Business/Tourist Visas

FAQ

Description

The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). Generally, the B-1 visa is for travel to consult with business associates, to attend scientific, educational, professional or business conventions/conferences, to settle an estate or to negotiate a contract. The B-2 visa is for travel that is recreational in nature, including tourism, visits with friends or relatives, medical treatment and activities of a fraternal, social or service nature. Often, the B-1 and B-2 visas are combined and issued as one visa, the B-1/B-2.

Qualifications

B-1/B-2 applicants must demonstrate to a consular officer that they qualify for a U.S. visa in accordance with the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Section 214(b) of the INA presumes that every B-1/B-2 applicant is an intending immigrant; applicants must overcome this legal presumption by showing:

  • That the purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for a temporary visit, such as business, pleasure, or medical treatment
  • That they plan to remain for a specific, limited period
  • Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States and
  • That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding social or economic ties that will ensure their return abroad at the end of the visit.

In addition to all of the documentation requirements explained above, the following documentation is also required for persons seeking medical treatment in the U.S.:
Persons desiring to travel to the U.S. for medical treatment should be prepared to present the following, in addition to any other documentation the consular officer may require:

  • Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason the applicant requires treatment in the United States.
  • Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, expressing a willingness to treat this specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
  • Statement of financial responsibility from the individuals or an organization that will pay for the patient’s transportation, medical and living expenses. The individuals guaranteeing payment of these expenses must provide proof of ability to do so, often in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns.

B-1 visas may also be issued to personal or domestic employees in certain circumstances. Please click here.
B-1 visas may also be issued to crew members who work aboard vessels within the outer continental shelf. For more information on the requirements for these visas, please click here.

Other Information

For more information on B-1/B-2 visas, please see the Department of State website.

The Immigration and Nationality Act lists reasons why a foreign national might be ineligible for a visa. For more information, please see the Department of State website.

Application Items

Each applicant for a visitor visa must submit the following:

  • Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160. Visit our DS-160 webpage to learn more about the DS-160 online process.
  • A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
  • One (1) 2x2 photograph. click here to see the required photo format.
  • A receipt showing payment of the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee (non-refundable) of $140. Please see Visa Fees for additional information on paying this fee. Additionally, if the visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on the applicant’s nationality. Please consult the Visa Reciprocity Tables to find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is.

In addition to these items, every applicant must present an interview appointment letter confirming that they have booked an appointment through this service. Applicants may also bring whatever supporting documents they feel are necessary to support the information they are providing to the consular officer, for example, evidence which shows the purpose of the trip, intent to depart the United States, and arrangements made to cover the costs of the trip. Those applicants who do not have sufficient funds to support themselves while in the U.S. must present convincing evidence that an interested person will provide support. Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may provide other documentation substantiating the trip's purpose and specifying the nature of binding obligations, such as family ties or employment, which would compel their return abroad.

Supporting documents are only one of many factors a consular officer will consider in your interview. Consular officers look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural and other factors. Consular officers may consider the applicant’s specific intentions, family situations, and long-range plans and prospects within his or her country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.

Caution: Do not present false documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in permanent visa ineligibility. If confidentiality is of concern, the applicant should bring the documents to the Embassy in a sealed envelope. The Embassy will not make this information available to anyone and will respect the confidentiality of the information.

Supporting Documents:

  • If you are visiting a relative, carry photocopies of the relative’s proof of status e.g. Green Card, naturalization certificate, valid visa etc.
  • If you were previously in the United States, any documents attesting to your immigration or visa status.
  • Criminal/court records pertaining to any arrest or conviction anywhere, even if you completed your sentence or were later pardoned.
  • If a minor child is applying, his or her birth certificate and, if applicable, parents' valid visas Where appropriate, a tour, business or conference itinerary and/or other information about your planned trip (this can be tentative).

*Please DO NOT fax, e-mail or mail any supporting documents to the Embassy* Applicants should hand carry any relevant documentation for presentation to the consular officer during the interview.