B1/B2 visa
As of December 2023, most B1/B2 visa interview appointments have an average waiting time of two months in Brazil and two plus years in Canada. Enter your city in the “Appointment wait time” section of this helpful State Department tool to find out the wait time for your particular embassy or consulate. Please note that wait times might be longer if you are applying for an interview in a nation other than your own.
How long on B1 and B2 visa can you stay in the USA?
Any B1/B2 entry can be granted for a maximum of six months, with extensions possible within the US under certain circumstances. Although each visa holder’s stay is unique, you can normally stay in the US for a maximum of 6 months.
As a multiple entry visa, B1/B2 allows you to enter the US more than 1 time. The number of times you can enter the US in a year is not fixed. It depends on your circumstances and discretion of the CBP officers who evaluate your case each time when you enter.
It is important to remember that B1/B2 visa is meant for short term, unplanned visits for business, tourism, medical treatment. It is not intended for living for long term residency in the US for residing there for the majority of your time.
What’s the difference between a B1/B2 visa?
Short business trips(conferences, meetings, contract negotiations and so on) are handled by the B1. Until March 2023, holders of B1 or B2 visas are permitted to apply for jobs in the US and participate in interviews but they are not permitted to work in the country in the ordinary way.
The purpose of the B2 tourist visa is travel, leisure or visiting loved ones. Certain medical treatments are also covered as well as unpaid participation in social events and competitions like sports or music. When a B1/B2 visa is issued jointly it usually permits the holder to travel for both business and pleasure.
How many times can you visit the US with a B1/B2 visa?
The number of times you can enter the US with a B1/B2 visa varies depending on the circumstances. B1/B2 visa is a multiple entry visa which means you can visit the US more than once. The number of times you can enter the US in a given year is not fixed, it depends on your specific circumstances and the decision of the CBP officers who review your file each time when you visit the US.
It is vital to know that the B1/B2 visa is provided for temporary visits such as business purposes, tourism or medical treatment. It is not used for long term stay in the US or spending most of the time in the US.
If the case officers found that through multiple entries whether you are trying to stay in the US or if you are not maintaining the rules of the home country then they can suspect you from the visa stating that you are misusing the Visa. Therefore, it can lead to denial of entry or future visa issues.
In order to avoid any problems because of the unlimited visa entry it is important to give respect to your purpose of visit and obey the rules of your visa. You can consult an immigration agent if you are confused and need guidance in the visa process.
B1/B2 visa cost
Currently the fee for filling B1/B visa is $185. This fee doesn’t include the cost of gathering relevant documents, proof and acquiring passport photos.
Boundless will assist in creating a travel plan according to the circumstance of your visa plan. We have provided guidance to over 100,000 people with the visa application process. Get started today!
B visa requirements
For both business and non business travel to the US, such as tourism a B1/B2 visa is required. You must provide proof that your visit to the US is brief if you wish to apply for a B1/B2 visa.
You must also provide proof that you will go back to your home country after your US visit and also you need to provide evidence that you have a place to live outside of the US and you will not live for good. These points will show that you will follow the rules of the B1/B2 visa.
Reasons for travel under a B1 visitor visa
- Business consultations – this include business related meetings, negotiations or discussions in the US.
- Attending conference or seminars – this will cover professional, educational, scientific or business conventions
- Settling an estate – B1 visa can help someone handle property or assets they inherit in the US legally.
- Contract negotiations – B1 visa is a good option if someone needs to sign or negotiate a contract with the US company.
- Professional examination and licensing – some professionals must be in the US to attend exams or to get licences that are only available in the US.
Reasons for travel under a B2 tourist visa
- Tourism – this could involve travelling, seeing well known sites, discovering new cities or just taking in the sights and sounds of the nation.
- Visiting family or friends – people travel to the US on a B2 visa to see their family members.
- Medical treatment – if a patient needs medical treatment or an operation that needs to be done in the US then they can apply for a B2 visa.
- Social events – people who want to attend events such as festivals, conventions, cooking classes, concerts or other social gatherings.
- Participation in events or contests – B2 visit will not be suitable if the event is not for professional participation such as amateur tournaments or contests.
- Short courses of study – requirements for B2 visas apply if the course lasts less than 18 hours a week.
You cannot travel under this visa to engage any of the following:
- Study
- Long term job in the US
- Paid performance or any professional performance before paying audience
- Entering a ship or aircraft as a team member.
- Serve in the foreign press or print, radio, film or other information gathering mediums.
- Staying in the US permanently.
Boundless tip
Selected citizens are exempt from requiring a visa in order to enter the country for up to 90 days when travelling for business, tourism or transit. Currently 38 nations and territories are covered in that program where the majority of the members are European Union.
For tourism purposes Candians do not require a visa. But if Canadian citizens want to study, work or move permanently, they need to have a proper visa.
Depending on whether they intend to study, work, invest or immigrate Canadian nationals are subject to different entry requirements. Depending on the situation the maximum stay can be from 6 months to 1 year.
Can you change status from B1/B2?
B1/B2 visa does not grant you permanent residency, it is a temporary visa. But you can change the status from a B1/B2 to another kind of visa while you are in the country. The procedure includes submitting an application for a change of status to US citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS)
Key points to be taken into account when changing status from B1/B2
- Purpose of stay – the new visa type and the purpose to wish to remain in the US should match. For example, if you want to study you can apply for a change in student visa(F-1). If you find an employer sponsor willing to sponsor, then you can apply to change from work visa(H-1B)
- Timing – you should apply before the expiration of your current status as mentioned on the I-94 arrival/departure record. Applying at least 45 days before your current status expires is advised by USCIS.
- Eligibility – not everyone can change their status. For example, if you are married to a citizen of the US you are permitted to modify your status if you entered the country through the visa waiver program.
- Status violation – you cannot change status if you violated any conditions of your current visa. For example, if you started working while on a B1/B2 visa without permission.
- Approval – if you submit all relevant documents and satisfy all requirements USCIS is the final decision maker.
You can apply for a marriage green card if you have married to a US citizen or permanent resident of the US. This permit will help you to love with your spouse in the US. The “adjustment of status” (AOS) procedure allows you to apply for a green card while you are still in the country. You can apply through consular processing from your home country.
Requirement needed for travel visa
- A valid passport for six months past the return date.
- Digital photo which meet all government requirements
- If applicable, past five previous trips to the US document.
- Proof of funds which includes flight ticket charge, accommodation and living expenses.
- Evidence of applicants binding ties such as home country such as job, property or family.
B1/B2 document checklist:
- Valid current passport
- Past travel history evidence, expired passport (if applicable)
- Intended travel itinerary for the US trip
- Proof of funds which covers ll the cost such as bank statement, proof of asset, living cost and so on
- Proof of strong ties to your home country such as employment, school enrolment
- National id issued from home country(if applicable)
- Recent photograph which meet government requirements
- Printed version of recent photo
- Printed copy of your visa interview appointment letter
- Printed copy of your DS-160 confirmation page
- Optional letter of invitation from the host of your trip in the US.
B1/B2 visa application process
The US Embassy or consulate in your country will process the applications.
You need to attend an interview before the visa approval. You can attend the interview at an embassy or consulate in a third country but the waiting time might be longer compared to the other.
Steps to getting a B visa
Step 1 : The online non-immigrant application form DS 160 must be filled out first. You need the confirmation page for your interview, so print if off and file the form online.
Step 2: Upload your digital photo
Step 3: Attend the interview for visa
Digital fingerprint scans without ink are taken as part of the process, usually during the interview. The consular officer may need more paperwork or information after the interview in order to decide how to proceed with your case.
Visa applications made simple with Boundless travel visa service which offer online filing, one to one interview coaching, interview scheduling and support in the event that your visa is denied. To find out if you qualify take our approval odds quiz.
