B Visas are for visiting the U.S.  These are usually the easiest of the temporary visas to get, although they are for the shortest duration.

B-1 Business and B-2 Tourist visas

B-1 and B-2 visas were once issued for 6 months or more, with actual stay determined at the time of entry into the U.S. by issuance of an I-94.  Regulations imposed since 9/11 mandate that the length of stay be related to the specific purpose of your visit.  For example, if you are entering to attend a trade show or visit a friend – you might be allowed only one week or two weeks to stay for that purpose.  A default period of thirty days can reasonably be expected.  Extension periods, which also used to be granted with little difficulty, are now only granted in cases of extreme hardship or extraordinary circumstances, and again, only for the minimum time needed.

How do I apply for a B visa?

Application for a B visa may be made by submission of a Form DS-156 to the U.S. Consular office where you live.  The consular officer may require additional documents to verify the purpose of your visit.  The visa may be issued on the same day that you apply in the form of a stamp in your passport.

Who qualifies for a B visa? 

B-1 visas allow visits to the U.S. for business purposes.  Eligible activities include such things as negotiating contracts; performing commercial transactions; independent research; litigation; consulting with business associates; and participating in conventions, conferences or seminars.

A B-2 visa may be issued to visit the U.S. for pleasure.  “Pleasure” is defined as recreational activities such as tourism, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment, amusement, and activities of social, service or fraternal nature. This visa may be obtained by submitting Form DS-156 to the U.S. Consular Office nearest you.   The consular officer may require additional documents to verify the purpose for your visit.  The visa may be issued on the same day you apply in the form of a stamp in your passport.

What are the requirements for a B visa? 

There are three main requirements: 

• The visit must be temporary and for either business or pleasure only.
• You must have a foreign residence that you intend to maintain, and;
• You might not be employed while in the U.S.

TIP: It is very important you truthfully disclose the purpose of your visit. Any deviation from that purpose might be grounds to prevent you from remaining, returning, or obtaining a different type of visa later.  A basic requirement for most temporary, or non-immigrant, visas, is that you intend to return to your home country.  Doing anything in the U.S. that is inconsistent with this intent, such as working or applying for a permanent visa could ruin your future chances of getting a visa.  Be careful.  If something comes up while you are visiting, let’s say you decide to get married or attend school, you should not attempt to change status without returning to your home country as that could be deemed to be inconsistent with your stated intent upon entry.  You will probably have to return home and re-apply then for a different type of visa.

Can my family travel on a B visa? 

Yes.  A spouse or children may accompany you, however, each will require his or her own visa.

  

Can B visa holders be employed? 

No U.S. employment is permitted under this visa classification for either the primary visa holder or dependents.  “Employment” means earning compensation or pay from any U.S. person or entity in exchange for work.  It does not mean that one cannot conduct the business for which the visit is intended which might yield a profit or future compensation.  For example, you can buy, sell, negotiate contracts, engage in litigation, attend trade shows, conferences or seminar, etc., but you cannot take a job of any kind for pay.

How long is the B visa valid? 

The visa may be issued for 30 days to six-months depending on the specific purpose of your visit. Under very limited conditions, the visa may be renewed for a period of time depending, again, on the reason and the purpose.

Who might qualify for this visa? 

The B visa classification typically applies to the following: 

• Short term visitors for recreational activities such as tourism, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment, amusement, and activities of social, service or fraternal nature;
  
• Business people comming to the U.S. to transact business, attend a trade show, negotiate contracts, consider prospective offerings or litigate claims;
  
• Amateur athletes and entertainers to perform in a social or charitable context or compete in a talent show, contest or athletic event without compensation except for incidental expenses;
  
• Aliens coming to the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien, provided they intend to return after the marriage ceremony;
  
• Aliens whose purpose in entering is to marry an alien in valid nonimmigrant (F, H, J, L, M) status if they have a residence abroad to which they intend to return;
  
• Nonimmigrant accompanying a U.S. spouse or parent on a temporary visit;
  
• Under emergency circumstances, temporary entry for lawful permanent residence who lack appropriate documentation;
  
• Aliens and their dependents who enter to apply for special naturalization benefits on the basis of U.S. military service;
  
• Attendance at a short course of study when incidental to a clearly proper visit.