B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa Overview
B-1/B-2 visitor visas are the most common nonimmigrant visas for temporary visits to the United States. B-1 visas are for business purposes, while B-2 visas are for tourism and visiting friends or relatives. Many visas are issued as combination B-1/B-2 visas, allowing for both business and tourism activities during the same trip.
Key Benefits
- • Most flexible visa for temporary visits to United States
- • Often issued for multiple entries over several years
- • Can engage in business meetings and tourism activities
- • Possibility to extend stay or change status in certain cases
- • Family members can apply for same visa type
- • No requirement for U.S. employer sponsorship
Important Limitations
- • Cannot work or receive payment for services in United States
- • Cannot enroll in degree or credit-bearing academic programs
- • Must maintain residence abroad with intent to return
- • Stay duration determined by CBP officer at entry (not visa validity)
- • Visa does not guarantee admission to United States
- • Extensions and status changes have strict requirements
B-1 Business Visitor Activities
Permitted Business Activities
- Attending business meetings, conferences, or conventions
- Negotiating contracts or consulting with business associates
- Settling estates or legal matters
- Participating in short-term training programs
- Attending scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions
- Installing, servicing, or repairing commercial equipment purchased from foreign company
- Soliciting sales or taking orders (but not performing actual sales)
- Participating in litigation as a party or witness
Important: B-1 visitors cannot receive payment from U.S. sources, except reimbursement of incidental expenses. The source of payment and employer must remain outside the United States.
B-2 Tourism and Visitor Activities
Permitted Tourism Activities
- Tourism and vacation travel
- Visiting family members or friends
- Medical treatment and consultation
- Participating in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
- Participating in amateur contests or events (no payment received)
- Enrolling in short recreational courses of study (not for credit)
- Participating in volunteer activities for charitable organizations
Note: B-2 visitors can participate in short recreational courses but cannot enroll in degree programs or courses that provide academic credit toward a degree.
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Qualification Criteria
- Must have a residence outside the United States with no intention of abandoning it
- Must demonstrate strong ties to home country (family, employment, property, etc.)
- Must show intent to depart the United States after temporary visit
- Must have sufficient funds to cover expenses during stay
- Must not intend to work or study for credit in the United States
- Must be admissible to the United States (no criminal history, health issues, etc.)
- Must demonstrate legitimate purpose for visit with supporting documentation
Application Process
Complete B-1/B-2 Visa Application Process
Complete Form DS-160 Online
Submit the online nonimmigrant visa application with all required information, upload digital photo, and print confirmation page.
Required Documents:
- •Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond intended stay)
- •Digital photograph meeting specifications
- •Travel itinerary and purpose of visit documentation
- •Employment letter or business invitation (if applicable)
Pay Visa Application Fee
Pay the nonrefundable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee and save receipt for interview.
Required Documents:
- •$185 visa application fee (may vary by country)
- •Valid payment method (credit card, bank transfer, etc.)
- •Fee receipt for interview appointment
Schedule Visa Interview
Book interview appointment at U.S. Embassy or Consulate in home country. Wait times vary significantly by location.
Required Documents:
- •DS-160 confirmation page
- •Fee payment receipt
- •Valid passport
Attend Visa Interview
Appear at scheduled interview with all required documents. Be prepared to explain purpose of visit and demonstrate ties to home country.
Required Documents:
- •Current and previous passports
- •DS-160 confirmation page
- •Fee payment receipt
- •Supporting documents for visit purpose
Receive Visa Decision
Consular officer makes decision. If approved, passport with visa will be returned via mail or pickup service.
Required Documents:
- •Administrative processing may require additional documentation
- •Visa foil affixed to passport if approved
Required Documentation
Documents Needed for Application
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
- DS-160 online application confirmation page
- One photograph meeting U.S. visa photo requirements
- Receipt showing payment of visa application fee
- Letter from employer stating position, salary, and approved leave dates
- Bank statements or other evidence of financial support
- Travel itinerary showing planned activities and accommodations
- Hotel reservations or invitation letter from host in United States
- Evidence of ties to home country (property ownership, family, employment)
- Previous U.S. visas or travel history documentation (if applicable)
Visa Interview Preparation
Interview Tips
- Arrive early and dress professionally
- Bring all required documents organized and easily accessible
- Answer questions honestly and concisely
- Demonstrate strong ties to home country with evidence
- Explain purpose of visit clearly and provide supporting documentation
- Show financial capability to cover trip expenses
- Be prepared to discuss travel history and previous visa applications
- Remain calm and polite throughout the interview process
Common Interview Questions
- • What is the purpose of your visit to the United States?
- • How long do you plan to stay?
- • Who will pay for your trip expenses?
- • What ties do you have to your home country?
- • Have you visited the United States before?
- • What is your occupation and monthly income?
- • Do you have family or friends in the United States?
- • What will you do after your visit?
Extending Your Stay
Extension Requirements (Form I-539)
- File Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
- Apply before current authorized stay expires (check I-94 record)
- Provide compelling reasons for extension with supporting evidence
- Demonstrate continued eligibility and intent to depart after extension
- Pay required filing fees ($420 plus biometric services fee if applicable)
- Show sufficient financial support for extended stay period
Timing is Critical: File extension application before your authorized stay expires. Check your I-94 arrival record for the "Admit Until" date, not your visa expiration date.
Change of Status Options
Possible Status Changes from B-1/B-2
- B-1/B-2 to F-1 (Student): Requires acceptance at SEVP-approved school
- B-1/B-2 to H-1B (Specialty Occupation): Must have employer petition and meet requirements
- B-1/B-2 to other work visa: Generally requires departure and consular processing
- B-2 to B-1: May be possible with change in purpose of visit
- Marriage to U.S. citizen: May adjust status to permanent resident
Important: Some status changes may not be permitted if you entered with clear intent to change status. Consult with an immigration attorney for complex cases.
Prohibited Activities and Common Violations
Activities NOT Permitted on B-1/B-2 Status
- Employment or work for compensation (paid or unpaid)
- Enrollment in degree or credit-bearing academic programs
- Representing foreign employer in labor disputes
- Performing skilled or unskilled labor
- Establishing business or making investments requiring work
- Journalism or media work (requires I visa)
- Performing for paying audiences (requires P or O visa)
- Staying beyond authorized period of admission
Violation Consequences: Engaging in prohibited activities can result in removal from the United States, future visa denials, and permanent bars to admission.
Current Processing Information
Visa Application Fees (2025)
- • B-1/B-2 Application Fee (MRV): $185
- • Extension/Change of Status Fee: $420 (online) / $470 (paper)
- • Biometric Services Fee: $85 (if required)
- • Visa Issuance Fee: Varies by country (reciprocity)
- • Premium Processing: Not available for visitor visas
Fee Verification: Visa fees may include additional charges and change frequently. Use official State Department fee schedule and USCIS Fee Calculator for current amounts before applying.
H.R. 1 Alert: Additional fees may take effect July 22, 2025, under H.R. 1 provisions. Monitor official announcements for updates affecting visitor visa categories.
Processing Times
- • Interview Wait Times: 7 days to 2+ years (varies by country/embassy)
- • Visa Processing After Interview: 3-10 business days (if approved)
- • Administrative Processing: Additional 2-12 weeks if required
- • Extension Processing: 8-15 months for Form I-539 (current estimates)
- • Expedited Processing: Limited to emergency situations only
- • Peak Season Impact: Longer waits during summer travel season
Note: Processing times change frequently. Check current wait times on the State Department website and USCIS processing times tool before planning travel.
Visa Waiver Program Alternative
ESTA for Visa Waiver Program Countries
Citizens of 41 Visa Waiver Program countries may travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa by obtaining ESTA authorization.
Key Differences from B-1/B-2 Visa:
- • Maximum 90-day stay (not extendable)
- • Cannot change status to another visa category
- • Online application process ($21 fee)
- • Valid for 2 years for multiple entries
- • Must meet all VWP requirements
Common Issues and Solutions
Frequent Problems
- • Insufficient ties to home country: Provide comprehensive evidence of employment, property ownership, family obligations, or other compelling reasons to return
- • Previous overstays or violations: Be honest about past issues and provide evidence of changed circumstances
- • Unclear purpose of visit: Prepare detailed itinerary and supporting documentation for planned activities
- • Inadequate financial support: Show bank statements, employment letters, or sponsor support documentation
- • Administrative processing delays: Provide any requested additional documentation promptly and maintain communication with consulate
Best Practices
- • Apply early: Start visa application process well in advance of planned travel dates
- • Be consistent: Ensure all information in DS-160 matches supporting documents and interview responses
- • Maintain records: Keep copies of all applications, approvals, and travel documents
- • Monitor I-94: Check arrival/departure record online and comply with authorized stay period
- • Plan for contingencies: Have backup travel plans in case of visa delays or denials
Additional Resources
State Department Visitor Visas
Official information on B-1/B-2 visa requirements and application procedures
Visit State Department(opens in new tab)USCIS Form I-539
Extension and change of status application for B-1/B-2 visitors
Visit USCIS(opens in new tab)Form DS-160 Online Application
Complete online nonimmigrant visa application
Access DS-160(opens in new tab)Visa Waiver Program & ESTA
Alternative to B-1/B-2 visa for eligible country citizens
Visit ESTA(opens in new tab)Need Professional Help?
While B-1/B-2 visas are generally straightforward, complex cases involving previous denials, overstays, criminal history, or unclear eligibility may benefit from professional guidance.
Consider consulting with a qualified immigration attorney if you have concerns about your eligibility, have been denied a visa previously, or need guidance on extensions or status changes.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa requirements and procedures can change. Always consult official State Department and USCIS guidance and consider seeking professional legal advice for your specific situation. Information current as of 2025.