How To Apply For US Visitor Visa (B1/B2 Visa)?

A visitor visa is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States and travel there temporarily. A B-1 visa is for business, a B-2 visa is for tourism, and a B1/B2 visa is for the mix of both. These visitor visas are widely used for a short visit to the US, and you can stay up to 180 days there. There is also an option of revisiting the country, and the B visa is valid up to 10 years from the date of issuance. The B-1 / B-2 Visa Processing time can be anywhere from 7 days to 2 years, depending on the city where you apply. 

You can stay a maximum of 6 months on the B-1/B-2 visa entry, with a possibility of extensions in some specific cases. For a B1/B2 visa, you can take multiple entries, and there is no limit on the number of times you can go there in a year. Keep in mind that this is not a long-term visa, so ensure you don't spend most of your time in the US on this visa. 

In this blog post, we have discussed all about the U.S. B visas, including their application process, requirements, documents needed, etc. If you are planning to visit the US, then you should read it till the end to gather all the important details. 

What is the B1/B2 Visa Application Process?

The steps for the B1/B2 visa application process are given below:

• You have to fill out an online non-immigrant application, Form DS-160.
• Upload your photograph to the website digitally.
• Visit the United States Embassy or consulate in your country with a printed copy of the confirmation page of the form.
• Submit the documents and attend the interview for the visa. 
• There will also be a biometric appointment during your visit.
• You will be notified when your visa is ready to collect.

What is the Difference Between a B-1 visa and a B-2 Visa?

B1 Visa: The B1 visa is used for short trips related to business activities, such as attending conferences, meetings, contract negotiations, and other professional engagements. B-1 visa holders are not eligible to work in the US or stay for an extended period. B1 or B2 visa holders can attend job interviews and apply for positions in the US. 

B2 Visa: The B2 (tourist visa) is for people who want to travel in the US for tourism, vacation, or to visit their loved ones. It also covers some other events or purposes like medical treatments, attending social events, or contests, without receiving any money. In some cases, a B1/B2 visa is issued if someone has to travel for both business and tourism purposes. 

What are the Requirements US Visitor Visa? 

A B-1/B-2 visa can be used for trips to the US for business and tourism-related activities, provided you can prove that the visit will be short. You need to show that you have a place to live outside the US and that you plan to return to your home country. Here are some of the points to keep in mind while following the rules for B-1/B-2 visa:

Reasons for travel on the B1 visa:

1. Attending seminars or conferences: This section covers all professional, scientific, educational, or business conventions.
2. Business consultations: This section includes negotiations, meetings, or discussions with business associates in the US.
3. Settling an Estate: If you are going to inherit some property or assets in the US, then a B1 visa allows you to travel there and do so legally.
4. Contract Negotiations: You can travel on a B1 visa if you need to sign or negotiate a contract with a company in the US.
5. Professional examining and licensing: Some professionals must be present in the US to take exams or obtain licenses that are only available there.

Reasons for travel on the B2 visa:

1. Tourism: This section includes exploring cities, sightseeing, visiting famous landmarks, or just enjoying and learning about the country's culture and atmosphere.
2. Medical Treatment: If you need any medical treatment or procedure that's available in the US, then you can travel on a B2 visa.
3. Social Events: You can travel on a B2 visa if you have to attend concerts, conventions, cooking classes, festivals, or other social events.
4. Visiting friends or family: You can use the B2 visa to visit your loved ones living in the U.S. 
5. Short courses of study: There are some short courses whose duration is less than 18 hours per week, which are allowed in B2 visas. 
6. Participation in events or contests: A B2 visa is acceptable for participation in non-professional events or contests that do not offer payment. It includes amateur contests, tournaments, or sports. 

NOTE: You cannot travel on the visitor visa for the following reasons:

• Long-term employment
• Study
• Paid performances or any type of professional performance that includes payment.
• Permanent residence in the US
• Work as a Foreign press, in film, radio, journalism, or any other information media.
• Arrival as a member of the crew on an aircraft or ship. 

What are the Documents Required for a US Travel Visa?

To apply for the B-1/B-2 visa, you have to submit some specific documents. Here is the list of those documents:

• A passport with a validity of at least six months after the date of your return.
• Your recent digital photograph fulfills all the requirements set by the government.
• If applicable, the United States requires documents from the last five years. 
• You have to submit proof of the binding ties with your home country, such as employment proof, property, family, etc.
• You have to show proof of the funds to cover your whole trip, which includes travel, living expenses, and accommodation. 
• A printed copy of your DS-160 confirmation page.c
• A copy of your visa interview appointment letter.

Types of US Visitor Visa

Changing status from B1/B2

The B1/B2 visas are issued to temporary visitors; they are not for permanent stay in the country. If you want to change the status of your visa from a visitor visa to a different one, then you can do it according to your requirements. You have to apply for a change of status to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

Here are the key points to consider:

1. Purpose of Stay: If you want to change the status of your visa, then your purpose for the long-term stay should match the new visa type. For example, if you find a job there or an employer who agrees to sponsor you, then apply for a work visa (H-1B). If you want to study in the US, then apply for the student visa (F-1). 

2. Eligibility: You should be eligible to change your status. If you have entered the US under the Visa Waiver program, then you can not change your status unless it is due to marriage.

3. Timing: You should apply for the status change before your current visa expires. USCIS recommends that you leave at least 45 days before the expiry date of your current visa.

4. Status Violation: If you break any laws regarding your current status, such as having started working on your B1 or B2 visa, then you will not be able to change the status.

5. Approval: Only the USCIS can approve your application. Even if you have applied and meet all the requirements, the final decision is up to them. 

NOTE: You can apply for the marriage green card if you have just married a permanent resident of the US (green card holder). You can apply for the green card while living with your spouse in the US. This process is known as the Adjustment of Status (AOS). 

Conclusion

If you have read the above blog, you already know a lot about the US visitor visa. We have provided all the necessary information that you should keep in mind while applying for a US visitor's visa. The US visitor visa has three types: B1 business visa, B2 tourist visa, and B1/B2- for both. You can apply for the US visitor's visa from the Visament. We have a team of professionals who work 24/7 to ensure that all our clients receive their visas on time. Our transparent process guarantees timely updates and approvals. You can track the status of your application right from our website. It is a hassle-free process that allows you to apply without visiting anywhere in person. Simply fill out the application form on our website, and your visa will be delivered to you.