B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrant visas arefor individuals, from countries for which the United States requires a visa, who wish to enter the United States temporarily for any of the following purposes: for business (B-1) such as consulting with colleague, presenting a lecture, attending a conference, ajob interview, or an observership; for pleasure/tourism, medical treatment, or amateur, unpaid participation in musical or sports events (B-2); or a combination of both (B-1/B-2). Visitors for business must be self-supported and may not receive payments for any business conducted, though honoraria may be permitted in certain circ*mstances. B-1 and B-2 visitors may not engage in employment. Additionally, there are strict requirements onstudyingin the United States as a visitor.
While B-1 or B-2 visas may be valid up to 10 years, visitors on B-1 or B-2 will only be permitted to stay in the United States for a short duration (maximum 6 months), as granted by US Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.
Travel Permissions and Required Documentation:
Check current waiting times for interview appointments and visa processing; times vary by location and throughout the year. To check fees and other application requirements, find your US embassy or consulate. There are no dependent categories for B-1 or B-2; typically, any dependents of a B-1 for business would accompany on a B-2 for tourism. Each individual must have their own visa. A B-1 or B-2 visitor should not travel outside the United States while an extension or change of status is pending with USCIS.
- Passport, valid 6 months into the future
- B-1 or B-2 visa stamp in passport
- Letter of purpose or invitation, as appropriate
- Proof of round-trip travel, as applicable
- After arrival: valid I-94 record
Additional Information & Resources
FAQs
Provide the true reason as to why you are travelling. In case you are married and are visiting for tourism purposes, mention that your spouse was unable to get leave from work or state the true reason as to why they could not make it. When do you plan to visit the United States?
Is a B1 B2 visa hard to get? ›
Although the application process for a visitor visa is fairly simple, successfully obtaining it is harder than you might expect.
Why does B1 B2 get rejected? ›
A B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa application will be denied if an applicant cannot establish their eligibility due to any of the following reasons: Not meeting the visa requirements. Submitting an incomplete application or lacking supporting document. Engaging in fraud or misrepresentation.
How can I increase my chances of getting B1 B2 visa? ›
Here are some tips to help you get your B1/B2 visa application approved.
- Tip #1: Have strong ties to your home country. ...
- Tip #2: Have enough money to cover your trip expenses. ...
- Tip #3: Have documentation to prove the reason for your visit. ...
- Tip #4: Explain your relationships with people in the United States.
What not to say during a US visa interview? ›
Don'ts During the Visa Interview Process
- 'Like, Umm, I guess' Try to avoid using conversation fillers such as 'Like', 'Ummmm', or 'I guess' in a sentence when you are responding to a question. ...
- 'Nervous Nancy' ...
- 'Do not chant' ...
- 'Torn documents a strict no n-no' ...
- 'Being late is not a virtue'
How can I impress a US visa officer? ›
Be Concise
They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point.
How much bank balance is required for a U.S. B2 visa? ›
Also, keep at least $10,000 in your bank account. Make sure the balance is steady for a minimum of 6 months. Still, a bank statement or balance is not the B1/B2 visa judging factor.
How long is a B1 B2 visa interview? ›
How long does the interview for a U.S. visa take? The average interview for a U.S. B1/B2 visa rarely takes more than five minutes. During this time, you will be asked several questions from the list above.
How to pass a U.S. tourist visa interview? ›
The most important aspect of the interview is to answer each question truthfully and thoroughly, so the interviewing officer has a clear and comprehensive picture of your application. For example, if asked where you plan to travel in the U.S., think of providing city names, rather than just states.
What is the success rate of B1 B2 visa? ›
B1/B2 Visa:
This non-immigrant visa has the highest rate of refusals with 30% of applicants around the world getting refused (State Department Statistics 2019). At the same time, this visa type had 9,195,616 people apply, which means that roughly 2,758,793 people were refused a B1/B2 visa in 2019.
What is the main reason for visa rejection? An incomplete or inconsistent application is a direct reason why a visa will be denied. If there are any blank spaces on the application form or if the information on the form does not match what is in your passport or other supporting documents, your visa will be rejected.
How do you prove ties to your home country? ›
1) Marriage certificate. 2) Birth certificates of spouse and dependents. 3) Photos showing a sincere connection to family and friends. 4) Signed letters from family and friends indicating a close bond.
What is the red flag of B2 visa? ›
If you request to stay in the United States for a long period of time in your application, it may be a red flag that you intend to figure out a way to immigrate. If you request a more realistic time span, that is specific to the purpose of your trip, this is a point in your favor.
How soon can you apply for a B1 B2 visa after rejection? ›
Wait at Least a Year Before Reapplying for Visa
Many U.S. embassies and consulates advise applicants to wait at least one year before reapplying for a visa, though it is not mandatory. This is because it's unlikely that your situation will change enough in less than a year to alter the outcome of a visa decision.
What questions are asked for a B1 B2 visa interview? ›
If you have any relatives or friends living in the US right now, then mention their names and your relationship with them. The interviewer asks this **Question to know if you are planning to stay for a long duration and have anyone you know in the country. **Q4. Tell us about your relatives or friends in detail.
What is the best answer for a US visa interview? ›
Tip: If you have been to the US, tell the visa officer the reasons behind your previous trips, such as a vacation, to attend a training program, or for medical reasons. If you have not been to the US before, simply say that you have not yet had an opportunity to travel or study there.
How to answer the purpose of travel to the USA? ›
Be clear about your primary purpose of visiting. Whether it's for a business trip, tourism, medical treatment, or visiting relatives, your reason should be straightforward and easy to understand. Research: If you're visiting a particular place or attending an event, know its details.
What should I bring to my B1 B2 interview? ›
Generally, the only documents needed for a B1/B2 visa interview are your current passport and your DS-160 interview appointment confirmation page. It is often helpful to bring expired passports which show your prior travel history.
What is the best answer for why you want to go to the USA? ›
Sample Answer: I believe studying in the US will provide me with high-quality education and exposure to diverse cultures, which will broaden my horizons and enhance my career opportunities in the future.