B1/B2 Visitors for Business or Pleasure

A B1 Visitor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business. A B2 Visitor Visa is for those desiring to enter the U.S. for tourism, to visit family and friends, or for medical treatment. Persons planning to travel to the U.S. for a different purpose, such as students, temporary workers, crewmen, journalists, etc, must apply for a different visa in the appropriate category. Travelers from certain countries may also be able to visit the U.S. without a visa, through the Visa Waiver Program. More helpful information on the Visa Waiver program is found on the State Department Visa Services website.

Qualifying for a Visa

In order to obtain a Visitor Visa, a person must overcome this presumption of immigrant intent (i.e. that he or she wants to come to the U.S. to stay permanently) by demonstrating that:

The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment. They plan to remain for a specific, limited period. They have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties that will convince the Consular Officer that they intend to return to their country of origin. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. Department of Homeland Security officials have the authority to deny admission, as well as determine the period for which the bearer of a visitor visa is authorized to remain in the United States. Contact us for more information.