US B1/2 VISA

What Is a B-1/B-2 visa?

A B-1/B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to travel to the United States temporarily for business (B-1), tourism (B-2), or a mix of both (B1/B2). This visa category is widely used for brief visits to the U.S. B visas are typically valid for up to 10 years from the issue date, and travelers to the U.S. can stay up to 180 days, with the option to return to the U.S. again after that time.

How Long Does it Take to Get a B-1/B-2 Visa?

The wait time for a B-1/B-2 visa can take anywhere from 7 days to more than 2 years, depending on what city you apply in. To check the wait time for your specific embassy or consulate, enter your city in this handy State Department tool under the section “Appointment Wait Time.” Note that if you are applying for an interview in a country other than your home country, wait times may be longer.

How long can you stay in the USA on a B-1/B-2 Visa?

A maximum of 6 months may be obtained for any B-1/B-2 entry, with the possibility for extensions within the U.S. in qualifying cases. The exact duration varies per visa holder.

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.

What’s the Difference Between a B1 Visa and a B2 Visa?

The B1 is used for short business trips (conferences, meetings, contract negotiations, etc). Those with B1 visas cannot work in the U.S. in the traditional sense, as of March 2023, B1 or B2 visa holders can apply for jobs in the U.S. and attend interviews.

The B2 (tourist visa) is for tourism, vacation, or visiting friends and family. It also covers certain medical treatments and participation in social events or contests, like music or sports, without receiving pay. In most cases, a B1/B2 visa is issued together, allowing the holder to travel for both business and pleasure.

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.

B Visa Requirements

A B1/B2 visitor visa is used for many types of trips to the U.S., including business and non-business activities like tourism. If you want to apply for a B1 or B2 visa, you need to prove that your trip to the U.S. is only for a short time.

You must also show proof that you plan to return to your home country after your visit, and that you have a place to live outside the U.S. that you will not leave for good. These points help show that you will follow the rules of the B1/B2 visa.

Reasons for travel under a B1 visitor visa include:

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.

Reasons for travel under a B2 tourist visa include:

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

Required Documents for a Travel Visa

A passport valid for six months past the date of return
A recent digital photograph that meets government requirements
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

How Many Times Can You Visit the U.S. With a B-1/B-2 Visa?

Depending on the context, the number of times you can visit the U.S. with a B visa varies. B1B2 visas are multiple-entry, meaning they can be used 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.

If officers think you’re trying to live in the U.S. through frequent or extended visits, or if you’re not maintaining significant ties to your home country, they may suspect you’re misusing the visa, which could lead to denial of entry or future visa issues.