Visa USA
B1 B2 Tourist Visa USA
Apply for your B1 B2 Tourist Visa USA with Shreehari Immigration Consultants. We specialize in US travel visa B1 B2 support, documentation, and interview guidance.
visa B1 B2
US travel visa B1 B2
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.
B1 B2 Visa vs ESTA
| Feature | B1 B2 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 |
USA Eligibility
B1 B2 Tourist Visa USA Eligibility
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.
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
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 B1 B2 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.
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)
B1 vs B2 Visa
| Visa Type | Purpose / Activities | Maximum Stay | Multiple Entry | Restrictions / Notes | Fees & Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1 | 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 |
| B2 | 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 |
| B1/B2 | 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 |
US B1 B2 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.
- Visa validity period: Can range from a few months to up to 10 years, depending on the applicant’s nationality
Changing Status from B-1/B-2
- 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
Start your journey
Support
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
FAQ
Got questions? We’re on it.
Who needs a B1 B2 visa?
Foreign nationals traveling temporarily to the U.S. for business or tourism who cannot enter via the Visa Waiver Program.
How long can I stay on a B1 B2 visa?
Typically up to 6 months per visit; multiple entries allowed.
Can I work on a B1 B2 visa?
No, except attending job interviews. Paid employment is prohibited.
Can I extend my stay?
Extensions may be possible within the U.S. under qualifying circumstances.
Should I apply for a B1 B2 visa or ESTA?
ESTA is for Visa Waiver Program nationals traveling up to 90 days; B visa is required for all others.
Can Canadian citizens apply?
Not generally needed for tourism/business. Required only for study, work, or permanent immigration purposes.
What happens if my visa is denied?
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.