Seebird International
Empowering Global Migration
B1-B2
in Detail
America Tourist Visa - Detailed View
What is
B1 - B2
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 short visits to the U.S. These 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.
What is the difference
between these two?
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.
Reasons for travelling
on B-1 & B-2
Reasons for Travelling under B-1 Visa
- 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 Travelling under B-2 Visa
- 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.
How to
Apply?
Document Checklist
- A passport valid for six months past the date of return.
- A recent digital photograph that meets government requirements
- Documentation of the past 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
Fill DS-160 government form
Form DS-160 also called the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application, is an online form used to apply for temporary U.S. visas including the B-1/B-2 visitor visas, and also for K (fiancé(e)) visas. The electronic form collects personal, educational, professional, and other information (such as your passport number).
The DS-160 form is an essential part of the visa application process because it provides the U.S. Department of State with the necessary information to determine whether or not an applicant is eligible for a non-immigrant visa. It’s important that it is completed correctly.
Though there is no cost to file the DS-160, you still have to pay the fees for the specific visa for which you’re applying.
- For most non-petition-based non-immigrant visas, such as tourist, business, the fee is $185.
- For petition-based visas, the fee is typically $190.
These fees vary depending on the type of visa, so be sure to check which fees apply to your specific situation.