FAQS

B1 and B2 visas are like the “B visas” of the United States, given for different reasons. B1 is for quick business trips, and B2 is for tourism. When your visa is approved, you’ll see “B1/B2” as the type. This means you can do business and have fun in the USA.

The good thing about B-visas is they’re easy to get. They’re quicker to get than some other visas. But, there’s a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for friendly countries. People from those countries can visit for 90 days without a visa. The bad part is B-visas limit what you can do in the USA. You can’t work, just meetings and buying stuff.

The disadvantage of a B-visa is that it includes restrictions on activity in the United States. Because local employment is not permitted, the B-1 visa is only valid for meetings, inspections, business conversations, and purchasing. Neither the B-2 visa subject to sightseeing nor the B-2 visa subject to employment, including part-time work, is permitted.

As of January 2022, 39 countries and areas are subject to VWP, and demand for B-visas is decreasing in each country while ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) applications are increasing.

Those going to the United States with a B1 visa or with prior ESTA authorization under the Visa Waiver Program for short-term business purposes may participate in the following activities while in the country.

Contractual negotiations in the business world

Business meetings, conferences, and so forth with trading partners

Participation in specialist business meetings, conferences, etc.

For business objectives, conduct research, tours, inspections, and so on.

Purchasing goods, materials, and so on.

Giving testimony in US courts of law

With a B2 visa or the Visa Waiver Program for tourism, you can:

• Be a tourist
• Visit family and friends
• Get medical treatment
• Go to shows and events
• Join social activities and programs

Yes, as long as your visa’s good. But if you visit a lot and stay a long time, you must prove you’re not moving to the USA. You have to say you’ll go back home or to another country. If not, you might not enter. Even tourists may have to explain each visit. So, pick your visa wisely.

The length for which a traveler may stay in the United States is established by the immigration officer at the port of entry, who will make a judgment for a suitable period of stay based on the traveler’s objective. on general, visitors may not stay for more than six months on a single visit.

In the case of a B1 visa, however, a visitor may be allowed to stay for one year if immigration finds that such a duration is required for business purposes. If the tourist wishes to extend his or her stay in the United States, he or she may file for an extension while in the country. If allowed, the stay will be extended for another six months, though applications for extensions may be denied in some situations. Furthermore, a visa does not ensure entry into the United States. It simply shows that a US consulate has determined that the bearer is eligible to enter the US for the purpose of the visa.

You may visit the United States as many times as you want throughout the visa’s validity period. There is no limit to how many times you can visit. However, if you visit the United States regularly and stay for an extended period of time, you may be required to demonstrate to immigration agents that you do not want to immigrate to the United States.

It is critical to indicate that you intend to return to your home country or another country following your stay in the United States. If you do not demonstrate to the immigration officer that you are a traveler with no intention of immigrating to the United States, you may be denied entrance to the United States during immigration screening. Additionally, frequent visitors to the United States may be requested to justify the reason for their visit each time, even if it is for tourism purposes. Travelers planning to visit the United States are typically advised to select the proper visa based on a thorough examination of factors such as their purpose of visit, expected length of stay, and future relationship with the United States.

Here’s what you need to do to apply for  US B1/B2 visa for the USA:

• Check if you’re eligible by the US Department of State.
• Fill out the “DS-160” form online before your interview.
• Get the 10-digit ID and barcode from the form.
• Prepare the required documents, like your passport, photo, and visa fee.
• Attend the visa interview at the US Embassy/Consulate General.

The “DS-160” application is used to pre-screen applicants for nonimmigrant visas to stay in the United States.
All non-immigrant visa applicants at the US Embassy/Consulate General must complete the “DS-160” application form in advance. 

The 10-digit application ID and barcode on the “DS-160” confirmation screen are required at the consular officer interview. Prior to the interview, make a note of the application ID and print out the barcode. Check out “Example of Filling Out Form DS-160” for more information.

1. 1. A valid passport for travel to the United States. The passport must be valid for at least six months after leaving the United States (unless exempted by country-specific agreements
   https://www.cbp.gov/document/bulletins/six-month-club-update

   2. Passport holding the most current U.S. visa issued (if applicable).

   3. Confirmation page for Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160.

   4. Print the Confirmation and Instructions page from your embassy profile.

   5. One color 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inch) photograph shot within the last 6 months. Additional information here

   https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-informationresources/photos.html

   6. Accompanying family members, unless entering the United States for another reason, must present a valid passport.

   As applicable, a marriage certificate (spouse) and/or a birth certificate (for unmarried children under the age of 21).