B1/B2 Visa Explained
What Is B1/B2 Visa?
Individuals from countries that require a visa to enter the United States temporarily for any of the following reasons: business (B-1), such as consulting with colleagues, presenting a lecture, attending a conference, a job interview, or an observership; pleasure/tourism, medical treatment, or amateur, unpaid participation in musical or sporting events (B-2); or a combination of both (B-1/B-2).
Visitors on business must be self-supporting and may not be paid for any business done, however honoraria may be allowed in specific instances. B-1 and B-2 visitors are not permitted to work. Furthermore, there are stringent conditions for studying in the US as a tourist.
The advantages and disadvantages of B-visa
The benefit of a B-visa is that it may be obtained quickly. In comparison to the E-visa, which is required for expats, and the L-visa, which is required for transferring, the application is simpler and easier to get.
The VWP (Visa Waiver Program) was developed in the United States for friendly countries. Citizens of the system's subject nations are permitted to travel to the United States without getting a visa and to stay for up to 90 days. They must apply for an ESTA before leaving, and their stay will be limited to sightseeing or short-term business.
The downside of the B-visa, on the other hand, is that it restricts activity in the United States. Because local work is not permitted, the B-1 visa is only valid for meetings, inspections, business conversations, and purchases. Employment, including part-time work, is not permitted on either the B-2 visa or the B-2 visa subject to sightseeing.
How long can a traveler stay on a B1/B2 visa?
B1 and B2 visa holders can stay in the United States for up to six months at a time. Each visitor visa application will be evaluated on its own merits, and the adjudicating officer may award a stay of less than 6 months - the maximum period for an initial stay under the B classification is 6 months.
How to apply for B1 and B2 visas
Step 1：File “DS-160” application form online
The "DS-160" application is used to pre-screen applicants for nonimmigrant visas to stay in the United States.
All non-immigrant visa applicants must submit the "DS-160" application form in advance to the US Embassy or Consulate General. “DS-160 online application form” must be completed.
Step 2：Visa Application Fee
The screen will switch to the visa application payment page after the "DS-160" is filed. There is a list of various visas available, as well as application fees in each country's currency, such as dollars. Choose credit card as your payment method and pay the visa application fee.
In addition to the visa application fee, an extra $220 for SEVIS (I-901) is necessary if you are applying for a student/exchange visitor visa (F,M,J-visa).
Step 3：Schedule your interview
If you are applying for a US visa for the first time, you must build an online profile. Access the U.S. embassy's internet portal where you are a national (and its areas), then fill out the form as instructed. After completing the profile, a 12-digit "interview confirmation number" is displayed. For the interview, the number will be necessary. Choose an interview date and write down the interview confirmation number.
When scheduling an interview, you must provide the following information.
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Authentic passport (all information on identification page)
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On the "DS-160" confirmation page, there's a 10-digit application ID and a barcode.
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When you finished the profile, you were given a 12-digit interview confirmation number.
Step 4：Prepare required documents for interview
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Authentic passport
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In the last ten years, passports have been issued.
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On the "DS-160" confirmation page, there's a 10-digit application ID and a barcode (in writing)
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When you finished the profile, a 12-digit interview conformation number appeared on the page (in writing)
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In six months, a photo of identification was taken. 1 x (50mm × 50mm)
Step 5: On the scheduled date, go to the US Embassy/Consulate General for your visa interview with a consular officer. You should attend at least one hour before the interview because the required documentation, security check, and fingerprinting will all be completed prior to the interview.Due to the emergence of COVID-19 (coronavirus illness), the US Embassy/Consulate General recommends scheduling an early interview session. When applying for a B1/B2 visa, you should schedule an interview at least three months before your intended visit to the United States.
Step 6: On the scheduled date, go to the US Embassy/Consulate General for your visa interview with a consular officer. You should attend at least one hour before the interview because the required documentation, security check, and fingerprinting will all be completed prior to the interview.Due to the emergence of COVID-19 (coronavirus illness), the US Embassy/Consulate General recommends scheduling an early interview session. When applying for a B1/B2 visa, you should schedule an interview at least three months before your intended visit to the United States.
After the interview
A visa-attached passport will be mailed to your registered address following the interview. Check your passport carefully after getting it to ensure there are no errors on the visa. After the interview, it takes 10 to 2 weeks for the visa to be issued. Those who require a visa in a hurry for a variety of reasons may be interviewed after their return from the United States, depending on the consular officer's decision. Please contact the nearest US Embassy/Consulate General for more information on those cases.
Conclusion
I hope this information was useful. Complex immigration processing can be incredibly complicated and stressful for everyone. Before filing this application, you should seek legal advice from an experienced attorney.
Immigrationservice.com can assist you and will be there for you every step of the journey. Please contact us via phone or email.