B1 and B2 Type Visas for Non-immigrants

The B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States for individuals who wish to enter the country temporarily for business (B1) or tourism (B2) purposes. These two visa categories are often combined into a single visa, known as the B1/B2 visa, which allows travelers to engage in both activities during their visit. 

OVERVIEW OF STEPS

1. Determine your visa type
2. Submit your visa application Form DS-160
3. Create user account
4. Pay the visa fee 
5. Schedule the visa interview appointment
6. Attend the visa interview appointment or submit your application by mail, if qualified (waiver program) and submit all required documents along with original passport
7. Receive passport back (visa processing time is 5 – 10 business days

1. Determine your visa type 

The B1/B2 combined visa allows individuals to travel to the United States for a variety of short-term purposes, including business, tourism, or medical treatment. The process involves completing an application, providing supporting documents, and attending an interview at a U.S. consulate. While the visa offers flexibility for different purposes, it has specific limitations regarding employment and long-term stays. Applicants must be able to prove their non-immigrant intent and show that they have sufficient resources for their visit.

Combined B1/B2 visa if they plan to travel for both business and tourism purposes during a single trip. In most cases, the B1/B2 combined visa is more common, as it allows travelers to participate in both business and tourism activities during one trip.
 

Important Considerations

1. No Employment: The B2 visa does not allow you to work in the U.S. If you intend to work, you will need a different type of visa, such as an H1-B or an L-1 visa.

2. No Formal Studies: While the B2 visa allows you to take short-term courses, it does not allow enrollment in a full-time educational program.

3. Change of Status: It is difficult to change from a B2 visa to another type of visa while in the U.S., such as a work visa or student visa. If you wish to switch visa categories, you may need to leave the U.S. and apply from a consulate.

4. Dual Intent: Unlike some other visa categories, the B2 visa does not allow for dual intent, meaning you must show you do not have plans to immigrate to the U.S.

In a brief summary, you need a USA B2 visa when you: 

• Consult with business associates

• Apply for a job and attend an interview

• Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference

• Settle an estate

• Negotiate a contract

Eligibility Requirements: 

Applicants must meet several general requirements to qualify for the B1/B2 visa:

• Non-immigrant intent: Applicants must demonstrate that they intend to return to their home country after their visit to the U.S. and do not intend to immigrate.

• Purpose of visit: Applicants must prove that their visit is for legitimate business or tourism purposes and that they plan to return home afterward.

• Sufficient financial support: Applicants must show that they have sufficient financial means to cover the costs of their stay in the U.S. without relying on unauthorized employment.

• Strong ties to home country: Applicants must demonstrate strong social, economic, and family ties to their home country, ensuring they will leave the U.S. at the end of their stay.

2. Submitting your visa application form 

The visa application form is found online and on your Visa Service Desk Portal as the DS160 form. The applicant complete this form entirely and as accurate as possible. The confirmation page of this form should then be submitted to the Consulate on the day of your appointment, along with the following documents: 

• Passport valid for travel to the United States (your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States - unless exempt by country-specific agreements).

• Receipt of application fee payment, if you are required to pay before your interview.

• Passport Photo – upload your personal photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload failed, you must bring one printed photo. (required size of photo is 5X5). Also note no glasses are allowed and applicant should have a mutual facial expression. 

• Visa Appointment Confirmation Letter - after scheduling your visa interview through the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website, print out the appointment confirmation page.

Additional Supporting Documents: 

This may include:

• Proof of financial support (bank statements, employment verification, etc.).

• Travel itinerary, if applicable.

• Invitation letters for business or tourism purposes.

• Any relevant documents related to the applicant’s background and purpose of the trip.

Benefits of Combined B1/B2: 

• Travel flexibility: A combined B1/B2 visa provides flexibility for individuals to engage in both business and tourism activities during their stay. However, the primary purpose of the trip must still be adhered to, and the individual cannot work for a U.S. employer while in the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa.

• Medical treatment: B2 visa holders can seek medical treatment in the U.S., but they must show that they have the financial means to cover medical expenses and other costs associated with their stay.

3. Create User Account 

This process will be completed on the U.S. website. You will need to select the preferred U.S. Embassy location, create an account, and register using your email address and passport details.

4. Pay the visa fee

The fee for a combined B1/B2 visa is € 185 per person. This general fee of the Embassies must be paid by all applicants and is in any case not transferable to other persons. The payment can be made at the desk of the embassy by card or cash, or through online payment. 

5. Schedule the visa interview appointment 

Depending on the applicant's age and location, an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate may be required. The appointment can be scheduled online.

6. Attend the visa interview appointment or submit your application by mail, if qualified for the waiver program 

If you are between the age of 14 and 79, you must attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy. At the interview, you will be asked about your background and the purpose of your visit. Be sure to provide truthful information and bring all documents mentioned above and answer all the questions from the consular officer.

Your interview will be reviewed and determent after your visa interview because this requires administrative processing. This may vary, but the consular will inform you in that case. After approving, you might need to pay an issuance fee - if applicable to your nationality.

7. Receive passport back  

Visa Approval or Denial: If the visa is approved, the applicant will be informed when and how to collect their passport and visa. If denied, the officer will provide a reason for the refusal, which may be appealed in some cases.

Period of stay

• Visa validity: The B1/B2 visa is typically valid for 1 to 10 years, depending on the applicant’s nationality and other factors. Some applicants may be issued a visa with multiple entries, meaning they can travel to the U.S. multiple times during the validity period.

• Duration of stay: The length of stay granted at the port of entry is usually up to six months, but it can vary based on the purpose of the visit and the discretion of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the U.S. port of entry.

• Extensions: In some cases, it may be possible to extend the stay while in the U.S. if the applicant’s circumstances change. This requires filing a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the original period expires.

Extra Information: 

Restrictions and Limitations:

• No employment: B1/B2 visa holders are not permitted to work for a U.S. employer or receive compensation from U.S. sources. However, engaging in business activities such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations is allowed under the B1 category.

• No permanent residence: This visa does not grant permanent residency or the right to remain in the U.S. beyond the authorized period. It also does not provide a direct path to a green card or permanent resident status.

• Duration of stay limitations: Even though the visa may be valid for several years, each stay is typically limited to a period of six months. The CBP officer at the port of entry has discretion over the length of stay.

Challenges and Denials:

Some common reasons for denial of a B1/B2 visa include:

• Failure to demonstrate strong ties to the home country (indicating the risk of overstaying).

• Inadequate financial resources to support the trip.

• Misrepresentation of the purpose of the trip.

• Previous immigration violations (e.g., overstaying a previous visa).