B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

B-1 / B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to travel to the United States temporarily for business (B-1), tourism (B-2), or a mix of both (B1/B2). This visa category is widely used for brief visits to the U.S. B visas are typically valid for up to 10 years from the issue date, and travelers to the U.S. can stay up to 180 days, with the option to return to the U.S. again after that time.

B-1 / B-2 Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a B-1/B-2 visa can vary depending on various factors such as the applicant's country of origin, current workload at the embassy or consulate, and the completeness of the application. Generally, it takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months to receive a decision on the visa application.

 

How long can you stay in the U.S. on a B-1 / B-2 Visa?

A maximum of 6 months may be obtained for any B-1 / B-2 entry, with the possibility for extensions within the U.S. in qualifying cases. The exact duration varies per visa holder.

The B1 / B2 visa is a multiple-entry visa, which means you can use it to enter the U.S. more than once. There’s no set limit to the number of times you can visit the U.S. in a year, and it depends on the specific circumstances and discretion of the CBP officers who review your case each time you enter.

It’s important to remember that the B1 / B2 visa is intended for temporary, occasional visits for business, tourism, or medical treatment. It’s not meant to be used for living long-term in the U.S. or spending the majority of your time in the country.

 

What’s the Difference Between a B-1 Visa and a B-2 Visa?

The B1 is used for short business trips (conferences, meetings, contract negotiations, etc). Those with B1 visas cannot work in the U.S. in the traditional sense, as of March 2023, B1 or B2 visa holders can apply for jobs in the U.S. and attend interviews. 

The B2 (tourist visa) is for tourism, vacation, or visiting friends and family. It also covers certain medical treatments and participation in social events or contests, like music or sports, without receiving pay. In most cases, a B1/B2 visa is issued together, allowing the holder to travel for both business and pleasure. 

 

B-1 / B-2 Visa Cost

Currently, the government filing fee for a B visa is $185, which does not include the cost of gathering documents and evidence and acquiring passport photos.

 

 

B Visa Requirements

A B1/B2 visitor visa is used for many types of trips to the U.S., including business and non-business activities like tourism. If you want to apply for a B1 or B2 visa, you need to prove that your trip to the U.S. is only for a short time.

You must also show proof that you plan to return to your home country after your visit, and that you have a place to live outside the U.S. that you will not leave for good. These points help show that you will follow the rules of the B1/B2 visa.

 

Reasons for travel under a B1 visitor visa include:

• Business consultations: This might include meetings, negotiations, or discussions with business associates in the U.S.
• Attending conferences or seminars: This can cover professional, educational, scientific, or business conventions.
• Settling an estate: If someone inherits property or assets in the U.S., 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 U.S. company, a B1 visa is often the correct choice.
• Professional examination and licensing: Some professionals must be in the U.S. to take exams or get licenses only available there.

 

Reasons for travel under a B2 tourist visa include:

• Tourism: This could be sightseeing, visiting famous landmarks, exploring cities, or simply enjoying the country’s culture and atmosphere.
• Visiting family or friends: Many people use a B2 visa to visit their loved ones living in the U.S.
• Medical treatment: If someone requires medical treatment or a procedure that’s available in the U.S., they might apply for a B2 visa.
• Social events: Attending events like concerts, cooking classes, conventions, festivals, or other social gatherings can be another reason for using a B2 visa.
• Participation in events or contests: If the event doesn’t involve professional participation (like amateur tournaments or contests), a B2 visa could be suitable.
• Short courses of study: If the course duration is less than 18 hours per week, this falls under B2 visa regulations.

 

You cannot travel under this visa to engage any of the following:

• Study
• Long-term employment by a U.S. firm
• Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
• Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
• Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
• Permanent residence in the United States

 

Can You Change Status from B1/B2?

The B1 visa and B2 visa do not grant permanent resident status they are temporary visas – but you can adjust your status from a B1/B2 visa to another type of visa while you are in the U.S., as long as you meet certain requirements. This process involves submitting a change of status application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

 

Key points to consider if you want to change status from B1/B2:

• Purpose of stay: Your reason for wanting to stay in the U.S. should match the new visa type. For example, if you wish to study, you may apply to change to a student visa (F-1). If you find an employer willing to sponsor you, you could apply to change to a work visa (like H-1B).
• Timing: You should apply before your current status expires, typically indicated on the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. USCIS recommends applying at least 45 days before your current status expires.
• Eligibility: Not everyone can change their status. For example, you cannot change your status if you entered the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program unless it is due to marriage to a U.S. citizen.
• Status violation: If you’ve violated the terms of your current status (for instance, if you’ve started working while on a B1/B2 visa without authorization), you usually can’t change your status.
• Approval: Even if you meet all conditions and file an application, the final decision is up to USCIS.

 

Required Documents for a Travel Visa

• A passport valid for six months past the date of return
• A recent digital photograph that meets government requirements
• Documentation of the past five previous trips to the United States, if applicable
• Proof of funds to cover the entire cost of the trip, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses
• Proof of binding ties to the applicant’s home country, such as a job, property, or family

 

 

B1/B2 Visa Application Process

Applications are processed by the United States embassy or consulate in your country.

You will need to attend an interview before your visa is approved. You can attend an interview at an embassy or consulate in a third country, but you will likely wait longer for a visa appointment.

 

Steps to getting a B Visa

• First, you must complete the Online Non-Immigrant Application, Form DS-160. File the form online and print the confirmation page as you will need it for your interview.
• Upload your digital photo
• Attend the visa interview

As part of the process, ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken, typically at the interview. After the interview, the consular officer may request additional documents or information to make a decision about your case.

Boundless’ Travel Visa Service makes applying a breeze with online filing, 1:1 interview coaching, interview scheduling, and support if your visa is denied. Take our approval odds quiz to check your eligibility.

 

How Many Times Can You Visit the U.S. With a B-1/B-2 Visa?

Depending on the context, the number of times you can visit the U.S. with a B visa varies. B1B2 visas are multiple-entry, meaning they can be used to enter the U.S. more than once. There’s no set limit to the number of times you can visit the U.S. in a year, and it depends on the specific circumstances and discretion of the CBP officers who review your case each time you enter.

It’s important to remember that the B1/B2 visa is intended for temporary, occasional visits for business, tourism, or medical treatment. It’s not meant to be used for living long-term in the U.S. or spending the majority of your time in the country.

If officers think you’re trying to live in the U.S. through frequent or extended visits, or if you’re not maintaining significant ties to your home country, they may suspect you’re misusing the visa, which could lead to denial of entry or future visa issues.

While there’s no official limit, it’s vital to respect the purpose and restrictions of your visa to avoid any problems. If you need guidance on your specific situation, it’s a good idea to consult with an immigration expert.