The B-1/B-2 tourist visa is for people traveling temporarily to the United States for business (B-1) or pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). Generally, the B-1 visa is intended for travelers consulting with business associates, attending scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions/conferences, settling an estate, or negotiating contracts. The B-2 visa is intended for travel of a recreational nature, including tourism, visits to friends or relatives, medical treatment, and activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature.The B-1 and B-2 visas are sometimes merged into one document, the B-1/B-2.
How much time to get a B-1/B-2 VISA for USA?
The average waiting time (processing time) for a B1/B2 visa interview appointment is currently two months. To check the wait time for your specific embassy or consulate, enter your city into this handy State Department tool in the “Appointment Wait Time” section. Please note that if you are applying for an interview in a country other than your home country, waiting times may be longer.
Cost for B VISA for USA
Currently, the government fee for a B visa is $185, which does not include the cost of gathering documents and evidence and acquiring passport photos.
Requirements for B-1/B-2 VISA:
A B1/B2 tourist visa is suitable for many types of travel to the United States, including commercial and non-commercial activities such as tourism. If you want to apply for a B1 or B2 visa, you must demonstrate that your trip to the United States is only for a short time.
You must also demonstrate that you intend to return to your home country after the visit and that you have a place to live outside the United States that you will not leave forever. These points help demonstrate that you will follow the B1/B2 visa rules.
Reasons for traveling on a B1 tourist visa include:
- Business Consultations: May include meetings, negotiations, or discussions with business associates in the United States.
- Participation in conferences or seminars: This may involve professional, educational, scientific or business conferences.
- Settling an Estate: If someone inherits property or assets in the United States, a B1 visa can allow them to handle these matters legally.
- Contract Negotiations: If a person needs to sign or negotiate a contract with a US company, a B1 visa is often the correct choice.
- Professional exam and licensing: Some professionals must be in the United States to take exams or obtain licenses available only there.
Reasons for traveling on a B2 tourist visa include:
- Tourism: This could be sightseeing, visiting famous landmarks, exploring cities, or simply enjoying the culture and atmosphere of the country.
Visit family or friends: Many people use a B2 visa to visit loved ones who live in the United States. - Medical Treatment: If someone needs medical treatment or a procedure available in the United States, they may apply for a B2 visa.
- Social events: Attending events such as concerts, cooking classes, conferences, festivals or other social gatherings can be another reason to use a B2 visa.
- Participation in events or competitions: If the event does not involve professional participation (such as amateur tournaments or competitions), a B2 visa may be suitable.
- Short courses of study: if the duration of the course is less than 18 hours per week, it falls under the B2 visa regulations.
You cannot travel on this visa to carry out any of the following activities:
- Study
- Long-term employment with a US company
- Paid shows or any professional performance in front of a paying audience
- I arrive as a crew member on a ship or plane
- Work as a foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism or other media
- Permanent residence in the United States
Documents required for B-1/B-2 VISA:
The following papers are required to apply for a B1/B2 visa:
- Valid passport for six months after the return date
- A current, acceptable government-required digital image
- Documentation of the last five prior trips to the United States, if applicable
- Proof of funds to cover the full cost of your trip, including travel, accommodation and living expenses
- Evidence of strong ties to the applicant’s country of origin, such as work, property or family
B-1/B-2 VISA Application Process:
Applications are processed by the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
- Before your visa is accepted, you must appear in an interview. Although you can interview in a third-country embassy or consulate, the wait for a visa appointment will probably be lengthier.
- Steps to get a B-1/B-2 visa
- First, you must complete the Online Application for Nonimmigrants, Form DS-160. Fill out the online form and print the confirmation page as you will need it for the interview.
- Upload your digital photo
- Attend the visa interview
- As part of the process, inkless fingerprint scans are taken, typically during the interview. The consular official may need further information or papers after the interview in order to decide on your case.
FAQs:
B1 visa or B2 visa, which is right for me?
B-2 visas are provided for tourism-related activities like holidays or visiting relatives, whereas B-1 visas are issued for brief work visits.
Who is eligible for a B-1 or B-2 visa?
If you want to temporarily visit the United States for vacation or business purposes, such as attending a conference, sightseeing, or visiting relatives, you can apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. You may need to demonstrate that you have ties to your home country and that you intend to leave the United States.
How long am I permitted to stay in the US on a B-1/B-2 visa?
When you enter the United States, a customs officer will give you permission to stay in the country for up to six months. If you wish to stay longer, you may be able to request an extension of up to one year.
How can I extend my stay with the B1 visa or B2 visa?
If you are nearing the end of your permitted stay in the United States, you may want to extend it, especially because there may be future consequences if you stay in the United States longer than you have been permitted to stay.
If you have a B-1 visa or a B-2 visa, you can apply to extend your stay for up to one year. To do this, you will need to fill out Form I-539 to extend or change your status. Be careful to plan ahead and apply for a status extension at least 45 days before your approved stay ends.
Can I work in the United States on a B-1/B-2 visa?
No. While you may enter the United States for work, you may not work or be employed by a U.S. employer. If you are interested in working in the United States for a U.S. employer, you may be interested in other visa categories, such as the H-1B visa.
Can I work in the United States on a B-1/B-2 visa?
No. While you may enter the United States for work, you may not work or be employed by a U.S. employer. If you are interested in working in the United States for a U.S. employer, you may be interested in other visa categories, such as the H-1B visa.
How can I renew my B1 visa or B2 visa?
If you want to renew your B-1/B-2 visa, you will need to follow the original procedure. Depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate you apply to, you may be able to complete your visa renewal without the need for an interview.
Do I need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa or ESTA?
You have the choice to apply for an ESTA rather than a B1 or B2 visa if you are a national of one of the 38 nations that are a member of the Visa Waiver Program.
Both allow you to enter the United States for the same tourism or business reasons, but you can apply for ESTA online. However, entering the US this way only allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days, so if you want to stay in the US for travel or business purposes longer, the B-1/B-2 tourist visa may be an option for you.
Do Canadian citizens need a B-1/B-2 visa?
For occasional business or tourist travel, most Canadian citizens do not need a visa and will automatically be admitted with a B-1 or B-2 category visa.
Is the B-1/B-2 visa an immigrant or non-immigrant visa?
The B-1/B-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, but if your circumstances change, for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, there are several paths from a tourist visa to a green card. Learn more to see how Boundless can help you avoid major headaches and simplify the process.
Do I need a certain amount of money in my bank account to get approved for a travel visa?
No. A common misconception about the travel visa process is that, to be approved, you must provide proof of a certain amount of funds in your bank account. While financial considerations are an aspect of the B-1/B-2 process and the consular officer can review whether you are able to support yourself financially during your stay in the United States, there is no required minimum amount of necessary funds that must be met. The assessment of finances will vary from applicant to applicant, depending on a number of other factors. Find out more common myths about the travel visa process in the Boundless blog post.
How can I update my B1 or B2 visa?
If you want to renew your B-1/B-2 visa, you will need to follow the original procedure. Depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate you apply to, you may be able to complete your visa renewal without the need for an interview.