The USA over the years has been serving lots of lives through their sound medical facilities. As a nation known for its research in medicine, the United States has become a place where many foreign nationals visit and obtain good and affordable health care. When it comes to medical tourism, the United States stands out as a beacon of advanced healthcare solutions. Patients from all corners of the globe flock to the USA seeking top-notch medical treatments. If you or a loved one requires medical treatment abroad then you should consider the United States as your destination of choice. Some of the top outstanding health facilities in the US include: the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Massachusetts General Hospital. Foreign nationals planning on securing medical treatment in the USA, either for themselves or a close family member, first think of the U.S. visa requirements. This visa arrangement is also called A B2 visa which allows foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in the US to enter the country as well as stay there for a specified, limited period i.e. the length of their treatment.
Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the process for securing a U.S. visa for medical treatment in the U.S. successfully.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a medical visa to the US ie a B2 Visa, the checklist below must be ascertained by prospective US patients and caregivers.
- Prove Medical Need: The most important requirement is to demonstrate that you need specific medical treatment that is unavailable in your country of residence. You must provide documentation from a U.S. physician or medical facility outlining your diagnosis, treatment plan, and the necessity of travelling to the U.S. for care.
- Financial Stability: You must be able to prove that you can financially support yourself during your stay in the U.S. This includes the cost of medical treatment, travel, accommodation, and other living expenses.
- Temporary Stay: You must show that your stay in the U.S. will be temporary. You’ll need to demonstrate an intention to return to your home country once the treatment is complete.
- Sufficient Documentation: All relevant documents must be submitted, including medical records, letters from the healthcare providers (both in your home country and the U.S.), proof of financial capability, and other supporting materials.
REQUIREMENT FOR A B2 VISA TO THE US
To meet the eligibility requirements for a B-2 visa, you should be able to demonstrate why you are not pursuing or receiving treatment in your home country, and that you will be able to afford the high U.S. healthcare expenses incurred. You will need to provide evidence that verifies:
- You are travelling specifically for medical treatment: You should be ready to submit copies of medical reports and/or documents from the doctor treating you in your home country and any correspondence or documents from the doctor/health facility in the U.S
- You plan to stay in the U.S. for a specified period: You should be ready to submit documentation showing how long you will need for treatment, preferably a letter from the doctor or health professional in the U.S.
- You have a permanent residence in your home country, and evidence that you will not abandon it, for example, evidence of a permanent job and/or family
- You can afford your stay and treatment during the U.S. trip: here patient should be ready to submit documentation showing how much the treatment will cost with accompanying documentation showing that you can afford that amount plus the expense of living in the U.S.
HOW TO APPLY
- Consult with U.S. Medical Facility: First, you’ll need to identify the U.S. medical facility or physician where you will receive treatment. This could be a renowned hospital or a specialized clinic. Obtain a letter from the facility detailing your diagnosis, the medical treatment plan, and the reason why treatment in the U.S. is necessary.
- Complete the DS-160 Form: The DS-160 form is the primary application for a U.S. visa. Complete this online form with accurate information about your medical needs, intended treatment, and financial situation.
- Schedule a Visa Interview: After submitting the DS-160 form, schedule an appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Be sure to schedule the interview well in advance as there may be long wait times.
- Prepare Supporting Documents: Along with your DS-160 confirmation page, bring your passport, medical documents from both your home country and the U.S. medical institution, proof of financial means, and any other supporting paperwork. This includes your pant confirmation from the U.S. medical facility.
- Attend the Visa Interview: During the interview, a consular officer will ask questions regarding the purpose of your visit, your treatment plan, and your financial situation. Be honest and clear about the necessity of receiving medical care in the U.S.
COST OF GETTING A MEDICAL VISA TO THE US (B2 VISA)
The cost of a US B2 visa is $185, plus any applicable service charges. This fee is non-refundable and is known as the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee.
Applicants for the said visa can pay the fee with a debit card, credit card, or cash. Payable during the application process or at your interview. Take note that you will be required to bring the receipt during the visa interview.
VALIDITY OF MEDICAL VISA TO THE US.
The validity period of an immigrant and fiancé(e) visa is based on the medical examination, the maximum validity of which is six months from the date on which it is performed. You will be advised further at your interview.
MEDICAL VISA EXTENSION WHILE IN THE U.S.
After entering the US, if you require an extension of stay due to continuation of treatment beyond the granted period, you can file Form I-539 with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) to extend your B-2 status.
USCIS will consider all the circumstances surrounding the situation, including current status, the reasons for the extension and continuing ties to the home country in deciding whether or not to grant the extension of status. In case the extension is denied and you have already crossed the pre-approved period, you will need to leave the country immediately.