By Debbie McGoldrick

“I HAVE been living in the U.S. for eight years, and I became a citizen last year. My father is coming here for an eye exam before the end of the year; he has a rare condition that seems to be getting worse. He may have surgery when he’s here, and the recovery period may be a long time. Is there a special visa he needs?”

THERE is no such thing as a medical visa, though many people travel to the U.S. each year for various treatments, some short-term, others much longer.

Your father has two options. If his treatment will be less than 90 days he can travel here under the visa waiver program, which will allow him to stay here for up to 90 days without having to apply for a U.S. entry visa. Once those 90 days are up he must leave the U.S., as those entering under the waiver program do not have renew options once they are here.

If there’s a chance he’ll be here longer than 90 days he should apply for a B-2 visa at the U.S. Embassy before departure. This visa can allow for a stay of several months, and if need be your dad will be able to file for a further extension while he’s here.