Table of Contents
- What is the purpose of the B-1 and B-2 Visa?
- Permitted activities on a B-1 Business visa are as follows:
- Permitted activities on a B-2 Tourist Visitor visa
- Visitor Visa Eligibility Criteria
- Visa Interview
- Visa Denials
What is the purpose of the B-1 and B-2 Visa?
A foreign citizen travelling to the United States usually needs to apply in advance for a Business Visitor B-1 visa or a Tourist B-2 visa, at their nearest US Consulate. Note that a visitor visa is a 'non-immigrant' visa and is generally used for entry to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). Applicants are not permitted to study, work, get paid for performances or reside permanently in the US.
Permitted activities on a B-1 Business visa are as follows:
- Consulting with business associates
- Attending a scientific, professional, educational or business convention or conference
- Settle an estate
- Negotiate a contract
Permitted activities on a B-2 Tourist Visitor visa
- Tourism
- Vacation (Holiday)
- Medical treatment
- Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
- Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
- Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)
Visitor Visa Eligibility Criteria
There is a mandatory presumption under U.S. law is that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant until they demonstrate otherwise. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by proving:
Purpose of trip is Temporary - sole purpose is to visit temporarily for business or pleasure.
Visit is for Limited Period - plan to visit the US and remain in the US for only a specific, limited period, and have specific dates of return and return flight booked.
Evidence of Funds - provide evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States, such as bank statements.
Residence Outside the US - provide evidence of residence (house or apartment) outside the United States, in your country of residence, and in addition, any other binding ties that will ensure the applicant's departure at the end of the visit (eg. return to employment, return to care for children etc).