B-1/B-2 Travel Visa
Get expert guidance and full application support for individuals looking to travel to the U.S.
B-1/B-2 Visa
The B-1/B-2 visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa that allows foreign nationals to travel temporarily for:
- Business (B-1) → Meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, professional examinations, estate settlements.
- Tourism (B-2) → Sightseeing, visiting family/friends, attending social events, medical treatment, short courses.
- Mixed purpose (B-1/B-2) → Travel combining both business and leisure.
Key Points:
- Typically valid for up to 10 years.
- Maximum stay per visit: 180 days (extensions may be possible).
- Multiple-entry visa: allows multiple visits, subject to CBP officer discretion.
- Not intended for long-term residence or full-time employment in the U.S.
Travel Visa Forms We Complete For You
B-1/B-2 Visa vs. ESTA
| Feature | B-1/B-2 Visa | ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Business or tourism (short-term visits) | Business, tourism, or transit (short visits) |
| Eligibility | Citizens of any country (requires interview) | Citizens of 38 Visa Waiver Program countries |
| Duration of Stay | Up to 6 months | Up to 90 days |
| Entry | Multiple entries allowed | Multiple entries allowed |
| Application | DS-160 application + interview | Online ESTA form (no interview) |
| Cost | $185 + possible $250 visa integrity fee | $21 |
| Work | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Extension | Possible under USCIS rules | Not allowed |
| Notes | Can convert status to another visa type if eligible | Cannot extend stay or convert status |
B-1 / B-2 Visa Eligibility
To qualify for a B-1/B-2 visa, applicants must demonstrate:
- Temporary visit: Your travel purpose is short-term and specific.
- Ties to your home country: Employment, property, family, or other obligations ensuring you return home.
- Sufficient funds: To cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
- No intention to immigrate: This is a non-immigrant visa; permanent residence is not permitted on a B visa.
Restrictions:
- Cannot engage in full-time work, long-term study, or paid professional performances.
- Cannot use the visa to immigrate or live permanently in the U.S.
- Canadian nationals generally do not need a B-1/B-2 visa for short-term tourism or business, unless studying, working, or immigrating.
Fees and Processing times
- Visa Integrity Fee (FY2025) → $250, in addition to the standard $185 filing fee. Non-refundable except under strict conditions.
- Processing times vary by embassy/consulate: 7 days to 2+ years depending on location.
- Online tools are available to check specific appointment wait times.
B-1 vs B-2 Visa
You can also summarize with a table to make it clearer
| Visa Type | Purpose / Activities | Maximum Stay | Multiple Entry | Restrictions / Notes | Fees & Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 | Business meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, professional exams, estate settlements | Up to 6 months per visit | Yes | Cannot work in the U.S. for pay; temporary business only | $185 filing fee + $250 visa integrity fee (FY2025), valid up to 10 years |
| B-2 | Tourism, vacation, visiting family/friends, medical treatment, social events, contests, short courses | Up to 6 months per visit | Yes | Cannot work or study full-time; temporary leisure/medical only | $185 filing fee + $250 visa integrity fee (FY2025), valid up to 10 years |
| B-1/B-2 | Combination of business and tourism purposes | Up to 6 months per visit | Yes | Follow B-1/B-2 rules; temporary travel only; CBP discretion for entry frequency | $185 filing fee + $250 visa integrity fee (FY2025), valid up to 10 years |
Required Documents
- Passport valid 6 months past intended return date
- Recent digital photo meeting government standards
- Documentation of previous U.S. trips (past 5 trips, if applicable)
- Proof of financial support for the trip
- Proof of ties to home country (job, property, family)
B-1/B-2 Visa Application Process
- Complete Form DS-160 online: Non-immigrant application. Print confirmation page.
- Upload digital photograph
- Schedule visa interview: At your local embassy/consulate (or a third country, if necessary).
- Attend interview: Ink-free digital fingerprint scans taken. Additional documents may be requested.
- Receive decision: Visa granted, or assistance provided for one free reapplication if denied (government fees apply).
Duration and Number of Visits
- Maximum stay: 6 months per visit
- Multiple-entry visa: No fixed limit on yearly visits, but entry decisions are at the discretion of CBP officers.
- Frequent or extended visits: May trigger scrutiny regarding your visa purpose.
Changing Status from B-1/B-2
It is possible to adjust your status while in the U.S. if you meet certain requirements:
- Student Visa (F-1) or Work Visa (H-1B)
- Marriage green card via adjustment of status (AOS)
- Must apply before current status expires (usually 45 days recommended)
- Violations of status may disqualify eligibility
How Shreehari Supports You
- Denial Risk Assessment: Personalized strategy to minimize rejection chances
- DS-160 Completion & Review: Expert guidance for accurate and strong application
- Interview Scheduling & Coaching: 1:1 mock sessions with former consular-trained experts
- Fee Assistance: Help paying government filing fees and scheduling interviews
- Ongoing Support: Guidance after filing, including one free reapplication if denied
Frequently Asked Questions
Foreign nationals traveling temporarily to the U.S. for business or tourism who cannot enter via the Visa Waiver Program.
Typically up to 6 months per visit; multiple entries allowed.
No, except attending job interviews. Paid employment is prohibited.
Extensions may be possible within the U.S. under qualifying circumstances.
ESTA is for Visa Waiver Program nationals traveling up to 90 days; B visa is required for all others.
Not generally needed for tourism/business. Required only for study, work, or permanent immigration purposes.
Visa approval is always at the discretion of the consular officer reviewing your application. While denials can happen, you have the option to reapply. With Shreehari’s Denial Protection, if your visa is refused, we will guide you through one reapplication at no extra service cost. Please note: government filing fees must still be paid for the new application.
Take the Next Step
Check Your Eligibility → Take our quick quiz.
Book a Consultation → Receive personalized guidance and 1:1 coaching for your B-1/B-2 visa application.