B-1 and B-2 Visas

What are the visitor's B-1 and B-2 visas?

The “visitor” visa allows a person to seek entry to the U.S. for a temporary stay for business purposes (B-1), pleasure or medical treatment (B-2), or a combination of both.

B-1: Business Travel

If the main purpose of your visit is to consult business associates, negotiate contracts, or to attend meetings or conferences for specific scientific, educational, or professional purposes, a B-1 visa is an appropriate visa.

B-1: Religious Activities

If the primary purpose of your trip is to participate in religious activities (so long as you will not engage in solicitation of funds or receive a salary or remuneration from U.S. sources other than incidental expenses), you may apply for a B-1 visa.

If you do not qualify for an R-1 visa because you do not have two years of membership in the denomination for which you plan to work, you may apply for a B-1 visitor status.

B-2: Pleasure, Tourism, or Medical Treatment

If you plan to travel for pleasure, such as visiting friends or relatives, vacation, tourism, rest, social activities, or for seeking medical treatment, the B-2 visa is appropriate for your travels. This list is not exhaustive, but includes travel purposes that are recreational in nature.

If you want to pursue full-time studies or work, you will likely need to apply for another visa.

What if I am only visiting for a short time?

Visa Waiver Program

Travelers who plan to be in the U.S. for less than 90 days for business or pleasure purposes may qualify for a visa waiver under the Visa Waiver Program. The Department of Homeland Security lays out specific requirements in order to qualify; if you meet these, you do not need a visa for your travels. Currently, 38 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Contact us to find out if the Visa Waiver Program will serve the purpose of your visit to the U.S.

Do I qualify for a visitor’s visa?

In order to qualify for a B-1/B-2 visa, there are specific requirements that every applicant must meet.

Note: There is a presumption that every visitor visa applicant intends to immigrate. As an applicant, you must overcome this presumption by demonstrating the following:

• The purpose of the temporary stay is solely for business, pleasure, or medical treatment
• Travel plans are for a specified and limited time
• Expenses will be fully covered while in the U.S.
• Evidence of strong social and economic ties abroad
• Residence which the applicant has no intention of abandoning

How do I apply?

To apply, the first step is to go online or visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that has jurisdiction over your residence abroad. It is very important to apply with sufficient time to be processed, as visas are now subject to a higher degree of review than in the past.

The next step will involve an interview with the consulate. Wait times will vary, so it is important to schedule an appointment early. The interview is an important part of the application process, and our team can provide the knowledge and experience necessary to walk you through the application process and what to expect during your visa interview .

Where do I go from here?

Applying for a B-1/B-2 visa can be a stressful process. It is our goal to make the application process as simple as possible, while getting you what you need. Please Contact us to schedule a consultation about the visa application process.

An interview with the consulate is one of the most important aspects of the application process for a B-1 visa. Usually applicants are given a short time frame in which to make their case before the consulate – expect as little as just a few minutes with the consular officer to demonstrate why you qualify for the visa you are applying for.

We can provide many additional tips to prepare you for your visa interview. Schedule a consultation, and we would be happy to assist you with your application.