This article was last updated and fact checked on January 28, 2023 by Mani Karthik.
To enter the United States legally for medical treatment, you need to apply for a B2 visa. But before you start off with the process, here’s a look at the process and requirements.
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Eligibility Requirements
When you apply for a B2 visa, you need to show the consular officer that you are eligible for it under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act. For this, the following things need to be proved:
- Your trip is a temporary one and is focused on getting medical treatment
- There are sufficient funds to support you during your stay
- You possess a residence outside the US and have economic and social ties that will compel you to return to your home country once the treatment has been completed.
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However there are other choices like these, as well.
How to Apply for B2 Visa
To apply for the visa, fill the Electronic Visa Application Form (DS-160) and pay the $160 fee. Next, log in to the USCIS website and schedule your biometric and interview appointments at the US consulate using fee receipt number, passport number and the date of payment.
Make sure you arrive for your appointments on time. For the visa interview, carry the documents mentioned on this page.
Supporting Documents
Apart from the mandatory documents, you need to provide several other proofs as well. These include:
- Medical diagnosis from your local physician, describing your ailment and the need for treatment in the US
- Letter from a US-based doctor, stating that they are willing to provide the needed medical care and mentioning the cost and duration of treatment
- Proof of your own or your sponsor’s financial ability to bear the cost, via bank statements or income tax returns.
