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B Visa Overview

Submitted by admin on Feb 6th 2009, Modified on Jun 16th 2009
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The B visa category applies to citizens of foreign countries who wish to visit the United States for a temporary period.  There are two types of B visas: B-1 (for business) and B-2 (for pleasure or medical treatment).  A B-1 visa would be issued for an individual desiring to enter the U.S. to consult with business associates; attend a scientific, educational, professional or business convention or conference; settle an estate; or negotiate a contract.  A B-2 visa would be issued for an individual wishing to enter the U.S.

The B visa category applies to citizens of foreign countries who wish to visit the United States for a temporary period.  There are two types of B visas: B-1 (for business) and B-2 (for pleasure or medical treatment).  A B-1 visa would be issued for an individual desiring to enter the U.S. to consult with business associates; attend a scientific, educational, professional or business convention or conference; settle an estate; or negotiate a contract.  A B-2 visa would be issued for an individual wishing to enter the U.S. for touring, amusement, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment, and activities of a social or service nature.

A. Duration of Stay

A business visitor (B-1) will be granted a period of entry sufficient to conduct his or her business.  Generally, these visits are approved for less than three months.  

A non-business visitor (B-2) will automatically be granted a six-month period of entry.  Only in unusual circumstances will a B-2 visa holder be granted a period of entry that is shorter or longer than six months.  

It should be noted that it is possible to obtain a period of admission of one year on initial entry to the U.S.  Additionally, extensions of up to six months may be granted.

B.    Application Process

In order to obtain a B visa, you need only apply with the U.S. consulate; an application to the Immigration Service is not required.

Foreign travelers who are citizens from certain eligible countries may also be able to visit the U.S. without a visa on the Visa Waiver Program.    

C.    Special Conditions

It should be noted that an alien entering the U.S. with a B visa must not engage in gainful employment (labor for hire) in the U.S.  Additionally, the undertaking of an academic study program is not permitted (with a few limited exceptions).

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING B-1/B-2 STATUS

There are five basic requirements for issuance of a B visa, as specified by The State Department:

1.    The alien is entering the U.S. for a limited duration.
2.    The alien intends to depart the U.S. at the expiration of his or her stay.
3.    While in the U.S., the alien maintains a foreign residence which he or she has no intention of abandoning.
4.    The alien has adequate financial arrangements to travel to, sojourn in, and depart from the U.S.
5.    The alien will engage solely in legitimate activities relating to business or pleasure.

 


overstayed NIV

Submitted by Ar-an (not verified) on Nov 18th 2009.

HI. I have a 10 year multiple entry visa. I went to the US, Apr. 23,09, for the purpose of taking an exam, when I get to the US, the consul gave me 2 months, which was okay for me. When I tried to apply for a seat for my exam, I found out that my registration to my jurisdiction got expired earlier this year, so i decided to apply for it again at the same time applying for an extension of stay. I got the result of their decision last Sept. 10, which is over my I-94, I went home on Oct 23. I have 2 questions, can i still come back to the US? and if yes, how soon? Thanks.

My Mother Stutus

Submitted by rmm (not verified) on Nov 18th 2009.

I am students in U.S. with F1 Visa. Also, I am the person who take care of my mother and I have documents to proof that. However, she lives with me in U.S. with a B2 Visa. She got a six months in her first entry. Then, she spent 15 days back home, and traveled to U.S. again. In the second entry she got another six months that ends on May 2010. I am worry about her status in the future. What can I do for her? Also, I want to know is it ok if she study English as second language with a B2 Visa, or she must back to home an get F1 Visa?

can i return to the US after 3 months

Submitted by ernest (not verified) on Nov 12th 2009.

i got a 5 yrs multiple visa(which is B1/B2)and i was given 6 months on my arrival(MAY,29,2009 and its due in two week(NOV,27,2009),my flight departs 1 day b4 my entry visa expires,will this affect my re entry?and and can i come back to the states after 3months in my home country? or how long am i adviced to stay in my home country?

can i return to the US after 3 months - tourist, visitors visa

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Nov 13th 2009.

The rule is you must live in your home country - not USA. If you spend more time in USA than in your home country (unless you are able to convince CBP of any extraordinary circumstances you may have), at some point your entry into USA will be denied.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

my mother in law would like

Submitted by crystal (not verified) on Nov 6th 2009.

my mother in law would like to visit me and her grand daughter and i would like to get her a visitor visa what do i need to get that and how do i get one thanks

How to apply for visitors visa

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Nov 10th 2009.

She needs to contact the US consulate closest to where she lives. Normally, they will be able to tell her what she needs to bring and what the procedure is. This information should also be available on consular web site. Most consulates also respond to e-mail enquiries.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

I-94

Submitted by KEVIN (not verified) on Nov 5th 2009.

I lost my I94. I want to know how I can get it back?

Lost I-94

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Nov 10th 2009.

Kevin, if the I-94 is still valid (not expired) and will not expire yet for several months, you can apply for a replacement. There is a form for it. Check the USCIS web site and call USCIS customer service.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

B1/B2 Multiple Entry Visa

Submitted by Gianna (not verified) on Oct 29th 2009.

I have a urgent question, and I would super appreciate any advice you could give me. I have a B1/B2 Multiple Entry Visa till 2019. I went to the United States on Feb 25, 2009 and came back to the Philippines August 21, 2009. While in the States I was granted an extension to stay in the U.S. till Feb 2010, but I still decided to come home to the Philippines. Now, I would like to go back to the U.S. on November 8, 2009 to spend Thanksgiving with my Husband and my In-Laws. Will they give me a hard time at the Port Of Entry? Are there documents that I should bring to show the officer at the POE?

B1/B2 Multiple Entry Visa

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Nov 4th 2009.

Since you left without using the extension, the fact that you applied for one should not become an issue for reentry in the future. But the problem can be if you return too soon, CBP can deny entry. Have a happy Thanksgiving.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

I Need A B2 Visa

Submitted by Abbeyy (not verified) on Oct 28th 2009.

I am a citizen of Nigeria and presently studying in China with a resident permit but my friend wants me to visit him in the States and he has sent all the necessary documents for me to apply for a visa. I would like to know if I need a travelling experience to apply for US visa when Iam in China.

I Need A B2 Visa

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Nov 4th 2009.

I am not sure what you mean by "traveling experience," but B-2 visas depend primarily upon the consular officer being convinced that you do not intend to overstay in USA or seek to become a long term or permanent resident during your visit. Good luck!

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

Invite parents

Submitted by Guest221 (not verified) on Oct 19th 2009.

I am a H4 holder and I like to invite my mother for a visit what do I need to send as documents?

Invite Parents - How To

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Oct 21st 2009.

I have just posted a detailed response in my blog: http://forums.immigration.com/blog.php?b=226

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

B1 Visa

Submitted by ri (not verified) on Sep 29th 2009.

I am a citizen of U.S. and had send the support documents. When my mother in law went for an interview they denied the visa because she stayed legally with the extension of three months in 1999 . After that she came to visit us in 2004 she went back by six months. At that time she got 10 years visa in 1998 multiple. My question is can they deny the visa without seeing the support documents.

Thanks

B1 Visa

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Oct 5th 2009.

They can do a lot of things, and often do, even things that are unreasonable. If you feel the decision is in error, contact the consulate through your Congressman.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

B Visa renewal

Submitted by Aamir (not verified) on Sep 1st 2009.

I came back from states in 2003. I had mulitiple b1/b2 visa that was expired in 2006. Now, if I apply again so what are the chances? Can i get multiple visa again?

B Visa renewal

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Sep 3rd 2009.

I see no reason why not, Aamir.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

Visa B2

Submitted by shahla poorsadeghi (not verified) on Aug 15th 2009.

I came to America 4months ago. Am I eligible to send a visitor visa for my sister and her family? what should I do?
Do I need a good financial credit?

Visa B2 - affidavit of support

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Aug 17th 2009.

Technically only US citizens or permanent residents can provide affidavit of support. You can read the instructions on Form I-134.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

Can Europeans apply for B2 tourist visa?

Submitted by Maria (not verified) on Aug 12th 2009.

I have been appart from my fiance for a year now. I was planning to either apply for a B2 and after it for a F1. Since my spanish passport applies into the VWP, can I still apply for a B2? If so, should I mention the real reason why I want the visa?I just want to spend time with him, as we still have 4 yrs ahead till he can apply for citizenship. :(

Can Europeans apply for B2 tourist visa?

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Aug 13th 2009.

Yes, you can, Maria. Even if you are covered by Visa Waiver, you do have the option to apply for a B-2 visa. In my view, you must state the reason truthfully. As to what your chances are is impossible to predict.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

Applying for b2 visa after voluntary departure from usa

Submitted by mulder (not verified) on Aug 7th 2009.

I was voluntary deported from USA for over staying my b2 visa for almost 3 years !
What do I need to do to apply for the b2 visa again ( i am goin for a medical reason )

Applying for b2 visa after voluntary departure from USA

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Aug 10th 2009.

Chances of obtaining a B-2 visa are slim if you have overstayed that long earlier.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

Visitors I-94 extension on expired visa?

Submitted by RP (not verified) on Aug 4th 2009.

My mother entered US with a valid visa in June 5 and got 3 months stay (until Sep 5) as per I-94. Her visa has expired 2 months (Aug 5) after she entered in the US and now we're planning to file for I-94 extension but we're not sure if the visa should be valid (not-expired) for I-94 extension. Can someone please advice? Thanks!

Visitors I-94 extension on expired visa?

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Aug 5th 2009.

RP, once she is in USA, her stay is governed by the I-94, not the visa. There are other issues with extension (such as future problems in entering, etc.), but visa is not an issue.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

Extension for Visitor Visa Denied Please Help

Submitted by Balaji Sastry (not verified) on Jul 31st 2009.

I applied extension for my mother, reason being she had a fracture 6 weeks before and was advised bed rest for 4 weeks. So I applied for extension and received I-797C in the mail (paid $300). Since I had requested 3 months ext, I rescheduled her departure date (luckily I bought 1 yr ticket, thx to my agent) and she left before 3 mos. I did not receive anything in the mail till then.Now, 3 days ago I got a letter from USCIS VT stating it is denied/abandoned as they did not receive any evidence supporting the app, file I-290B before Aug 23rd which has filing fee of $585!!! ouch. What can I do?

Extension for Visitor Visa Denied Please Help

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Jul 31st 2009.

Not much you can do at this point. Keep copies of all documents so you can show that the overstay was entirely inadvertent. You may also want to get a new visa stamp. If the consulate says a new stamp is not necessary, explain how she fell out of status. You can send this info to the consulate by email and see what they say.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

B-2 visa

Submitted by len (not verified) on Jul 6th 2009.

I have a friend whose an oversea worker and was assigned in Thailand,wants to visit me in san francisco, CA. Is it possible for him to apply for a B-2 visa? What are the requirements? How much is the fee?

B-2 Visa

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Jul 7th 2009.

Sure. B-2 is for casual visits. I suggest starting with the consular web site.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

VISIT TO THE AMERICA MY MOTHER

Submitted by stephen abrokwah (not verified) on Aug 17th 2009.

I will have to travel to the USA to visit my mother on 22nd of december,2009 and l will come back to ghana on 15th january,2010. l hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you.
stephen abrokwah.

VISIT TO THE AMERICA MY MOTHER

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Aug 19th 2009.

Read up on visitors visa (B-2).

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

Visitor Visa denials

Submitted by VIsitor parents (not verified) on Jun 30th 2009.

I have been here in US for last eight years. I finished my both undergrad and grad degrees and presently under AOS based on skilled worker. My parents had applied for visitor visas onmy three graduations, gradation of my wife, but got denied everytime. They showed enough balance and my father is a contractor. Should I give up my hope?
thanks

Visitor Visa denials

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Jul 1st 2009.

Barring extraordinarily strong reasons or evidence to the contrary, it is very difficult to overcome denial of discretionary visas like B, F and J.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

I am an amateur singer who

Submitted by summer (not verified) on Jun 21st 2009.

I am an amateur singer who has had an american label interested in carrying my cds (this is my first cd, and i've never been paid for my music before). They intend on having me appear on shows on radio and tv nationally, and to do press, both by doing interviews and performing. Would i qualify to do interviews and perform for national tv shows under a B1 visa, since i am still an "amateur" singer? Or am i NOT an amateur just because a major label is carrying my cd? If i am not an amateur, then what viOr am i NOT an amateur just because a major label is carrying my cd?

B-1 visa for amateur singer

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Jun 22nd 2009.

Summer, In my view, a B-1 would be appropriate because you are not engaging in any employment that would take a job away from a US worker and you are not getting paid for your appearances. Good luck!

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

B2

Submitted by George (not verified) on Jun 16th 2009.

I have a B2 visa until Jan 2012. I had an approved H1 visa last year while I am here in the USA.. But I have to get it from my homecountry , while my I-94 has expired already. As advised, I won't be able to come back since I overstayed my allowable I-94 duration. Being out-of-status already, what else can I do to make my stay here legalized? Can another employer like a school provide sponsorship?

B2 -- unlawful presence

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Jun 18th 2009.

Once you have accrued unlawful presence of over 180 days/one year, you become subject to 3/10 year bar from reentering USA. That is a very difficult position to be in. I suggest you speak with a lawyer about you situation. Read my blog for understanding more about unlawful presence.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

effective date on I-94 form

Submitted by James (not verified) on Jun 20th 2009.

My parents came to US in 2009 to visit me. The effective date on I-94 form allowed them to stay in US for 7 months. After they left US, customer collected the forms and left no evidences about the effective date approved by immigration officer at customer in SFO airport. Now, they were rejected for new visa application to come to US due to this problem. How should we work it out with visa officer for this problem?

Thanks,

James

Effective date on I-94 for a visitors visa

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Jun 22nd 2009.

The usual time is 6, not 7 months. That could be part of the problem. If CBP gave them more time than is usual, your parents must not be penalized for it. In my view, contacting your Congressmen would help you.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

B2 Visa

Submitted by Oliver Heydasch (not verified) on Jun 13th 2009.

Ladies & gentlemen,
I have a B1 B2 visa issued in 1992, valid "indefinitley", allowing me to stay in the Us for up to 6 months. Is this visa still valid today?

B2 Visa

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Jun 16th 2009.

I have never heard of a "indefinite" visa. You should call the local US consulate in your country before you travel.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

Spanish Citizen

Submitted by jossy (not verified) on Sep 12th 2009.

Iam a spanish citizen and my wife has one year resident and I want us to visit my brother that has a green card in the US. What do I do.

Spanish Citizen

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Sep 14th 2009.

I see no problem in traveling on a visa waiver (I think Spain qualifies) or getting a tourist visa.

Note: We practice US immigration law with sharp focus on employment/business immigration and complex immigration matters and related federal court litigation. I know a lot about my area of practice, but I do not know everything. Use common sense.

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