Visitor Visa for Business or Tourism
Many people visit the United States during the course of a year for a million different reasons: visiting family or friends, job interview, business meetings or conference or tourist excursion, just to name a few. In order to enter the United States for any of these reasons, you must obtain a visitor's visa classified under B-1 for business travelers or B-2 for tourists. B-2 visas are also the category for which you must apply if you are seeking medical treatment in the United States.
However, not all individuals visiting for business or pleasure will have to apply for and obtain a B-class visa. Many European countries participate in a visa waiver program with the United States, meaning that visits shorter than 90 days can be made with only a valid passport, no visitor's visa required. However, if you are intending to pursue activities such as temporary work or are a member of the foreign press, you must still obtain a nonimmigrant visa in the particular category that pertains to your purpose. (See our page on the various types of visas.)
An immigration lawyer can tell you more about the B1 or B-2 visitor classifications, and help you with application and renewal of your B-1 or B-2.
Who Qualifies for a B-1 or B-2 Visitor Visa?
The B visa classification applies to individuals in visiting the United States from a foreign country for purposes of conducting business or pursuing tourist activities. As with the majority of nonimmigrant visas, the crucial factor that embassy or consulate officials consider when reviewing a visa application is whether or not the applicant has established ties to their home country making it plausible that temporary business or tourism is your true purpose in visiting.
They consider both obligations that are both social (do you have friends and family in your country of residence?) and economic (do you have a job in your country of residence and how long have you had the job?) in nature. Officials will also consider your itinerary, making sure that you have a set length to your trip and return travel plans.
Some applicants may be considered ineligible, according to predetermined criteria available on the US Department of State website. These include individuals with an illness determined to be a public health danger, including HIV or AIDS, a criminal conviction involving drugs or "moral turpitude," involved in terrorist activity, or current or former member of a totalitarian party such as the Communist party.
Visa Application process
Visa Application and Interview
You may apply for a visitor visa at any American embassy or consulate. Anyone wishing to visit the United States under a temporary, nonimmigrant visa status, including business travelers or tourists, must submit Form DS-156, the "Nonimmigrant Visa Application form." Additionally, some individuals, including all male applicants between 16-45 and those coming from North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, and Iran (so-called "terrorist states"), will also be required to complete a Supplement Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157.
As outlined above, you may need to provide documentation showing that you have binding obligations that would "compel" your return to your legal country of residence, proof that you have enough funds to cover expenses during your trip in the United States, or proof of your itinerary (such as a return plane ticket, etc.). Prepare so that you are able to show documents of this kind if you are asked.
Visa Application Fees
On January 1, 2008, the Department of State raised the fees for visa services. The current application fee for a visa is $131, and if you are approved and issued a visa, you will also have to pay a "visa issuance fee" of $131. However, some countries with visa reciprocity (including many in the Visa Waiver Program) do not require a visa issuance fee. Check the Department of State website for more.
Entering the United States
At the port of entry, the DHS Customs and Border Protection officials will meet with you to permit or deny entry into the United States. The length of your visit will be determined on the Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94. Some persons specially identified by the State Department must register with National Security Exit Entry Registration System (NSEERS).
Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with a B-1 or B-2 Visa?
B-class visas are for individuals. Thus, any person who wishes to enter the United States must apply for and obtain a B visa, including each member of your family.
Can I Receive a Time Extension to Stay Longer on a B-1 or B-2 Visa?
Yes. In order to apply for an extension of your stay, you must apply for approval by the Department of Homeland Security's Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is recommended that you apply for an extension at least 45 days in advance of your visa expiration, if that early is possible. You can find out more information here.
Speak to an Immigration Lawyer for More Information about the B-1 and B-2 Visa!
The application process for a B-1 or B-2 Visitor Visa can run into a lot of obstacles. You may need to request a waiver if you are a non-eligible student, you may need extra assistance if you are seeking medical treatments under a B-2 visa, or another part of the complex immigration law that has become more complex after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
If you are seeking help with the visa process, an immigration lawyer can be a valuable guide and resource in explaining U.S. immigration law and how it applies to your particular situation.
If you'd like to speak with an immigration lawyer, simply call us at (877) 444-1074 or fill out our Immigration Case Evaluation Form.