B1 B2 Visa
Tourist & Business Visitor Visa Applications
For Travel To The USA
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Important B1/B2 Information – Please Read
The B1/B2 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued by the United States for individuals intending to travel temporarily for either business (B1) or tourism/medical purposes (B2). This visa type is affixed into the applicant’s passport and allows short-term stays in the U.S. for specific, limited purposes.
The B1 Visa component permits travel for business activities such as meetings, conferences, and negotiations. The B2 Visa component covers tourism, family visits, and medical treatment. While commonly issued, the B1/B2 Visa carries one of the highest refusal rates and does not authorize employment, academic study, or long-term residence.
The authorized stay is up to 180 days per visit. This page provides applicants with detailed guidance on the B1/B2 Visa, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, supporting documentation, fees, timelines, and legal limitations.
Other USA Visa Options:
Applicants may consider the following options depending on their travel objectives:
- ESTA (Visa Waiver Program): Citizens of eligible countries can travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa, for tourism or business. ESTA must be approved prior to travel.
- B1 Visa: For business-only visits; applies to individuals attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts.
- B2 Visa: For tourism, visiting family, or medical treatment.
- C1 Visa: For transit through the United States en route to another country.
- F1/M1 Visa: For academic or vocational study.
Each alternative has specific eligibility conditions and limitations. Misuse of visa categories may result in denial.
To begin the B1 B2 Visa application process, please click the link below:
Start ApplicationThe B1 B2 Visa does not confer permanent resident status; it is a temporary visa; nevertheless, the bearer may apply for a green card. 180 days is the maximum duration permitted for a B1 B2 visa.
What is a B1 B2 visa?
The B1/B2 Visa is a dual-purpose nonimmigrant visa authorizing temporary entry into the United States. The B1 Visa i is designated for business-related visits, while the B2 Visa is for tourism, leisure, or medical treatment. These are issued jointly in a single visa document and typically valid for ten years, permitting multiple entries of up to six months each.
Common permitted activities:
- Attending business meetings or negotiating contracts
- Participating in educational or professional conferences (without academic enrollment)
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Visiting relatives or friends
- Receiving medical treatment
- Settling an estate
- Engaging in unpaid amateur participation in cultural, sports, or artistic events
Not permitted on a B1/B2 Visa:
- Employment in the United States
- Academic or vocational study
- Paid performances or professional engagements
- Long-term residency or immigration
- Crew-member activities on sea or air vessels
B1 B2 Visa Required Documents
To qualify for a B1 Visa or B2 Visa, applicants must clearly demonstrate eligibility by providing evidence of their temporary intent and financial ability to cover travel-related expenses.
In addition, they must demonstrate that they do not intend to extend their stay in the United States and have not abandoned a residency outside the United States.
Applicants must explicitly demonstrate:
- That the visit to the U.S. is temporary
- They possess adequate funds to independently finance the entire trip
- No intention to seek extended stay or permanent residence in the U.S.
- Continued maintenance of a primary residence outside the United States
Before applying for a B1 B2 Visa, you must ensure that you have the following documents:
A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from the U.S.
One recent digital photograph meeting specified visa standards
Documentation of your five most recent visits to the U.S. (if applicable)
Evidence of sufficient finances covering the entire cost of your trip, including airfare
Proof of binding ties to your home country, such as employment contracts, family obligations, or property ownership, demonstrating an intention to return after your visit
B1 Visa
The B1 Visa specifically covers visits related solely to business activities. Frequently, the B1 Visa is issued in combination with the B2 Visa, allowing holders to participate in both business and tourism purposes. A previously issued B1/B2 Visa obtained for tourism purposes may also be valid for future business visits.
Activities permitted under the B1 Visa include:
- Contract negotiations
- Discussing or soliciting purchases and investments
- Making business-related purchases or investments
- Actively participating in business meetings or conferences
B2 Visa
The B2 visa is a standard nonimmigrant visa type intended for short-term tourism, leisure activities, or medical treatment in the U.S. If your ESTA application (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is denied, obtaining a B2 Visa is the recommended alternative. Applicants intending to pursue academic studies, employment, or crew-member positions must apply separately for the appropriate visa category.
Permitted activities under the B2 Visa include:
- Medical treatment
- Recreational activities
- Visiting relatives
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Volunteer service activities (without remuneration)
- Amateur participation in musical performances, sports events, or contests
Applicants should submit their completed visa application, including all supporting documents, at least 15 working days prior to their intended date of travel.
B1/B2 Visa Application Process
As part of the application process, you must attend an interview.
- Fill out our online form – ensure you choose ‘B1/B2 Visa’ from the list.
- Provide a photograph to be used for your visa.
- Print the DS-160 confirmation documentation we send to you by email.
- Schedule an interview with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
You must give digital fingerprint scans. A photograph must be provided for your visa application.
The consular officer may conclude that your application requires additional processing and inform you accordingly.
For detailed information on specific parts of the visa process, you can refer to the links in the table on the right to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
USA Visa Types
Any foreign national wishing to travel to the United States must have a visa. If a B1/B2 visa is not suitable for your travel, there are several options depending on the purpose of your visit:
Entry To The United States
Processing times for visa interviews vary depending on jurisdiction, season, and the type of visa you require. Applicants should schedule visa appointments as early as possible to accommodate potential waiting periods.
The B1/B2 Visa authorizes entry to a U.S. port-of-entry, where the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials conduct entry assessments. Visa approval does not guarantee admission; final entry permission is determined exclusively by CBP officers upon arrival.
B1/B2 Visa Interview Questions
Applicants should anticipate a visa interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy where the application was submitted. Officers conducting the interview typically inquire about the applicant’s travel intentions, immigration history, and ties to their home country.
Commonly asked interview questions include:
- What is the purpose of your visit?
- Have you previously traveled to the United States?
- When is your intended date of travel?
- Have you booked return travel tickets?
- Which states do you intend to visit?
- Have you ever been denied a U.S. visa previously?
- Do you have relatives residing in the United States?
- Who will be your primary contact or sponsor in the U.S.?
- Where will you stay during your visit?
- Will you be traveling alone or accompanied?
- How long do you intend to remain in the United States?
- Can you demonstrate your strong connections to your country of residence?
- What is your current occupation?
- Do you intend to engage in employment within the United States?
- What is your annual income?
Additionally, general questions regarding personal finances, health conditions, or familial circumstances may arise during the interview. Applicants may bring supporting documents, such as recent bank statements, employment records, and property documents, to substantiate their responses.
Applicants aged over 80 or those renewing a recently expired B1/B2 visa may qualify for an interview waiver.