Visitor Visas (B1/B2)
A non-immigrant visa for individuals who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B1) or tourism/medical treatment (B2).
Eligibility
To qualify for a U.S. visitor visa, you must:
- A valid passport that will still be valid for at least 6 months after your intended stay.
- Have a valid reason for visiting the US, for instance, visiting family/friends, medical treatment, or attending a business meeting/conference.
- Have sufficient financial resources to fund your trip.
- Demonstrate strong ties to your home country (job, family, property, financial commitments).
- Have no intention of immigrating during your visit.
Application Process
Fill out the online non-immigration visa application Form (DS-160) and save the confirmation page.
- Pay the visa fee, typically $185 (non-refundable), either online or via bank.
- Schedule an interview at the US Embassy/Consulate in your country.
- Bring DS-160 confirmation, passport, photo, proof of ties to home country, financial documents, and invitation letter (if applicable) while attending the interview.
After assessing all the documents, the visa will be either issued or denied. The common reasons for denial include insufficient ties to the home country, lack of financial support, incomplete documentation, unclear purpose of visit, previous immigration violations, and security concerns. If approved, a B1/B2 visa is initially issued for 6 months, and its validity ranges from 1 month to 10 years, depending on your nationality. The authorized stay is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry.
Common Restrictions and Conditions
- No work allowed.
- No study permitted.
- Must leave before expiration.
- Visa cancellation or removal from the US if engaged in activities inconsistent with the visa purpose.