What is the U.S. B-1/B-2 visa?

In this article we will review the U.S. B-1/B-2 visa, highlight all the details and advantages of it, and consider the ease and means of application.

Overview: What is the U.S. B-1/B-2?

The U.S. B-1/B-2 is a combined visitor visa for people who wish to travel to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).

Generally, the B-1 visa is for travellers consulting with business associates, attending scientific, educational, professional or business conventions/conferences, settling an estate or negotiating contracts. 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. They are typically combined and issued as one visa: the B-1/B-2.

Qualifications: Who can acquire a B-1/B-2 visa?

Under U.S. law, anybody applying for a B-1/B-2 visa is automatically assumed to be an immigrant. In order to successfully acquire the visa, you need to convince the consular officer that you are not. In other words, you must prove

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

Application Items: What do you need to complete your application?

If you apply for a business/tourist visa, you must submit the following:

• An online form known as the DS-160 form. To fill the form online, click here.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date of at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S. If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
• One two-inch by two-inch 2″x2″ (5cmx5cm) photograph.
• A receipt showing payment of your US$140 non-refundable non-immigrant visa application processing fee, paid in local currency. Get more details about the payment here.

In addition to these items, you must book an appointment for an interview with the U.S. consulate. While presenting your documents you must also present this interview appointment letter. You may also bring along whatever supporting documents you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.

Supporting Documents: Extra documents that strengthen your application

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 during adjudication. Consular officers may look at your specific intentions, family situation, and your long-range plans and prospects within your country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.

You should bring the following documents to your interview:

Original documents are always preferred over photocopies and you must bring these documents with you to the interview. Do not fax, email or mail any supporting documents to the Embassy/Consulate General.

• Current proof of income, tax payments, property or business ownership, or assets.
• Your travel itinerary and/or other explanation about your planned trip.
• A letter from your employer detailing your position, salary, how long you have been employed, any authorized vacation, and the business purpose, if any, of your U.S. trip.
• Criminal/court records pertaining to any arrest or conviction anywhere, even if you completed your sentence or were later pardoned.

Additionally, based on your purpose of travel, you should consider bringing the following:

For students

Bring your latest school results, transcripts and degrees/diplomas. Also bring evidence of financial support such as monthly bank statements, fixed deposit slips, or other evidence.

For working adults

Bring an employment letter from your employer and pay slips from the most recent three months.

For businessmen and company directors

Bring evidence of your position in the company and remuneration.

If you are visiting a relative…

Bring photocopies of your relative’s proof of status (e.g. Green Card, naturalization certificate, valid visa, etc).

For previous visitors to the U.S.

If you were previously in the United States, any documents attesting to your immigration or visa status.

What do applicants seeking medical care need?

If you wish to travel to the U.S. for medical treatment, then you should be prepared to present the following documentation in addition to the documents listed above and those the consular officer may require:

• A medical diagnosis from a local physician explaining the nature of your ailment and the reason you require treatment in the United States.
• A 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).
• A statement of financial responsibility from the individuals or organization paying for your transportation, medical and living expenses. The individuals guaranteeing payment of these expenses must provide proof of their ability to do so, often in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns.

How long can you stay in the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa?

A U.S. non-immigrant visa grants you permission to travel to a Port of Entry (airport/seaport) in the United States. When you arrive at your destination Port of Entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer who processes your entry will determine the length of time that you may remain in the country. You may travel to the Port of Entry during the validity of your non-immigrant visa up to and including the last day the visa is valid. The visa duration does not determine the length of time that you may legally remain in the United States; only the Customs and Border Protection officer can decide this upon your arrival in the United States.

In summary…

A U.S. B-1/B-2 visa is a visa application that allows you to travel to the United States for reasons related either to business (for instance, meetings, seminars, conferences etc.) or tourism. To successfully acquire the visa and travel, you need to possess some important documents, as well as have the capacity to support yourself In the U.S. until you return home.

Credit: USTravelDocs

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