Your Guide to Visitor Visas: B-1 and B-2 Visas, Explained
If you are a citizen of a foreign country and want to visit the United States temporarily, you will need to apply for a visitor visa. Visitor visas come in two categories: B-1 visas are for business visitors, B-2 visas are for tourists, and B-1/B-2 visas are for those who want to do both. This guide explains B-1 and B-2 visas so you know what you can use them for, how to get them, and how long you can remain in the United States.
What Are Visitor Visas?
The first step in planning a trip to the United States is to determine which type of visa you will need. The U.S. Department of State’s website is a good resource for this. If you are planning to travel for business or pleasure and will not be engaged in any activities that could be considered work, you will most likely need a visitor visa.
There are two types of visitor visas: B-1 visas, for business visitors, and B-2 visas, for pleasure or medical treatment. If you are planning to travel for both business and pleasure, you can apply for a combined B-1/B-2 visa.
B-1 Visas, Explained
A B-1 visa is for business visitors. This includes people who are coming to the United States to:
- Consult with people you do business with
- Attend a convention or conference
- Settle an estate
- Negotiate a contract
- Participate in short-term training
- Give a lecture or participate in a music or sports event
Can Your Family Come to the U.S. With You on a B-1 Visa?
If you’re coming to the United States on a B-1 visa, you may be wondering if your family can come with you. The answer is, unfortunately, no. The B-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for business visitors, and as such, it does not allow family members to accompany the visa holder.
If you want your family to come to the United States, they will need to apply for their own visas. The most common visa for family members of B-1 visa holders is the B-2 tourist visa. This visa allows spouses and children to come to the United States to visit for up to six months.
How Long Can You Stay in the U.S. on a B-1 Visa?
The length of time you can stay in the United States on a B-1 visa depends on the purpose of your visit. If you are coming for a one-time business meeting, you will generally be allowed to stay for up to a week. If you are coming to the United States on a long-term business project, you may be allowed to stay for up to six months.
In either case, your B-1 visa will be valid for the duration of your stay. You will not need to apply for an extension.
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What Activities Are Permitted on a B-1 Visa?
The activities you are allowed to engage in while in the United States on a B-1 visa depend on the purpose of your visit. If you are coming for a business meeting, you will only be allowed to attend the meeting and any related activities, such as business dinners. If you are coming to the United States to work on a long-term business project, you will be allowed to engage in all activities related to the project, including meetings, work, and leisure activities.
In general, the B-1 visa does not allow recipients to engage in any type of employment in the United States. If you want to work in the United States, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
Naturally, you can sightsee and participate in other tourist activities while staying in the U.S. on a B-1 visa.
What Is a B-2 Visa?
A B-2 visa is for pleasure or medical treatment. This includes people who are coming to the United States for:
- Tourism
- Vacation (holiday)
- Visiting people you care about, such as friends and relatives
- Getting medical treatment
- Participation in a social event hosted by an organization
- Unpaid performance as an amateur in a musical, sports or similar event (or a contest related to something similar)
- Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a tennis or cooking class)
What Are the Requirements for a B-1 or B-2 Visa?
To get a B-1 or B-2 visa, you must:
- Show a consular officer that you are eligible for a visa to come to the United States.
- Have a passport that is valid for travel to the United States and has a remaining validity of at least six months beyond your planned period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exceptions). If you do not have a passport, or if you have one that will expire before then, please apply for a new passport now.
- Show proof of financial support during their stay in the United States.
- Be able to demonstrate strong ties to your home country, which may include property ownership, immediate family members who reside in your home country or employment with a firm located in your home country.
Can Your Family Come With You on a B-2 Visa?
As mentioned above, the B-2 visa is the most common visa for family members of B-1 visa holders. The B-2 visa allows spouses and children to come to the United States to visit for up to six months.
What Activities Are Permitted on a B-2 Visa?
The activities you are allowed to engage in while in the United States on a B-2 visa are mostly tourist activities. You are allowed to sightsee, visit family and friends, and participate in other leisure activities. You are not allowed to work or study while in the United States on a B-2 visa.
How Long Can You Stay in the United States on a B-2 Visa?
The length of time you can stay in the United States on a B-2 visa depends on the purpose of your visit. If you are coming for a short vacation, you will generally be allowed to stay for up to three months. If you are coming to visit family or friends, you may be allowed to stay for up to six months.
In either case, your B-2 visa will be valid for the duration of your stay. You will not need to apply for an extension unless you stay longer than expected.
Purposes for B-1 and B-2 Visas
The following table outlines which type of visa is most likely right for you. However, if you’re unsure, or if you may need both types, you should consult with an immigration attorney.
B-1 Visa | B-2 Visa |
Consulting with business associates or colleagues | Vacationing or tourism |
Attending a convention or conference related to the sciences, education, business, or your profession | Visiting people you know (such as family and friends) |
Settling an estate | Seeing a doctor or receiving medical care and treatment |
Negotiating a contract | Participating in a social event hosted by a service, fraternal or social organization |
Participating in short-term training related to your employment or profession | Being an amateur performer in a musical concert or event, a sporting event, or a similar event or contest, but only if you’re not being paid for your performance |
Giving lectures or participating in a musical or sports event | Enrolling in a short recreational course of study |
Do You Need to Talk to an Immigration Attorney About Coming to the U.S. on a B-1 or B-2 Visa?
If you’re considering a visit to the United States on a B-1 or B-2 visa, we may be able to help you. Call our office today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced immigration attorney who can give you the answers you need.
