Per Visit
Visa Validity
In/Out Freely
Few Weeks
The most common temporary visitor visa for the United States
The B-1/B-2 visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to visit the United States for business (B-1) or tourism/pleasure (B-2) purposes. Most applicants receive a combined B-1/B-2 visa that permits both business and tourism activities. The visa is typically valid for 10 years with stays of up to 6 months per visit.
B-1/B-2 visa allows multiple entries over 10 years. You can visit the U.S. for tourism, business meetings, medical treatment, or visiting family/friends—all on the same visa. Most consular officers issue combined B-1/B-2 visas by default.
Most applicants receive a combined B-1/B-2 visa
Important: Cannot be employed by U.S. entity or receive U.S. source income!
Note: B-2 is most common - for general tourism and visiting purposes.
| Factor | B-1 Business | B-2 Tourism |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Business meetings, consultations | Tourism, leisure, family visits |
| Typical Validity | 10 years (both) | |
| Maximum Stay | Up to 6 months per visit (both) | |
| Work Permitted | No (neither allows work) | |
| Payment Source | Foreign employer only | Own funds or family support |
| Extension | Can request up to 6 more months | |
| Path to Green Card | No - temporary only | |
| Most Common | Business travelers | Tourists, family visitors |
Most U.S. embassies and consulates issue combined B-1/B-2 visas by default, even if you only request one category. This gives you maximum flexibility:
Key criteria to qualify for U.S. visitor visa
Visit must be for temporary business or tourism purposes only. You must demonstrate clear intent to return to your home country after your visit.
Must prove compelling reasons to return after your U.S. visit. Consular officers look for evidence you won't overstay or immigrate illegally.
Must demonstrate ability to cover all expenses during your U.S. stay without working. Show you can afford travel, accommodation, and living costs.
Must overcome presumption of immigrant intent. U.S. law assumes all visa applicants want to immigrate permanently - you must prove otherwise.
Important: Section 214(b) is the most common denial reason. It means the consular officer wasn't convinced you would return home after your visit. If denied, you must wait and reapply with stronger evidence of ties.
Key Insight: The more stability and ties you can demonstrate in your home country, the higher your chances of B-1/B-2 visa approval!
Five straightforward steps to get your U.S. visitor visa
Fill out Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) completely and accurately. This is your official visa application form.
Critical: Errors or false information can result in visa denial. Double-check all entries before submission!
Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (MRV fee). Payment method varies by country/embassy.
Current Fee: $185 USD for B-1/B-2 visa (as of 2025)
Book your visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. Most applicants ages 14-79 must attend interview.
Varies by location:
Expedited Appointments: Available for genuine emergencies (medical, funeral, urgent business). Contact embassy with supporting documentation.
Appear for your scheduled interview. Consular officer will ask questions about your trip and evaluate your eligibility.
Required Documents:
Supporting Documents:
Interview Tips: Be confident, honest, brief. Answer only what's asked. Bring documents but don't volunteer them unless requested. Show enthusiasm about your trip but emphasize your intent to return home!
If approved, your passport with visa will be returned via courier or pickup. If denied, you'll receive a letter explaining the reason.
1-2 days
DS-160 completion
1-8 weeks
Interview wait time
5-10 days
Visa issuance
Total Cost: $185 visa fee + optional DS-160 assistance
Complete documentation checklist for visa interview
Critical: Without these mandatory documents, you will NOT be allowed to attend your interview!
Consular officer may NOT ask to see your supporting documents. They have limited time (2-5 minutes per applicant) and decide based on interview answers. But having documents ready shows preparedness and confidence!
Common questions about B-1/B-2 visitor visa
The length of stay is determined by the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officer at the port of entry, not by the visa validity. Here's what you need to know:
| Scenario | Typical Admission Period |
|---|---|
| Tourism/Vacation | 6 months (most common) |
| Business Meeting | As needed (often shorter) |
| Medical Treatment | Duration of treatment + recovery |
| Visiting Family | 6 months (standard) |
Yes, but it's not guaranteed. You can apply for extension using Form I-539:
Overstaying Consequences: If you stay even ONE day beyond your I-94 date without approval, your visa is automatically voided and you may face 3-10 year bans from re-entering the U.S.!
B-1/B-2 visas strictly prohibit employment and full-time study in the United States. Violating this can result in deportation and permanent ban.
Need to Work or Study? Apply for the appropriate visa: H-1B, L-1, O-1 for work; F-1, J-1, M-1 for study. Don't try to "convert" from B-1/B-2 - it's extremely difficult!
B-1/B-2 visa denial is common - approximately 20-30% of applications are denied globally. Here's what you need to know:
What is 214(b)?
This law states that every visa applicant is presumed to be an intending immigrant (wants to stay permanently) until they prove otherwise. If the consular officer isn't convinced you'll return home, they deny under 214(b).
The burden is on YOU to prove strong ties to your home country and intent to return.
| Reason | What It Means | Can You Overcome? |
|---|---|---|
| Section 212(a)(6)(C) | Misrepresentation/fraud | Very difficult - may need waiver |
| Section 212(a)(2) | Criminal grounds | Depends on crime - may need waiver |
| Section 212(a)(4) | Public charge | Yes - show financial support |
| Administrative Processing | Additional security checks | Just wait - not a denial |
Never Lie or Misrepresent: Being caught lying on your visa application results in permanent ineligibility. Always be truthful even if the truth might hurt your chances!
Your B-1/B-2 visa is only valid for entering the United States. However, having a valid U.S. visa can sometimes help when applying for visas to other countries.
Yes! While on B-1/B-2 status in the U.S., you can visit nearby countries:
Quick trips to Canada, Mexico, or Caribbean DO NOT reset your 6-month B-1/B-2 stay counter.
Example: If you enter U.S. on Jan 1 with 6-month admission, visit Mexico for 2 weeks in March, your U.S. stay still ends June 30 (not July 14).
Always check your I-94 "Admit Until" date at i94.cbp.dhs.gov
Your original admission period includes time spent in nearby countries during short trips!
Having a valid U.S. B-1/B-2 visa can make it easier to get visas for:
Note: You still need to apply separately for these countries' visas!
Getting married on B-1/B-2 is legal, but adjusting status afterward is complicated and risky.
Critical Immigration Rule:
If you marry a U.S. citizen or file for adjustment of status (I-485) within 90 days of entering on B-1/B-2, USCIS presumes you entered with fraudulent intent (preconceived immigration intent).
Consequences: I-485 likely denied, B-1/B-2 voided, possible ban from future visas.
If you plan to marry U.S. citizen and live in U.S.:
If you want to marry on B-2:
Best Practice: If marriage to U.S. citizen is in your plans, use the proper visa (K-1 or CR-1). Don't try to "convert" B-1/B-2 - it's high risk with low success rate and can jeopardize your immigration future!
There's no fixed amount, but you must demonstrate ability to cover all trip expenses without working in the U.S. The amount depends on your trip duration, lifestyle, and who's paying.
| Trip Duration | Suggested Bank Balance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 weeks (tourism) | $3,000 - $5,000 | Basic tourist budget |
| 1 month | $5,000 - $10,000 | Extended vacation |
| 3 months | $10,000 - $20,000 | Long-term visit |
| 6 months | $20,000+ | Maximum stay period |
| Business trip | Employer pays | Show company support letter |
Schedule a free consultation with our B-1/B-2 specialists to get personalized guidance for your U.S. visit.
The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is your gateway to exploring America for business or pleasure. Our experienced consultants guide you through every step: DS-160 completion, interview preparation, and documentation review. We help you present the strongest possible case to demonstrate your ties to your home country and genuine travel purpose.
Tourism & business visa experts • High approval rates
Visit U.S. for pleasure or work
10-year validity typical
Per visit stay duration
B-1/B-2 specialists
B-1/B-2 is for temporary visits only - explore other options
For couples planning to marry in the United States. Leads to green card after marriage.
For specialty occupation workers with bachelor's degree or higher. Allows employment in U.S.
For full-time academic study at U.S. colleges and universities. Includes Optional Practical Training.
Important: Using the wrong visa type (like B-1/B-2 when you need work/study visa) can result in denial, deportation, or permanent ban. Always choose the correct visa for your true purpose!