B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa, Explained
UNDERSTANDING THE B VISAS FOR U.S. BUSINESS AND TOURISM
What is a B-1/B-2 visa?
A B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa allows foreign nationals to visit the U.S. temporarily for business (B-1), tourism (B-2), or both (B1/B2). Valid for up to 10 years, this visa lets travelers stay up to 180 days per visit, with multiple entries allowed.
How long does it take to get a B-1/B-2 visa?
As of December 2023, B-1/B-2 visa processing times vary significantly. For example, in Brazil, wait times are about 2 months, whereas in Canada, they can exceed 2 years. To find current wait times, use the State Department’s “Appointment Wait Time” tool.
B-1/B-2 visa holders can stay in the U.S. for up to 6 months per visit. Extensions may be possible under qualifying circumstances. This visa is for temporary visits and is not meant for long-term residence.
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.
Difference Between B-1 and B-2 Visas
- B-1 Visa: For short-term business activities such as meetings, contract negotiations, or attending conferences.
- B-2 Visa: For tourism, visiting family or friends, or receiving medical treatment.
Many travelers receive a B-1/B-2 visa, which allows both business and leisure visits.
How many times can you visit the U.S. with a B-1/B-2 Visa?
There is no set limit to the number of visits you can make with a B-1/B-2 visa. However, frequent or extended stays might lead to scrutiny by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, who ensure compliance with visa terms.
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.
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B visa requirements
To qualify for a B-1/B-2 visa, you must demonstrate that your visit is temporary and that you have strong ties to your home country. This includes proof of funds and evidence of your intent to return home.
- 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.
Income requirements change over time, so be sure to check the latest Federal Poverty Guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
If you’re concerned that don’t meet the income requirement, you can add a joint sponsor to your application. This is a friend or family member living in the U.S. with enough income to support you and your fiancé.
- 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
The Visa Waiver Program allows Nationals from 38 countries, including many in the EU, can travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. Canadian nationals usually do not need a visa for tourism but require one for other purposes.
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).
Here are a few key points to consider:
- 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.
If you’ve just married someone who’s a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident (they have a green card), you can also apply for a marriage green card. This lets you stay in the U.S. and live with your spouse. You can either apply for a green card while you’re still in the country in a process is called “adjustment of status” (AOS), or you can apply from your home country through what’s called consular processing. To find out if you’re eligible for a B1B2 visa or to change your status from a B1B2 visa, take our eligibility quiz.
Required documents for a travel visa
Documents needed to apply for a B1/B2 visa include:
- A passport valid for six months past the date of return
- 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
- Current, valid passport
- Expired passports that show past travel, if applicable
- Intended travel itinerary for your U.S. trip
- Proof of funds to cover the entire cost of travel (bank statements, proof of assets, etc.)
- Proof of strong ties to your home country (employment proof, school enrollment, etc.)
- National ID number issued by your home country, if applicable
- Recent digital photograph that meets U.S. government guidelines
- Printed version of your recent photograph
- Printed copy of your visa interview appointment letter
- Printed copy of your DS-160 confirmation page
- Optional: letter of invitation from the host of your trip in the U.S.
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.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
B-1 visas are issued for short business trips, while B-2 visas are issued for tourism purposes, such as vacations or visiting family.
If you’re looking to temporarily visit the U.S. for either holiday or work purposes, for example, attending a conference, touring a place or visiting relatives, then you can apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. You may need to show proof that you have ties to your home country, and that you plan on leaving the U.S..
When you enter the U.S., a customs officer will give you authorization to stay in the the country for up to six months. If you’d like to stay for longer, you may be able to apply to extend this for up to one year.
If you are nearing the end of your permitted stay in the U.S., then you may wish to extend it, especially since there can be future consequences if you stay in the U.S. longer than you were allowed to.
If you’re on a B-1 visa or a B-2 visa, you can request to extend your stay up to one year. To do this, you will need to file Form I-539 to extend or change your status. It’s recommended that you apply to extend your status at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires, so make sure you’re thinking ahead.
No. While you can enter the U.S. for business purposes, you cannot work or be employed by a U.S. employer. If you’re interested in working in the U.S. for a U.S. employer, you may be interested in other visa categories, such as the H-1B visa.
If you would like to renew your B-1/B-2 visa, then you will need to go through the original process. Depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply, you may be able to complete your visa renewal without the need for an interview.
If you are a citizen of one of the 38 countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program, then you have the option of applying for an ESTA instead of a B1 visa or B2 visa.
Both allow you to enter the U.S. for the same reasons of tourism or business, but you can apply for the ESTA online. Entering the U.S. this way only permits you to stay for up to 90 days, however, so if you would like to stay in the U.S. for travel or business purposes for longer, the B-1/B-2 visitor visa may be an option for you.
For casual business or tourism travel, most Canadian citizens don’t need a visa and will automatically be admitted on a B-1 visa or B-2 visa category.
The B-1/B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, but if your circumstances change, for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, there are several paths from a visitor visa to a green card.
No. A common misconception about the travel visa process is that in order be approved, you must provide proof of a certain amount of funds in your bank account. Although financial considerations are one aspect of the B-1/B-2 process, and the consular officer may check to see if you are able to support yourself financially during your time in the U.S., there is no minimum required amount of funds that needs to be met. Evaluation of finances will vary from applicant to applicant, depending on a variety of other factors.