This legislation creates a new nonimmigrant visa category specifically for relatives of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents who wish to enter the U.S. temporarily for family purposes. This new visa, designated as B(iii), broadens the existing B visa framework to explicitly include visits for social, occasional, major life, or religious events , or any other family-related reason. The definition of "relative" is comprehensive, encompassing spouses, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. To qualify for this visa, applicants must secure a declaration of financial support , obtain short-term travel medical insurance, and affirm under penalty of perjury their intent to depart the U.S. at the end of their authorized stay. The period of admission is capped at 90 days per calendar year , and petitioners who previously sponsored a relative who overstayed may be ineligible to petition again. Importantly, individuals admitted under this visa cannot change their immigration status while in the U.S. and their temporary admission does not facilitate adjustment to permanent residency, even if they are awaiting an immigrant visa.
This legislation creates a new nonimmigrant visa category specifically for relatives of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents who wish to enter the U.S. temporarily for family purposes. This new visa, designated as B(iii), broadens the existing B visa framework to explicitly include visits for social, occasional, major life, or religious events , or any other family-related reason. The definition of "relative" is comprehensive, encompassing spouses, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. To qualify for this visa, applicants must secure a declaration of financial support , obtain short-term travel medical insurance, and affirm under penalty of perjury their intent to depart the U.S. at the end of their authorized stay. The period of admission is capped at 90 days per calendar year , and petitioners who previously sponsored a relative who overstayed may be ineligible to petition again. Importantly, individuals admitted under this visa cannot change their immigration status while in the U.S. and their temporary admission does not facilitate adjustment to permanent residency, even if they are awaiting an immigrant visa.