing full face, without head covering, against a light background; and
4) Evidence of a residence abroad that the applicant would have no intention of abandoning (see above). Applicnats should prove to the satisfaction to the consular officer that the puppose of their trip is medical treatment and that they plan to remain in the US for a specific, limited period,
5) A description of the disease, effect or disability for which treatment is being sought. This should be provided by a reputable physician or medical facility.
6) Evidence that appropreate arrangements for treatment have been made with a doctor or/and a medical facility in the US. This evidence should contain information about an estimate of the total cost and the terms of the treatment.
7) Evidence of sufficient funds available to pay all estimated costs of the treatment in the US.

Applying for Visa

Applicants who wish to apply for this kind of visa should follow standard application procedures set up by the Embassy (see Visa Services). In case of acute medical emergency, the Consular Section should be contacted for a possible earlier appointment  at the above telephone number.

U.S. Port of entry

Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The DHS has authority to deny admission. Also, the period for which the bearer of a student visa is authorized to remain in the United States is determined by the DHS, not the consular officer. At the port of entry, an DHS official validates Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure, which notes the length of stay permitted.

Employment

A B-2 visitor may not accept any employment at any time while in the US.