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B-2 & Visa Waiver for Tourism (WT)

These nonimmigrant visa categories allow short-term visitors to come to the United States for tourism, vacation, visiting family and friends, or medical treatment. Visitors must request a B-2 visa at the appropriate U.S. consulate unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Detailed information can be found on the Department of State’s Visitor Visa webpage. These visa categories DO NOT allow employment.

Students, are you Inviting family and friends for a visit or graduation? Please see our Inviting Friends and Family for a Short Visit webpage.

Please note: Reimbursements to persons in these visa classifications may be subject to substantial tax withholding and you may wish to contact the Accounts Payable Office for further information on taxation and review the information on Duke's Financial Services Procurement website.

Duke department administrators inviting a B-1/WB/B-2/WT visa holder to Duke should review the information regarding Reimbursement and Honorarium payments on our Duke Visa Services Administrators webpage.

As of April 12, 2002, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prohibits the enrolling in a course of study while in B-1 or B-2 status. Detailed information can be found on the Department of State's Visitor Visa webpage.

Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, travelers in the following categories are no longer eligible to travel or be admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):

Effective 1/21/2016, travelers in the following categories are no longer eligible to travel or be admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country). Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria. These individuals will still be able to apply for a visa using the regular immigration process at our embassies or consulates. For those who need a U.S. visa for urgent business, medical, or humanitarian travel to the United States, U.S. embassies and consulates stand ready to process applications on an expedited basis.

For more information, please read the official article on the Department of State website.

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