B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas for Exams and Interviews

A B-1/B-2 visitor visa lets you enter the US for a short, defined purpose such as business or tourism, and it does not let you work. For IMGs, the usual uses are travelling to sit a USMLE exam and, less often now, attending an in-person residency interview. It is never the visa you use to start residency. This guide explains the common uses, the limits and the 2025 and 2026 changes.

What the B-1 and B-2 are #

B-1 is for temporary business purposes and B-2 for tourism, family visits or medical treatment; they are usually issued together as a B-1/B-2. The State Department's visitor visa page is the starting point. The key legal idea is that you must intend a temporary visit and be able to show that you will return home.

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may be able to travel with an ESTA authorization instead of a visa. Eligibility and conditions are set by the US government, so check the official page for your country rather than relying on a general guide.

Common IMG uses #

Taking a USMLE exam #

Travel to a US test center to sit Step 1, Step 2 CK or Step 3 is a short visit. Most applicants sit Step 1 and Step 2 CK at Prometric centers in or near their home countries, so you may not need to travel at all, but Step 3 is delivered only in the US, so some IMGs travel for it. See Step 3. Bring the exam scheduling permit, the confirmation from the testing organization and proof of ties to your home country.

Residency interviews #

Many programs now interview by video, as covered in Residency interview season. If a program invites you for an in-person interview, a B-1/B-2 visit to attend it is generally treated as short business travel. Do not apply for a visitor visa until you have an actual invitation, and keep the invitation and itinerary with you. Interviews and training are not the same thing: attending an interview does not give you permission to take part in clinical work.

Observerships and clinical electives #

Some IMGs use a B-1 for an observership. The permitted activity is observing, not treating patients, performing procedures, doing research or receiving pay. Institutions set their own policies and many ask for specific letters. Because rules are narrow and institutions differ, confirm the plan with the host institution's international office and the consulate. A separate wiki guide on this topic is planned.

What a visitor visa does not allow #

• Working or being paid by a US source.
• Starting residency or any training that involves patient care.
• Staying beyond the period of stay recorded on your I-94 admission record.
• Changing to another status as an automatic right. Changing status or applying for a visa for residency while on a visitor visa needs to be planned with the sponsor, because visitor intent can be questioned.

Make sure the purpose and dates you describe at the consulate match what you actually do.

How to apply #

1. Complete the online DS-160. It asks for social media identifiers, so answer accurately.
2. Pay the visa application fee. The amount is on the State Department fee page and can change.
3. Schedule an interview. Waiting times vary widely by city, so check the embassy's page.
4. Attend the interview with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, invitation or exam confirmation, proof of funds and ties to home.

State Department guidance also describes expanded online presence review for some visa types. Review your public profiles for consistency with what you tell the consular officer.

What changed in 2025 and 2026 #

• Interview waivers: The State Department narrowed the categories that can skip the interview, effective October 1, 2025. Plan for an in-person interview unless the embassy page says otherwise (update).
• Where to apply: State Department guidance says applicants should schedule at the embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence (page).
• Entry restrictions: A proclamation effective January 1, 2026 fully or partially suspends visa issuance for nationals of listed countries, and the partial list includes B-1/B-2. Visas issued before that date were not revoked by the proclamation, but you must check the current list for your nationality.
• Visa integrity fee: Federal law created a fee for nonimmigrant visa issuance, but sources we found disagreed on whether and where it is being collected. Check the State Department fee page for the current position and do not budget from a blog.

Practical advice #

• Apply only when you have a confirmed exam date or interview invitation, but not so late that appointment waits break your plan.
• Keep the story simple and consistent: the purpose, dates and funding should match your documents.
• For anything beyond a short visit, such as a training position, use the J-1 or H-1B process instead: see The J-1 visa process and H-1B for residents.
• If you have had a previous refusal or overstay, speak to an immigration attorney before applying.