Visitor Visa

B-1 and B-2 Visa Lawyer

B-1 and B-2 are non-immigrant visitor visas that are essential for those seeking to enter the United States for business, tourism, or a combination of both. This visa category is for brief visits to the U.S.

What is a B-1 Visa?

The B-1 visa, also known as the Business Visitor visa, is designed for individuals who wish to enter the United States for short-term business activities. This could include attending business meetings, consulting with business associates, negotiating contracts, or participating in professional conferences or conventions. The B-1 visa holder is not permitted to engage in any form of paid employment or income-generating activities during their stay.

What is a B-2 Visa?

The B-2 visa, also referred to as the Tourist visa, is intended for individuals who wish to visit the United States for tourism, pleasure, or medical treatment. This includes activities such as sightseeing, visiting family or friends, or seeking medical care. B-2 visa holders are not allowed to engage in any form of paid employment or study during their stay.

How Long Can You Stay in the USA on a B-1 or B-2 Visa?

The typical period of stay for both B-1 and B-2 visas is up to 6 months. However, the actual duration of the visa is determined by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon entry into the United States. It is important to note that the B-1 and B-2 visas are not intended for long-term stays, and individuals who wish to stay in the country for an extended period should consider alternative visa options.

What is the Difference Between a B-1 and B-2 Visa?

The primary difference between the B-1 and B-2 visas lies in the purpose of the visit. The B-1 visa is specifically for business-related activities, while the B-2 visa is for tourism, pleasure, or medical treatment. Additionally, B-1 visa holders are not permitted to engage in any form of paid employment, while B-2 visa holders are not allowed to study or participate in any income-generating activities.

B-1 or B-2 Visa Government Filing Fee

The current government filing fee for a B-1 or B-2 visa is $185 USD (subject to increase from time to time). This fee is payable at the time of the visa application and is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.

B-1 or B-2 Visa Application Process

The B-1 or B-2 visa application process typically involves the following steps:

1. Complete and submit the online visa application (DS-160)
2. Pay the visa application fee
3. Schedule a visa interview appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate
4. Attend the visa interview and provide the required documents
5. Wait for the visa decision, which can take several weeks or months, depending on the applicant's nationality and the consular workload

Contact Our Raleigh Immigration Lawyer for Help with Your B-1 or B-2 Visa

Navigating the complexities of the B-1 and B-2 visas can be a stressful and confusing journey, but with the right guidance and understanding of the requirements, the application process can be streamlined. Our Raleigh immigration lawyer is committed to helping individuals navigate the visa landscape to help them reach their goals. If you have any questions or need assistance with a B-1 or B-2 visa application, please don't hesitate to contact our Raleigh immigration attorney at Tien Law Firm.

Call (888) 920-8180 or connect with us via our online contact form. We serve North Carolina and California, primarily in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Alameda County, and Santa Clara County.

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B Visa Requirements

To be eligible for a B-1 or B-2 visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Demonstrate a clear and compelling reason for the visit, such as business activities or tourism
Provide evidence of strong ties to their home country, such as employment, family, or property
Prove they have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of their trip
Agree to not engage in any paid employment or income-generating activities during their stay
Provide a valid passport with a validity period of at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay

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Prohibited Activities Under a B Visa

Individuals traveling under a B visa are not allowed to engage in the following activities:

Paid employment or any income-generating activities
Enrolling in a course of study
Permanent residence in the United States

How Many Times Can You Visit the U.S. with a B-1 or B-2 Visa?

Both the B-1 and B-2 visas are multiple-entry visas, meaning that the holder can enter the United States multiple times during the validity period of the visa.

Changing Status from B-1 to B-2 Visa

In some cases, individuals may need to change their visa status from a B-1 or B-2 to a different status. The approval of such a request is subject to eligibility and approval by USCIS.

Required Documents for B-1 or B-2 Visa Application

The required documents for a B-1 or B-2 visa application may vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the specific consular requirements. However, the typical documents include:
A valid passport
A completed visa application form (DS-160)
A passport-style photograph
Proof of strong ties to the home country (e.g., employment, family, property)
Proof of sufficient funds to cover the trip expenses
Any additional documents requested by the consular officer

Renewing a B-1 or B-2 Visa

Individuals who wish to renew their B-1 or B-2 visa must follow the same application process as a new applicant. This includes completing the DS-160 application, paying the visa fee, and attending a visa interview. It is important to note that there is no guarantee that a visa will be renewed, and the decision is at the discretion of the consular officer.

Can You Work in the U.S. on a B-1 or B-2 Visa?

No, individuals traveling on a B-1 or B-2 visa are not permitted to engage in any form of paid employment or income-generating activities in the United States. The B-1 and B-2 visas are strictly for business or tourism purposes, and any violation of this rule may result in legal consequences.

Income Requirements for B Visa Approval

There is no specific income requirement for the approval of a B-1 or B-2 visa. However, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of their trip, including accommodation, transportation, and other necessary costs. This can be done by providing bank statements, proof of employment, or other financial documents.

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