B-1/B-2
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
Short-stay visa for tourism, visiting family, or certain business activities in the United States.
Who usually needs a B-1/B-2
Travellers who are not using the Visa Waiver Program (or who are ineligible for it) typically research a B-1/B-2 for tourism, family visits, or limited business such as meetings and conferences. It is not designed for full-time study or U.S. employment. If your real plan is school or work, start with those classifications instead.
Process narrative
Most applicants complete Form DS-160 online, pay the MRV fee, schedule an interview through the official consulate/embassy system for their residence country, and attend with a passport and supporting evidence. Officers look for a credible temporary purpose and ties that support departure. Reciprocity fees can apply by nationality after approval — check travel.state.gov.
Document strategy and interview notes
Carry a clear itinerary and evidence of funds or sponsorship that matches your story. Employment, property, or family ties at home should be easy to explain in plain language. Do not over-script answers that contradict the DS-160. Photos must meet U.S. specs. Appointment wait times vary widely by post — check official wait-time tools before buying non-refundable travel.
Fees, stay, and official next step
Budget the MRV fee plus any reciprocity charge published for your nationality. A visa foil does not guarantee the length of stay; CBP sets admission at the border. Apply and verify only through official State Department channels linked below.
Practical research path
Read this B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2) starter for orientation, then open the official apply or information URL linked from the page. Confirm whether your nationality, purpose, and travel dates still match the product family — visit routes are easy to confuse with neighbouring permits that share marketing language. Use Entryora tools only as a second pass after you know which government page owns the live rules.
- Copy the official product name into your notes before you compare blogs.
- Re-check fees, biometrics, and appointment systems on the authority site.
- Do not treat this starter as a prediction of approval or boarding.
Eligibility snapshot
- Travel for tourism, family visit, or limited business
- Intent to leave the United States after the stay
- Ties to home country such as work, family, or funds
Documents
- Valid passport
- DS-160 confirmation
- Photo meeting U.S. specs
- Interview appointment confirmation
Fees, stay, and work
| Fees | 185 USD — MRV fee; reciprocity may apply by nationality. Verify on travel.state.gov. |
|---|---|
| Timeline | Interview wait times vary by embassy. Check official wait times. |
| Stay | Admission period is set at the port of entry and is not guaranteed. |
| Work rights | No U.S. employment. |
| Path to PR | Not a permanent residence route on its own. |
Apply on the official site Document checklist Back to United States