If you would want to travel to the US for either business or tourist purposes, you should apply for a B-1 and B-2 visa. The B series visas are nonimmigrant permits that allow foreign nationals to travel to the USA temporarily to do business or go on tour.
What is a B-1 and B-2 Visa?
B1 and B2 visas are temporary nonimmigrant visas that allow holders entry into the United States for either business or tourist reasons.
The B visas cover all aspects or reasons for temporary travel except student travel, which is covered under F-1 visas.
What is the Difference between B1 and B2 Visa?
The simple difference between the B1 and B2 visa is:
- The B-1 visa covers all business trips to the US
- The B-2 visa covers all forms of tourist-related travel such as family vacations, visiting family, medical trips, etc.
B-1/B-2 Visa Requirements
As discussed above, the B1 and B2 visa cover all aspects of travel as it concern business or tourism.
The reasons for travel covered by the B-1 visa include:
- To conduct business, such as contract negotiation or business meetings
- To attend a professional, educational, or business conference
- To settle an estate
For the B-2 visa, the following are the reasons for travel covered:
- Traveling for vacation or to engage in tourist activities
- Visiting family
- Medical treatment travels
- Attending events, e.g. concerts or classes, as long as the attendee is not being paid
- A small recreational study course such as a catering or cooking course
In addition to the reason covered by the B1/B2 visa above, let’s take a turn and look at the reasons the visas do not cover.
- Traveling to study
- Long-term employment in the US
- Paid or professional performances
- Arrival as either Aircraft or ship crewmember
- Traveling as foreign press (either radio, TV, or print) or other information media
- Permanent relocation to the USA
Note that a B1/B2 visa cannot grant the holder permanent resident status. However, holders of the B-1 and B-1 visas are free to apply for a green card.
Furthermore, B21/B2 visas allow holders to stay in the USA for up to 189 days.
B1/B2 Visa Eligibility
A major eligibility requirement for the B1/B2 visa is that the applicant needs to prove that the travel is temporary and also they have the financial strength to sponsor the trip. Additionally, applicants must prove that they will not abandon their permanent country of residence and remain in the United States.
The following documents are required:
- A valid passport
- A recent digital passport photograph
- Evidence of past travels to the US where applicable
- Proof of financial strength to cover the cost of the entire trip
- Proof of binding ties with the home country (job or employment contract, landed property, family)
B-1 and B-2 Visa Cost
The official government fee for the B-1 and B-2 visas is $160. However, this cost does not cover the cost of gathering documents and acquiring passports.
B-1 and B-2 Visa Application Process
You can apply for the B-1/B-2 visa with the United States Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Actually, you can take the interview in the consulate of a third country, only this will take a longer time.
The application process entails the following:
- Fill out the online form DS-160 and print the confirmation page
- Upload your digital photo
- Pay the required application fees
- Schedule a time for an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country
Furthermore, you will provide all payment receipts as well as a printed copy of your confirmation page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you stay on a B1 B2 visa?
The duration of B-1 and B-2 visas are very short. Holders are able to stay for a maximum of 6 months. However, B1 and B2 visas may be valid for up to 10 years.
What is the difference between B1 and B2 tourist visa?
B1 and B2 visas are generally categorized as “B visas”. These visas have a wide range of use when it comes to traveling to the United States. While the B1 is for business travelers, the B2 visa is mainly for people traveling for the purpose of tourism.
Can you work in the US with a B1 B2 visa?
You are not allowed to seek any form of employment in the US with either a B1 or B2 visa. However, your employer may petition for the B visas to be converted to H1-B visas as long as the requirements are met.
Can B1 B2 visa be converted to green card?
You can apply for your B1 and B2 visa to be converted to a green card while in the United States, through a process called “Adjustment of Status” (AOS). Also, you can apply using consular processing in your home country.
