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General Requirements for Eligibility
The B visitor visa allows for entry to th e U.S. for a limited duration for business or pleasure. B visa visitors must intend to depart at the expiration of authorized stay, maintain a foreign residence, have adequate finances to pay for travel to and from the U.S. and expensed during the stay in the U.S. The visitor can only engage in "legitimate activities" relating to business or pleasure, so no employment of study.
B-1 Visitor for Business - generally will not engage in productive employment and the principal benefit of the activity accrues to the foreign entity.
- Solicit sales, negotiate contracts, or take orders for work to be performed outside the U.S.
- Procure goods, components, or raw materials for use outside the U.S.
- Support of service or sales contracts for equipment or machinery
- Consultations and meetings with U.S. business associates
- Litigation activities
- Attend scientific, educational, professional or business conferences, or seminars
- Independent research, i.e. market conditions, product research
- Activities of a professional to arrange employment in the U.S. (job interview)
- Activities of a foreign investor to set up a U.S. investment
- Members of the Board of Directors of a U.S. corporation (even if paid a fee)
- Domestic servant of a U.S. citizen or non-immigrant on temporary assignment in the U.S.
- Professional athletes and artists/cultural entertainers competing only for prize money
- Ministers on evangelical tour or temporarily exchanging pulpits
- Members of a religious denomination performing missionary work
- B-1 visitors can take short courses of study incidental to their trip
B-2 Visitor for Pleasure- Activities include:
- Tourism
- Visiting family and friends
- Seeking medical treatment
- Attending non-business conventions, conferences or meetings
Applying for the B1/B2 Visitor Visa
Application is made to the U.S. consulate in the applicant's home country. You will need the following:
- Application form DS-156 and possibly DS-157
- Photograph (passport style)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Visa Application fee and reciprocity fee (varies by country)
Supporting documents
Letter from employer, invitation letter from U.S. company, round trip airline ticket, proof of financial support and proof of ties to home country.
Admission to the U.S. as a Visitor
Length of stay in the U.S. as a visitor varies and is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry as noted on the I-94 card.
Visa Waiver Program (WT and WB)
Nationals of the below listed countries do not need the B visa to enter as visitors. The 90-day limit is strictly enforced. No extensions or change of status are granted.
Visa Waiver Pilot Program Countries
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium*
- Brunei
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- San Merino
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
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