Visa Type Series: Understanding B-1/B-2 Visa Requirements

Are you planning a trip to the United States for business or leisure? The B-1/B-2 visa could be your gateway. This visa allows you to travel to the U.S. for temporary stays for a variety of purposes. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about the B-1/B-2 visa, including: • Understanding the B-1/B-2 Visa • Visa requirements, documents, and fees • Waiting times • How outbound can simplify the process for you Understanding the B-1/B-2 Visa What is B1/B2 visa? The B-1/B-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to travel to the United States temporarily for business (B-1), tourism (B-2), or a mix of both (B-1/B-2). This visa category is widely used for brief visits to the U.S. It is typically valid for up to 10 years from the issue date, and travelers to the U.S. can stay up to 180 days, with the option to return again after that time. What can you do with a B-1/B-2 visa? • Business travel: Attend conferences, negotiate contracts, or consult with business partners. • Tourism travel: Visit relatives and friends, visit landmarks, or seek medical treatments, or participate in a musical or sporting event. • A combination of both: Many people use the B-1/B-2 visa for a mix of business and pleasure. What activities are not allowed with a B-1/B-2 visa?: • There are certain activities that are not allowed with a B-1/B-2 visa, such as studying, working for a U.S. company, or receiving payment for performances. Non-academic, recreational studies for a short time frame may be allowed. Visa Requirements, Documents, and Fees To be eligible for a B-1/B-2 visa, you must: • Demonstrate that the purpose of your trip is for an approved reason. • Show that you plan to remain in the U.S. for a limited time only. You must provide evidence that you have a return ticket or other arrangements to leave the U.S. at the end of your trip. • Provide proof that you have specific funds to cover the costs of your trip. Documents required for a B-1/B-2 visa include: • Your valid passport does not expire in less than 6 months during your intended trip. • The nonimmigrant visa application Form DS-160 confirmation page. • A receipt for the payment of your application fee. • Your photo (See Photo Requirements) How much does it cost to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa? The current government fee for a B-1/B-2 visa is US$185. Please note that this fee is subject to change. Processing Times The processing time for a B-1/B-2 visa can vary depending on the embassy or consulate where you apply and the time of year. However, the estimated wait time for an interview can be currently checked at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html. Please note that this is an estimate and the actual wait time may be longer or shorter. How can outbound help you with your B-1/B-2 visa application? Applying for a visa can seem daunting, but outbound is here to help! • Sleek, mobile friendly application forms to centralize all your information • Dedicated visa consultant to support and handle your application • Global consular services team to book and manage embassy appointments • 50% refund on service fees if your visa application is rejected Let outbound help you today on your B-1/B-2 visa: See pricing here.