Posted October 18th, 2025

B1/B2 Visa Eligibility Requirements (2025)

This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current U.S. Department of State visa policy. You can confirm eligibility requirements through Our U.S. Visa Guidance.

To qualify for a U.S. B1/B2 visa in 2025, applicants must demonstrate that they intend to visit the United States temporarily for business or tourism and that they have no intention of staying permanently. The eligibility requirements are designed to ensure compliance with Section 101(a)(15)(B) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Applicants must provide truthful, consistent, and verifiable information throughout their application and interview process.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a B1/B2 visa, you must demonstrate that:

You are travelling to the U.S. for a legitimate business or tourism purpose, such as attending meetings, visiting family, or sightseeing.
You intend to remain in the U.S. for a limited, defined period (typically under six months).
You have sufficient financial means to cover your expenses while in the U.S. without working.
You have strong ties to your home country — such as family, employment, or property — ensuring your return after your visit.
You do not intend to seek employment or permanent residence in the U.S.
You have no criminal or immigration violations that would render you inadmissible under U.S. law.

Who Can Apply for a B1/B2 Visa

You may apply for a B1/B2 visa if you are:

A visitor travelling for tourism, vacation, or family visits.
A business traveller attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
Someone seeking medical treatment in the United States.
Participating in short-term, unpaid training or workshops.
Combining business and leisure travel during a single trip.

Who Cannot Apply for a B1/B2 Visa

You are not eligible for a B1/B2 visa if you:

Plan to work or receive payment from a U.S. source.
Intend to study long-term or enrol in an academic programme.
Have previously overstayed or violated U.S. visa conditions.
Hold dual intent for both temporary travel and immigration purposes.
Have unresolved immigration or security issues from past U.S. visits.

Documents to Prove Eligibility

Supporting documents play a key role in demonstrating eligibility. You should prepare:

A valid passport (with at least six months’ validity beyond your intended stay).
Completed DS-160 application form.
Proof of employment or business ownership in your home country.
Recent bank statements showing sufficient funds for your trip.
Travel itinerary, invitation letters (if applicable), or proof of hotel bookings.

See our B1/B2 Documents Checklist (2025) for more details.

Financial Requirements

You must demonstrate that you can fund your entire stay without working in the U.S. Typical evidence includes:

Bank statements covering the last three to six months.
Proof of salary or income from employment.
Evidence of property, assets, or financial sponsorship.

See our guide to B1/B2 Visa Proof of Funds (2025) for examples.

Common Reasons for Ineligibility

Common reasons applications are refused under Section 214(b) include:

Insufficient ties to the applicant’s home country.
Lack of financial proof to support the trip.
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation.
Previous immigration violations or visa overstays.

If refused, see U.S. Visa Refusals (2025) for next steps.

Related Guidance

About This Page

Author: Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor.
Last Updated: November 2025.