If you’re a foreign national planning to travel to the United States for tourism, business, family visits, or medical treatment, you’ll likely need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
- The B-1 visa is meant for short-term business activities, such as meetings, conferences, or contract negotiations.
- The B-2 visa is ideal for travel related to leisure, tourism, or medical care.
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys can help you understand the visitor visa process—from eligibility and documentation to interview preparation and visa extensions.
Key Differences Between B-1 and B-2 Visas
The B-1 visa is for business-related purposes, such as:
- Attending professional conferences or conventions
- Negotiating contracts or meeting with business partners
- Settling an estate
The B-2 visa, on the other hand, is for travelers who wish to:
- Visit friends or family
- Vacation or tour the U.S.
- Receive medical treatment
To qualify for either visa, applicants must prove that:
- The visit is temporary.
- They can financially support themselves during their stay.
- They have strong ties to their home country—such as a residence, employment, or family—that ensure they will return.
Certain activities are strictly prohibited under a visitor visa, including employment, studying, performing for pay, working as a journalist, or seeking permanent residency. The maximum period of stay for a B-1/B-2 visa is 180 days.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Citizens of select countries may visit the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Currently, there are 40 participating countries, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and others.
Note: Nationals of Curaçao, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba, and St. Maarten (formerly part of the Netherlands Antilles) are not eligible for the VWP.
Canadian citizens generally do not require a visitor visa for short business or leisure trips, but must obtain the appropriate visa if planning to study, work, or immigrate permanently.
Required Documents for B-1/B-2 Visa Applicants
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
- Valid passport (at least six months beyond the intended stay)
- One passport-sized photograph (2×2 inches, taken within six months)
- Proof of payment of the $160 non-refundable visa application fee
- Visa interview appointment confirmation letter
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Complete the online DS-160 form.
Step 2: Pay the required visa application fee.
Step 3: Schedule your visa interview appointment. You will need:
- Your passport number
- The CGI reference number from your visa fee receipt
- The 10-digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page
Step 4: Attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Bring:
- Your appointment confirmation letter
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Recent photograph
- All current and previous passports
Missing any of these items can result in your application being denied.
Scheduling a Visa Interview
Visa interviews are typically required for applicants aged 14–79. Those 13 or younger or 80 and older are usually exempt, but it’s best to confirm your eligibility with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link.
Interviews are generally held at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. You may apply elsewhere, but doing so could complicate the process.
Since wait times vary by location and season, applicants should schedule their interview well in advance of their planned travel.
Tourist Visa Cost
The B-1/B-2 visa application fee is $160, although additional fees may apply depending on your country.
If you hire an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to assist you, note that legal and document preparation fees are separate.
You can verify the exact issuance fee for your nationality using the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Fee Calculator.
Average Processing and Wait Times
Processing times vary by embassy or consulate. For example, in Mumbai, India, the average wait time for a B-1/B-2 interview may exceed 300 days, while in Prague, Czech Republic, it can be under 60 days.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and monitor wait time updates on the official State Department website.
Extending Your Stay in the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 Visa
If you need to stay longer, you can file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Apply at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires and provide documentation explaining the reason for your extension—such as medical emergencies or unexpected travel delays.
Extensions are typically granted for up to one year. For best results, work closely with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to ensure compliance and timely submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main difference between a B-1 and B-2 visa?
The B-1 visa is for short-term business purposes, while the B-2 visa is for tourism, family visits, or medical treatment.
2. Who can apply for a B-1/B-2 visa?
Anyone visiting the U.S. temporarily for business or leisure may apply, provided they can prove financial stability and intent to return home.
3. How long can I stay in the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa?
You may stay up to six months, with the option to request a one-year extension if needed.
4. Can I work in the U.S. with a B-1/B-2 visa?
No. Employment is strictly prohibited under this visa type. For work authorization, consider applying for an H-1B visa or another employment-based category.
5. How do I renew a B-1/B-2 visa?
You must complete a new DS-160 application and may be eligible for interview waiver renewal, depending on your case.
6. Is the ESTA program an alternative to the B-1/B-2 visa?
Yes, for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) allows visits of up to 90 days for business or tourism.
7. Do Canadian citizens need a B-1/B-2 visa?
In most cases, no. Canadian citizens can enter the U.S. for short visits without a visa but must apply for one if they plan to study, work, or immigrate.
8. Is the B-1/B-2 visa an immigrant visa?
No, it’s a non-immigrant visa. However, some visitors later transition to permanent residency through other visa categories, such as marriage to a U.S. citizen.
9. What activities are prohibited under a visitor visa?
Visitors cannot:
- Study in a U.S. institution
- Engage in paid employment
- Perform for compensation
- Work as foreign media personnel
- Seek permanent residence
Final Thoughts
Understanding the B-1/B-2 visitor visa process is essential for anyone planning a short-term stay in the U.S. Whether you’re traveling for business, tourism, or medical care, proper preparation can make the process smooth and stress-free.
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys provide expert guidance throughout the visa application process, helping you avoid common mistakes and ensuring that your case is handled with professionalism and care.