To obtain medical treatment in the United States, foreign nationals must apply for a B-2 visitor visa, which is designated for tourism, family visits, and medical care. This visa does not cover long-term stays or permanent residency, and applicants must prove the treatment is medically necessary and unavailable in their home country. The process requires substantial documentation, including letters from both local and U.S. physicians, proof of financial capability to cover medical and living expenses, and evidence of strong ties to the home country to ensure the applicant will return after treatment. Pregnant women and individuals with contagious diseases face additional scrutiny, and all applicants must undergo a consular interview.

Key requirements for a medical treatment visa include:

• Medical necessity: Treatment must be unavailable or inadequate in the applicant’s home country, confirmed by letters from both a local doctor and a U.S. healthcare provider ^[1][4][7].
• Financial proof: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover medical bills, travel, and living expenses, often requiring bank statements or a sponsor’s Form I-134 ^[6][10].
• Visa application process: Completing Form DS-160, paying the $185 fee, scheduling a consular interview, and providing a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay ^[2][3].
• Restrictions and challenges: Certain health conditions (e.g., contagious diseases) may lead to inadmissibility, and pregnant women must prove their primary purpose is not U.S. childbirth ^[1][6].

The B-2 visa allows stays of up to 180 days, with possible extensions if treatment requires a longer duration, though applicants must apply for extensions before their authorized stay expires ^[3][6].

Applying for a U.S. Medical Treatment Visa

Eligibility and Documentation Requirements

To qualify for a B-2 visa for medical treatment, applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria centered on the urgency and unavailability of the required care in their home country. The U.S. government requires three core documents: a letter from the applicant’s local physician, a letter from the U.S. healthcare provider, and proof of financial responsibility. These documents must collectively establish that the treatment is critical, cannot be obtained locally, and will not impose a public health risk.

The local physician’s letter must:

• Diagnose the medical condition and explain why treatment is unavailable in the applicant’s home country ^[4][7].
• Include the physician’s contact information, license number, and professional credentials to validate authenticity ^[10].
• Specify the recommended treatment plan and estimated duration, as this influences visa approval and stay length ^[1].

The U.S. healthcare provider’s letter must:

• Confirm willingness to treat the applicant and outline the proposed treatment, including procedures, medications, and follow-up care ^[4][6].
• Estimate the total cost of treatment, which the applicant must prove they can afford ^[1].
• Be printed on official letterhead and signed by an authorized representative, such as a hospital administrator or attending physician ^[3].

Financial documentation is equally critical. Applicants must submit:

• Bank statements from the past 6–12 months showing sufficient funds to cover medical expenses, which can exceed $10,000 for complex procedures ^[6].
• If a sponsor (e.g., family member or employer) is covering costs, Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) must be filed, accompanied by the sponsor’s tax returns and employment verification ^[10].
• Proof of health insurance, if applicable, though this is not mandatory for visa approval ^[7].

Additional considerations include:

• Ties to home country: Applicants must demonstrate strong social, economic, or familial ties (e.g., property ownership, employment, or dependents) to prove they will return after treatment ^[3][6].
• Passport validity: The passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the U.S. ^[2].
• Medical examination: Some consulates require a pre-visa medical exam to screen for contagious diseases like tuberculosis or syphilis, which could render an applicant inadmissible ^[5][6].

Application Process and Interview

The B-2 visa application process involves four key steps: completing the online form, paying the fee, scheduling an interview, and attending the consular appointment. Errors or omissions in any step can delay processing or result in denial.

1. Form DS-160: Applicants must complete this nonimmigrant visa application online, providing personal details, travel plans, and purpose of visit. The form generates a confirmation page with a barcode, which must be printed and brought to the interview ^[2][6]. - The form requires uploading a digital photograph meeting U.S. visa photo requirements (e.g., white background, no glasses) ^[2]. - Applicants must select "Medical Treatment" as the primary purpose of travel under the B-2 category ^[7].

1. Fee payment: The non-refundable application fee is $185, payable online or at designated banks, depending on the consulate’s instructions. Proof of payment is required to schedule the interview ^[2][6].

1. Interview scheduling: After paying the fee, applicants book two appointments: - Biometrics appointment (if required) for fingerprinting and photo verification. - Consular interview, which is mandatory for all applicants aged 14–79. Wait times vary by consulate, ranging from a few days to several months ^[2][3].

During the interview, a consular officer will:

• Verify the authenticity of submitted documents, particularly the medical letters and financial proof ^[1].
• Ask about the applicant’s ties to their home country to assess the risk of overstaying. Common questions include: "What do you do for work?", "Do you own property?", and "Who will care for your dependents while you’re away?" ^[3].
• Assess whether the applicant’s primary purpose is indeed medical treatment. Pregnant women may face questions about whether they intend to give birth in the U.S., which is discouraged unless the pregnancy is high-risk and requires specialized care ^[1][6].

Potential red flags that may lead to denial include:

• Inconsistencies between the medical letters and the applicant’s statements ^[1].
• Insufficient financial proof or reliance on public assistance ^[10].
• Weak ties to the home country, such as unemployment or lack of property ^[3].
• History of visa violations or overstays in the U.S. or other countries ^[2].

If approved, the visa is typically issued within 5–10 business days, though processing times vary. Applicants should note that:

• A visa does not guarantee entry; U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers make the final admission decision at the port of entry ^[2][9].
• Visa holders must enter the U.S. before the expiration date on the visa and adhere to the permitted duration of stay (usually up to 180 days) ^[3].