Important information
A visa allows you to travel to a US port of entry, but it does not guarantee admission — entry is decided by a Customs and Border Protection officer on arrival.
US Visitor Visa (B-1 / B-2) requirements
- Your visit is temporary, for business, tourism or medical reasons
- You intend to return home after your stay
- You can support yourself financially during the visit
- You have strong family, social or economic ties to your home country
- You do not intend to seek employment or immigration in the US
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What is a US Visitor Visa (B-1 / B-2)?
The B-1/B-2 combines two categories. B-1 (business) covers legitimate business activities such as meetings, conferences, trade events, contract negotiations and consulting — without hands-on work, employment or a US salary. B-2 (tourism) covers holidays, visiting family, cultural events, private medical treatment and short recreational courses.
Who is eligible?
- Tourists and people visiting family or friends
- Business travellers attending meetings, conferences or negotiations
- People coming for private medical treatment
What you can do with a US Visitor Visa (B-1 / B-2)
- Business (B-1)Attend meetings and conferences, negotiate contracts, and discuss purchases or investments — without paid work.
- Tourism (B-2)Holidays, sightseeing, visiting relatives, cultural events and amateur (unpaid) participation in music, sport or contests.
- Medical treatmentReceive private medical care in the US.
Processing time
How long a decision usually takes.
Successful applications are typically processed within about 3–5 working days, plus 2–3 working days for courier return. Interview appointment wait times vary widely by location, from around a month to much longer.
Visa length
How long you can stay on this visa.
Documents required
- Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
- Completed DS-160 form and confirmation page
- Visa appointment confirmation
- A recent US visa-compliant photograph
- Proof of sufficient funds and ties to your home country
People also asked
Can I apply for B-1 and B-2 together?
Yes — the combined B-1/B-2 visitor visa covers both business and tourism, so you don’t apply separately.
Does a B-1/B-2 visa guarantee entry to the US?
No. A visa only allows you to travel to the US; entry is decided by border officers on arrival.
How long can I stay?
Usually up to 6 months per visit, extendable in 6-month increments, within the visa’s overall validity (up to 10 years).
Can I work on a B-1/B-2 visa?
No. Paid work or employment is not permitted; only limited business activities such as meetings, conferences and negotiations.
What if my application is refused?
You can reapply, usually after addressing the reason for refusal (often missing or incorrect information).
Do I still need a visa if I qualify for ESTA?
For short tourism/business trips from Visa Waiver countries an ESTA is usually enough; a B-2 is needed for longer stays or from non-waiver countries.
Official sources