A proposed bill, the Temporary Family Visitation Act, is now being reconsidered to allow foreigners to visit the U.S. on a temporary basis for family events. Examples of qualifying events include weddings, birthdays, and holiday celebrations. However, individuals must have travel medical insurance during the entirety of their stay in the U.S.
Currently, nonimmigrant visitor visas for business or tourism under B-1 and B-2 visas are offered. The new proposed Temporary Family Visitation Act suggests a third nonimmigrant category – the B-3. This visa is proposed to allow foreigners to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days.
The Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA) is meant to provide options for foreign family members to visit their U.S.-based family members. The dates of eligibility for the stay in the U.S. will be responsibly enforced. If a visitor overstays their visa dates, their U.S.-based family members will no longer be eligible to petition future visits for foreign family members.
The TFVA requires U.S.-based relatives who petition for their foreign relatives to visit the U.S. to sign an affidavit of financial support. Foreign relatives must purchase qualifying travel medical insurance or provide proof of existing health insurance that covers international medical expenses during travel.
The bill was previously introduced but stalled.
ILBSG actively monitors ongoing updates to U.S. immigration policy. If you have questions about any immigration-related issue, for business or family, contact us. We work with our clients in their specific situations to ensure they get the right advice.
