To qualify for a U.S. B-1/B-2 visa in 2026, applicants must demonstrate that they intend to visit the United States temporarily for business, tourism, or a combination of both purposes, and that they do not intend to stay 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. temporarily for a permitted B-1 business purpose, B-2 tourism purpose, medical treatment, or a combination of permitted B-1/B-2 purposes.
- You intend to remain in the U.S. for a limited, defined period. The period of admission is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when you enter the United States.
- You have sufficient financial means to cover your expenses while in the U.S. without working.
- You have a residence outside the United States and other ties that help show you intend to leave the U.S. at the end of your temporary stay.
- 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 permitted short-term business or professional activities, where allowed under the B-1/B-2 visitor rules and where you will not undertake unauthorised employment in the United States.
- 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 in the United States or receive payment from a U.S. source, unless the activity and payment are specifically permitted under the visitor rules.
- Intend to study for credit, pursue long-term study, or enrol in an academic programme that requires a student visa.
- 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 may help demonstrate eligibility, but consular officers decide each application based on the DS-160, interview and the applicant’s circumstances. You should prepare documents relevant to your purpose of travel, finances and ties outside the United States, including:
- A valid passport (with at least six months’ validity beyond your intended stay).
- DS-160 confirmation page.
- Proof of employment or business ownership in your home country.
- Recent bank statements showing sufficient funds for your trip.
- Travel itinerary or information about your planned visit, and invitation letters if applicable. Do not make final travel bookings until your visa has been issued.
See our B1/B2 Documents Checklist (2026) for more details.
Financial Requirements
You must demonstrate that you can fund your entire stay without working in the U.S. Typical evidence includes:
- Recent financial evidence relevant to your circumstances, such as bank statements, proof of income, employment evidence, assets or sponsor support.
- Proof of salary or income from employment.
- Evidence of property, assets, or financial sponsorship.
See our guide to B1/B2 Visa Proof of Funds (2026) 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 (2026) for next steps.
Related Guidance
- How to Submit a U.S. Visa Application (2026)
- B1/B2 Visa Documents Checklist (2026)
- B1 B2 Visa Proof of Funds (2026)
- U.S. Visa Decisions (2026)
People Also Asked
Who is eligible for a U.S. B-1/B-2 visa?
Anyone intending to visit the U.S. temporarily for permitted business, tourism, medical treatment, or a combination of permitted visitor purposes may apply. Applicants must show they qualify for a visitor visa and intend to leave the United States at the end of their temporary stay.
Can I work in the U.S. with a B-1/B-2 visa?
No. You cannot take employment in the United States or perform unauthorised work for a U.S. employer while on a B-1/B-2 visa.
How long can I stay in the U.S. with a B-1/B-2 visa?
The period of admission is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when you enter the United States and is shown on your Form I-94 arrival record.
Do I need an invitation letter for a B1/B2 visa?
Not always, but an invitation can support your case if visiting family, attending a conference, or conducting business.
Can I apply again if my B1/B2 visa is refused?
Yes. You may reapply at any time once you have addressed the reason for your previous refusal.
About This Page
Author: Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor.
Last Updated: 5 January 2026.