Tourist & Business Visa
Learn the basic purpose, common requirements and application steps for temporary tourism and business travel to the United States.
B-1 / B-2 visa at a glance
A B-1/B-2 visa is a temporary U.S. visitor visa. B-1 is generally used for eligible temporary business activities, while B-2 is generally used for tourism, vacations, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, and other permitted temporary visitor purposes.
Applicants generally complete Form DS-160, pay the applicable visa application fee, schedule an interview when required, and attend an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A B-1/B-2 visitor visa does not authorize ordinary employment in the United States.
What is a B-1 / B-2 visa?
B-1 and B-2 are temporary visitor visa classifications. B-1 is generally associated with qualifying temporary business activities, while B-2 is generally used for tourism, vacations, family visits, medical treatment and certain other temporary visitor purposes.
B-1 Business
Common qualifying activities can include business meetings, conferences, consultations and contract negotiations.
B-2 Tourism
Common purposes include tourism, vacation, visiting relatives and certain medical visits.
Temporary Visit
Your travel plan should be consistent with a temporary visit and with the purpose stated in your application.
How the process usually works.
- Complete the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application.
- Pay the applicable visa application fee.
- Schedule an interview where required.
- Prepare your passport and relevant supporting documents.
- Attend the consular interview and answer questions truthfully.
Information you should understand before applying.
- Your exact reason for traveling.
- Your expected travel dates and destinations.
- How your trip will be funded.
- Your employment, business, education or personal circumstances.
- Your plans after completing the visit.
Not sure if B-1 / B-2 fits your travel plan?
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