When you need medical care that’s not available in your home country, it can feel devastating. However, you may be able to travel to the United States to receive the care you need to live a long and healthy life. If you need to obtain a visa for medical treatment but aren’t sure where to start, the following blog can help point you in the right direction. However, as this process can be complex, you’ll also discover how a New York immigration lawyer can assist you through these challenging times.
Is There a Visa for Medical Treatment?
If you want to obtain medical treatment in the United States, you must first receive a visa. This is known as a B-2 Visa. Though this form of visa is most common for tourism or vacations, it also allows foreign nationals to enter the country to receive healthcare treatment.
You should note that, unlike other visas in which members of a family like a spouse or children can also enter the country, this is not the case for a B-2 Visa. If you have a family member obtaining the same treatment, they must apply for and meet the eligibility requirements for this type of visa.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
It’s important to understand that though this is considered a tourist visa, you’ll need to provide significant information about your medical needs to be eligible for this visa. You’ll need to show the following:
- That you are only traveling to the United States for medical treatment
- If you are pregnant, you do not plan to give birth in the country
- you have a permanent residence outside of the United States
- You have a valid passport
- You have the funds to pay for travel expenses
- You have the funds to pay for medical treatment
In addition to providing the following evidence, you must also have a letter from a doctor in your country and a doctor in the United States. Essentially, the letter from the doctor in your home country explains your diagnosis and why this procedure cannot be done in your native country. The letter from the doctor in the United States must explain their willingness to treat you, a plan for your treatment, how long you must stay in the country, and an estimate of the cost of the care you will receive.
Though physicals are typically only for those looking to immigrate to the United States, you may have to undergo an examination to obtain a B-2 visa for medical purposes. This will be completed at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
As you can see, this process can be complex, as there are many considerations and a significant amount of evidence you must submit to be eligible for a B-2 visa for medical treatment. That’s why working with an experienced attorney from the Law Office of Jason A. Dennis is essential to providing the best chance at a favorable outcome. If you need assistance, contact us today to learn how we can help you.
