B-2 Visa

[Susan]

Hi,

We are thinking of buying a property in the USA. Unfortunately we are from Great Britain and will not be able to apply for a Green Card. Our other option is to buy a property and stay up to six months at a time. We have looked at various sites and picked up some information. Can someone please explain how we can stay for the extra 3 months? I have read that you go over to the States for 3 months and apply to stay for another 3 months once you are there. You have to fill in a form and pay a fee. I have even found a site where you can download letters to request the stay. This is very vague. I have found the following info tonight on the internet:

"B-2 For those who don't qualify for any of the above, the B-2 Holiday visa is often plan B as it permits a stay of up to six months in the US. An interview with a consular officer is required to obtain a B-2 visa. "

I would appreciate it if someone could explain exactly what we have to do and any pitfuls they have come up against.

Thank you for your help:):)

[telco]

Hi Susan, and welcome.

A B2 visa is the best bet for your six months stay. Of course it is a holday visa, and you are not allowed to work during that stay.
But if you just want to "snowbird" here for 6 months a year, then the B2 visa is for you.
Coming here on a visa waiver (90 days), and trying to get a b2 visa wont work. You have to return to London to get the B2.

Jim

[JulieC]

You can get six months on B2 which is better than two three months on visa waiver and having to leave in the middle. You do have to have an embassy interview and have to prove ties to the UK to get B2, whether it be family, a house or whatever. They are really concerned to see that you are a bona fide snowbird and now coming out with an intention of staying.