B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
Temporary visa for business visitors (B-1) and tourists or pleasure travelers (B-2)
Valid
1β10 yr
Max Stay
6 mo
Form
DS-160
Overview
The B-1/B-2 visa is the most common US nonimmigrant visa, allowing foreign nationals to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or tourism, vacation, medical treatment, or visiting family and friends (B-2). Most applicants are issued a combined B-1/B-2 visa. The visa itself is a travel document; the actual period of authorized stay is determined by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry, typically up to 6 months. B-1/B-2 visas do not permit employment in the United States.
Eligibility Requirements
Legitimate temporary purpose
B-1 covers business activities such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, consulting with business associates, or participating in professional conventions. B-2 covers tourism, vacation, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, and amateur cultural or athletic events.
Nonimmigrant intent
You must demonstrate strong ties to your home country β such as employment, property, family, or financial ties β that will compel you to return after your temporary visit. Applicants who appear to be immigrating will be denied.
Sufficient funds for the trip
You must show that you have sufficient funds to cover all expenses during your stay in the US, or that a sponsor in the US will provide financial support.
Valid passport and no visa ineligibility
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. You must not have been previously deported, have certain criminal convictions, or otherwise be inadmissible under US immigration law.
No unauthorized employment intended
B-1/B-2 visa holders may not work for a US employer or receive a US salary. B-1 business activities must be incidental to international business and compensated from abroad.
Application Process
Complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
1β2 hours to completeFill out and submit Form DS-160 on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. Upload a qualifying photo. Save the confirmation page barcode β you will need it for your appointment.
Pay the visa application fee and schedule an interview
Days to months depending on consulate wait timesPay the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee, typically $185 for B-1/B-2. Schedule a visa interview appointment at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Wait times vary widely by post.
Attend the consular interview
Interview typically 2β10 minutesBring your DS-160 confirmation, passport, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents (itinerary, bank statements, employment letter, ties to home country). The consular officer will determine eligibility.
Visa issuance and travel
3β10 business days for passport return after approvalIf approved, your passport is returned with the visa stamp, typically within a few business days. At the US port of entry, CBP determines your authorized period of stay (typically up to 6 months, annotated on Form I-94).
Timeline
The B-1/B-2 visa process typically takes 2β8 weeks from application to issuance, depending on consulate interview appointment wait times, which can range from a few days to several months at busy posts. Once in the US, CBP typically grants stays of up to 6 months, extendable by filing Form I-539 before the authorized stay expires.