VISA GUIDE
B1/B2
The visa for short-term US visits — tourism, family, or business
The B1/B2 visa covers short visits to the US for tourism, visiting family, or business activities like meetings and conferences. It's not a work visa — you can't take a job or study long-term on it.
B1/B2 is a temporary, non-work visa, often issued for 10 years with multiple entries, but each individual stay is limited by what the border officer grants — usually up to 6 months. Most questions center on how long you can stay, what you can and can't do, and how it compares to ESTA.
ELIGIBILITY
WHO THIS VISA IS FOR
A genuine, temporary purpose for the visit (tourism, family, business meetings)
Intent to return home afterward (strong ties to your home country)
Sufficient funds to cover the trip
THE PROCESS
STEP BY STEP TIMELINE
Complete the DS-160
Same online application form used across nonimmigrant visa categories.
Pay the MRV visa fee and schedule an interview
Wait times vary significantly by consulate.
Attend the interview
Bring financial proof, ties to home country, and trip details.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
DOCUMENTS
Passport
DS-160 confirmation
Photo meeting US visa specs
Financial proof
Optional: invitation letter, itinerary
Interview wait times vary widely by location; visas are commonly issued for 10 years with multiple entries once approved.
FAQ
QUESTIONS PEOPLE ACTUALLY ASK
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