➡ WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS?
Great news—the B-2 Visa does not require proof of minimum income or provide proof of financial self-sufficiency but you should have between $2,500 and $3,500 per month depending on the city to afford the cost of living in USA.
➡ HOW LONG CAN YOU STAY?
The visa can be valid for up to 10 years, but the actual length of stay in the U.S. is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival, with a maximum allowable duration of 6 months per visit.
➡ WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any foreign national who wishes to visit the United States is eligible to apply for a B-2 tourism visa.
➡ HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The cost for a B-2 Tourism Visa application is $160 USD.
➡ HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY IN TAXES?
American digital nomads must file a US Federal Tax Return if their income exceeds the minimum threshold, regardless of their location or remote work status. The United States employs a citizenship-based taxation system, making it one of the few countries globally to tax its citizens on worldwide income. Individuals living in the United States for more than 183 days a year will also be subject to tax on their global income from all sources, similar to US citizens. The tax rates applied are progressive, and income is assessed in the same way as for US citizens. In the first year of residency, various options may be available to minimize US tax obligations.
Nomad Visa United States 2024
Currently, the United States does not offer a specific visa tailored for digital nomads. However, there are several alternative visas that are well-suited for remote workers seeking to explore and potentially live the American dream temporarily.
Living in the United States as a digital nomad offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse and dynamic fabric of American life, all while maintaining your professional responsibilities from the convenience of your laptop. This lifestyle allows you to blend work with exploration and cultural immersion, embodying the spirit of the American dream.
As a digital nomad in the U.S., you can design a lifestyle that rotates between the bustling streets of major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, where innovation and history intersect. Each city boasts its own unique attractions—from Broadway shows in New York to the film industry in Los Angeles, and architectural marvels in Chicago. These urban centers are not only hubs of economic activity but also offer rich cultural experiences, from world-class museums and galleries to diverse culinary scenes.
Beyond the urban environment, the United States is home to a spectacular array of natural landscapes. National parks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains offer breathtaking vistas and a chance to disconnect from digital life and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply taking in the views, the natural beauty of these parks provides a refreshing counterbalance to the digital nomad’s typically screen-heavy existence.
The cultural experiences available across the U.S. are as varied as its landscapes. You can enjoy the vibrant music scenes of cities like Nashville and New Orleans, the historical richness of Boston and Philadelphia, or the artistic communities in Santa Fe and Asheville. Each region offers its own distinct flavor of cultural events, local cuisine, and community traditions, allowing you to experience a tapestry of American life that attracts millions of visitors from around the globe each year.
Visa Options for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
- Tourism and Visit Visa (B-Visas):
- B-1 Visa for Business: Allows for short business-related visits.
- B-2 Visa for Tourism: This is the most applicable option for digital nomads. It is important to note that holders of this visa cannot be employed by a U.S. company during their stay. The B-2 visa permits various activities including:
- Leisure travel, vacationing, visiting friends or family.
- Participation in social events by fraternal, social, or service organizations.
- Undergoing medical treatment.
- Participation in amateur music, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being compensated.
- Enrollment in short recreational courses of study, not for credit toward a degree.
This visa can be valid for up to 10 years, with each stay generally limited to 6 months as determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon entry.
- Visa Waiver Program:
- This program permits citizens from certain countries—mostly from the European Union and Asia—to enter the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Eligibility requires an e-passport and registration through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
- H-1B Visa:
- The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring technical or theoretical expertise. Typically, such roles require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Initially valid for 3 years, this visa can be extended to 6 years, although it is subject to an annual cap.
Best US Visa for Digital Nomads
The Tourism B-2 Visa is perhaps the most suitable for digital nomads due to its accessibility and the allowance of a stay of up to 6 months.
Anyone from a foreign country wishing to enter the U.S. can apply for a B-2 tourism visa. This visa requires applicants to provide several documents, including:
- A valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in the U.S.)
- Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Receipt for payment of the application fee.
- A recent photograph.
Requirements for Opening a U.S. Bank Account
When visiting the United States, you have the option to open a bank account in-person. Online applications for non-residents are generally not available, so you must wait until you arrive in the U.S. to complete this process. The primary requirements include presenting two forms of identification, such as your passport and a driver’s license or national ID from your home country. Additionally, you’ll need to complete a W-8BEN form, which is used to declare your foreign status and tax information to the IRS.
Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency for B-2 Visa Holders
While the B-2 Visa does not stipulate a minimum income requirement or demand proof of financial self-sufficiency, you should be prepared to disclose your financial status upon entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection may inquire about the amount of money you are carrying or your overall financial resources to ensure you can support yourself during your stay without needing to work.
Proof of Accommodation
Proof of accommodation is not a mandatory requirement for the B-2 visa application, but you should be ready to provide details about your stay. Upon arrival, you may be asked to provide the address of your accommodation or show a hotel booking confirmation to the customs and border officials.
Health Insurance Considerations
While applying for the B-2 visa does not require you to show proof of health insurance, it is highly advisable to secure comprehensive health coverage for the duration of your visit to the United States. This ensures that you are protected against potentially high medical costs.
Visa Duration and Stay Limits
The B-2 Tourism visa does not have a minimum stay requirement; the length of your stay will be determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the point of entry. The maximum duration typically granted is six months. If you are entering under the Visa Waiver Program, the maximum stay allowed is 90 days.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the U.S. Tourist Visa
Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents
Before beginning your visa application, you need to collect several important documents:
- A valid passport, with a copy of the information page.
- A color photograph, size 22 mm by 35 mm, adhering to specific photo guidelines provided by the embassy.
- You might also need to provide additional documentation to support your application, such as proof of the purpose of your trip, your intent to depart the U.S. after your visit, and your financial means to cover the trip.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the Non-Immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, online. After completing the form, print out the confirmation page to bring to your interview.
Step 3: Schedule an Interview
Book your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. You have the option to schedule it at a different U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but approval might be more challenging outside your country of residence.
Step 4: Attend Your Interview
Arrive on time for your scheduled interview with all required documents. During the interview, the consular officer will decide if you qualify for the visa.
Step 5: Await Your Visa
If your visa is approved, you will leave your passport at the embassy or consulate. They will return it to you by mail, visa included, once processing is complete.
Application Timeline and Fees
The processing time for a U.S. tourist visa can vary significantly depending on the embassy or consulate; it may take anywhere from 70 to 756 business days. The cost for a B-2 Tourism Visa application is $160, and this fee is non-refundable. Ensure you apply well in advance of your intended travel date to accommodate potential delays.