Visitor Visas
The B visa category is intended for foreign nationals who want to visit the U.S. temporarily for business or pleasure. There are two types of B visas: B-1 and B-2.
- B-1 visas are for individuals visiting the U.S. for business purposes, such as consulting with business associates, attending professional conventions or conferences, settling estates, or negotiating contracts.
- B-2 visas are for those traveling to the U.S. for tourism-related purposes. These may include vacations, visiting family or friends, receiving medical treatment, participating in social or service activities, or performing in athletic or musical events without compensation. If you are accompanying a family member receiving medical treatment, a B-2 visa is also required.
- If you're visiting the U.S. for both business and pleasure, you will be issued a B-1/B-2 visa.
Certain activities are not allowed under visitor visas, such as studying, working, paid performances, or seeking permanent residence in the U.S. Note that if you are going to the U.S. to study, work, or act in any capacity as a journalist or crewmember, you must apply for a different, appropriate visa. If you plan to take more than 18 hours of classes per week, even if they do not count toward a degree, you must obtain a student visa. Furthermore, if you are attending lectures, conferences, or classes that count toward a degree, you will need a student visa.
Required Documents:
B VISA APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You may apply for a visitor visa at any US consulate or embassy, though it is recommended to apply at the one with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence. Applying outside of your country of permanent residence might make it more challenging to qualify for the visa. The consular officer at the embassy or consulate will decide whether you meet the qualifications for the visa.
There are no petitions required to file with USCIS for entering the US as a visitor, but the burden of proof is on you to convince the consular officer that your visit is temporary. The law presumes that every visitor visa applicant intends to immigrate, so you must overcome this assumption by demonstrating that:
In addition to the general documentation requirements, individuals seeking medical treatment in the US must also provide the following:
Individuals traveling for medical treatment should have a statement from a doctor or institution regarding the proposed treatment plan.
VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
Visitors from eligible countries who plan to visit the United States for 90 days or fewer for business or pleasure may qualify to enter the US without a visa under the **Visa Waiver Program (VWP)**, provided they meet the program's requirements. For more details on the Visa Waiver Program, visit the US Department of State.
Note that if you enter the US under the VWP, you cannot apply to extend your stay.
Currently, 36 countries participate in the program:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.