Business/Tourist Visa
On this page:
- Overview
- Qualifications
- Application Items
- How to Apply
- Supporting Documents
- Supporting Documents for Applicants Seeking Medical Care
- More Information
FAQ
Overview
The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is for people traveling to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). Generally, the B-1 visa is for travelers consulting with business associates, attending scientific, educational, professional or business conventions/conferences, settling an estate or negotiating contracts. The B-2 visa is for travel that is recreational in nature, including tourism, visits with friends or relatives, medical treatment and activities of a fraternal, social or service nature. Often, the B-1 and B-2 visas are combined and issued as one visa: the B-1/B-2.
Qualifications
If you apply for a B-1/B-2 visa, you must demonstrate to a consular officer that you qualify for a U.S. visa in accordance with the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Section 214(b) of the INA presumes that every B-1/B-2 applicant is an intending immigrant. You must overcome this legal presumption by showing:
- That the purpose of your trip to the United States is for a temporary visit, such as business, pleasure, or medical treatment
- That you plan to remain in the United States for a specific, limited period of time
- Evidence of funds to cover your expenses while in the United States
- That you have a residence outside the United States, as well as other binding social or economic ties, that will ensure your return abroad at the end of your visit
Personal or domestic employees and crew members working aboard vessels within the Outer Continental Shelf may qualify for B-1 visas under certain circumstances.
Some foreign nationals may be ineligible for visas according to The Immigration and Nationality Act. You can read more about The Immigration and Nationality Act and visa ineligibility here.
Application Items
If you apply for a business/tourist visa, you must submit the following:
- A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 web page for more information about the DS-160.
- A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
- One (1) 2"x2" (5cmx5cm) photograph taken within the last six months. This web page has information about the required photo format.
- A receipt showing payment of your US$160 non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee paid in local currency. This web page has more information about paying this fee. If a visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on your nationality. The Department of State's website can help you find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is.
In addition to these items, you must present an interview appointment letter confirming that you booked an appointment through this service. You may also bring whatever supporting documents you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.
How to Apply
Step 1
Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
Step 2
Pay the visa application fee.
Step 3
Schedule your appointment on this web page. You will need the following information in order to schedule your appointment:
- Your passport number
- The receipt number from your Visa Fee receipt. (Clickhereif you need help finding this number.)
- The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page
Step 4
Visit the U.S. Embassy on the date and time of your visa interview. You must bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, your DS-160 confirmation page, one photograph taken within the last six months and your current and all old passports. Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents are only one of many factors a consular officer will consider in your interview. Consular officers look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural and other factors during adjudication. Consular officers may look at your specific intentions, family situation, and your long-range plans and prospects within your country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.
Caution: Do not present false documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in permanent visa ineligibility. If confidentiality is of concern, the applicant should bring the documents to the U.S. Embassy in a sealed envelope. The U.S. Embassy will not make this information available to anyone and will respect the confidentiality of the information.
The following documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. Original documents are always preferred over photocopies and you must bring these documents with you to the interview. Do not fax, email or mail any supporting documents to the U.S. Embassy.
- Current proof of income, tax payments, property or business ownership, or assets.
- Your travel itinerary and/or other explanation about your planned trip.
- A letter from your employer detailing your position, salary, how long you have been employed, any authorized vacation, and the business purpose, if any, of your U.S. trip.
- Criminal/court records pertaining to any arrest or conviction anywhere, even if you completed your sentence or were later pardoned.
Based on your purpose of travel, additional requested documents may include:
Students
Bring your latest school results, transcripts and degrees/diplomas. Also bring evidence of financial support such as monthly bank statements, fixed deposit slips, or other evidence.
Working adults
Bring an employment letter from your employer and pay slips from the most recent three months.
Business Travelers and company directors
Bring evidence of your position in the company and remuneration.
Visiting a relative
Bring photocopies of your relative's proof of status (e.g. Green Card, naturalization certificate, valid visa, etc).
Previous visitors to the United States
If you were previously in the United States, any documents attesting to your immigration or visa status.
Supporting Documents for Applicants Seeking Medical Care
If you wish to travel to the United States for medical treatment, then you should be prepared to present the following documentation in addition to the documents listed above and those the consular officer may require:
- A medical diagnosis from a local physician explaining the nature of your ailment and the reason you require treatment in the United States.
- A letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States expressing a willingness to treat this specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors' fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
- A statement of financial responsibility from the individuals or organization paying for your transportation, medical and living expenses. The individuals guaranteeing payment of these expenses must provide proof of their ability to do so, often in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns.
Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)
In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first. This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.
The EVUS website is now open to the public for enrollments atwww.EVUS.gov. CBP will not collect a fee for EVUS enrollment at this time. CBP anticipates the eventual implementation of an EVUS enrollment fee, but does not have a time frame. Until the implementation of a fee, travelers can enroll in EVUS without charge. The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep visa holders informed of new information throughout the year. For further information, please visitwww.cbp.gov/EVUS.
More Information
For more information about business and tourist visas, visit the Department of State's website.
FAQs
How do I get a US business visa? ›
You must demonstrate the following in order to be eligible for a B-1 visa: The purpose of your trip is to enter the United States for business of a legitimate nature. You plan to remain for a specific limited period of time. You have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of the trip and your stay in the United States.
Is the US Embassy in Haiti open for business? ›The Embassy continues to provide services for U.S. citizens in Haiti. If you are a U.S. citizen seeking an appointment for U.S. passports, notarial services, or the Consular Report of Birth Abroad, you can schedule an appointment on our Online Appointment System.
Can I do business in USA on tourist visa? ›A foreign national traveling to the United States to conduct temporary business needs a visitor visa (B-1) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Examples of temporary business include: Attending business meetings or consultations.
How much is a U.S. visa from Haiti? ›The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190.
Is B1 B2 visa appointment open? ›The U.S. Mission to India resumed processing of routine in-person B1/B2 visas appointments starting in September 2022. Appointments for 2022 and 2023 filled quickly but we continue to open appointments as capacity allows. Please note, these appointments are not placeholder appointments.
What is the fastest way to get an American business visa? ›- Online application with the form DS – 160: 1 to 3 days.
- Payment of the fee: 1 day.
- Scheduling the appointment for the interview: 1 to 2 weeks.
- Attending the Visa interview: 1 or 2 days.
If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa? No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.
How long does it take to get a US business visa? ›Duration of Stay and Processing Time for a B-1 Visa
In general, B-1 visa processing time is about three months (90 days) for USCIS to process work permit applications but has been taking longer recently-often 4.5-5 months (135-150 days) to process.
To schedule an appointment please contact us via telephone at 509-2229-8000 Monday to Friday between 1:00PM to 3:00PM or by email via acspap@state.gov .
Is the U.S. Embassy closed in Haiti? ›...
U.S. Embassy Dates of Closure.
| Month | March 1 |
|---|---|
| Day | Tuesday |
| Holiday | Carnival |
| Haitian/U.S. | Haiti |
How do I schedule a visa appointment in Haiti? ›
To request an expedited appointment, visit the U.S. Visa Information Service for Haiti website and follow the instructions to create an online profile, complete the online visa application and pay the visa processing fee. Once you have paid the fee, go back to the U.S. Visa Information Service for Haiti website.
What is the difference between business visa and tourist visa? ›A tourist visa is issued for the purpose of visiting a country for leisure or sightseeing activities. They allow the visa holder to stay in the country for a limited period. Business visas on the other hand are issued to help travelers engage in business related activities.
Can a tourist buy a business in USA? ›As a foreigner, you can take over ownership of such a business without any special visa. However, simply owning a U.S. business does not entitle you to work in or live in the country. If you want to work for your business, you will need to obtain a separate visa.
Can I come to USA to start a business? ›A foreigner (whether living abroad or those who are non-citizens residing in the US) can start a business of any kind: a sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), S-Corporation, or C-Corporation. However, working for the business and gaining wages will require documentation.
Is the US issuing visas right now? ›Oct 3, 2022
As restrictions start to ease, most U.S. embassies and consulates have resumed certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments.
Overview. If you want to work in the United States, temporarily as a nonimmigrant, under U.S. immigration law, you need a specific visa based on the type of work you will be doing.
How long does it take to get a visa in Haiti? ›Although visa processing time is typically three working days, processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements.
How do I schedule a B1 B2 visa interview? ›- Step 1: Complete the DS-160 form online! ( ...
- Step 2 - Find the embassy nearest to you! ...
- Step 3 - Pay the non-refundable application fee. ...
- Step 4 - Schedule your visa appointment! ...
- Step 5 - Attend Your Visa Interview. ...
- Step 6 - Pick up your passport with visa.
The B1 B2 visa renewal without interview is possible though iVisa. Apply with us here.
Are B2 visa slots open? ›The U.S. Mission to India also resumed processing of routine in-person B1/B2 visas appointments starting in September 2022.
What are the documents required for US business visa? ›
- The paper that confirms your meeting.
- The application fee receipt.
- A letter in which you describe the purpose of your trip to the US.
- Proof of sustenance once in the US.
- Evidence that you have strong ties in your country of origin (family, job, etc.)
- Criminal record.
Visa Validity
Usually B-1 (business visitor) visas are granted for a period of 10 years (depending on nationality) and allow a maximum residence status in the United States of up to 180 days per entry (several times consecutively or at a time).
Where a standard B1 visa may restrict where the holder can travel based on the approved business purposes, a B1/B2 visa will allow the holder to travel anywhere within the United States during their approved stay in the country.
How many months bank statement is required for US visa? ›You are required to show at least 3-9 months of bank statements to get hold of a US student visa.
Do visa officers check bank statements? ›Get your bank statements attested
Select countries require applicants to submit their bank statements, duly attested. While it is common to submit bank statements, and most travellers are aware of this step, not having these bank statements attested is a common error.
Unfortunately, no, you can't petition for a foreign national's visa or green card if they aren't a family member. But there is still a way you can help. You can sponsor your friend's immigration petition financially.
Is invitation letter required for US business visa? ›One of the required documents that you need at the interview is an invitation letter. The document must include the letterhead of the company that makes the invitation.
How long can you stay in the US with a B1 B2 visa? ›B1 and B2 visa holders are allowed to stay in the US for up to 6 months at a time. Each visa application will be assessed on its own merit, and the adjudicating officer may grant a stay of less than 6 months – this is the maximum period for an initial stay under the B classification.
How many times can you enter the US on a B1 B2 visa? ›Is There a Maximum Number of Trips You Can Make on a B Visa? If you have a B1/B2 visa, you can visit the United States whenever you want to – as long as your passport is valid. The B visa is a multiple entry visa, which means you can use it to enter the United States more than once.
How long does it take to book an appointment for U.S. visa? ›How long does it take to get an appointment? Although NVC strives to schedule appointments within three months of NVC's acceptance of all requested documentation, this timeframe is subject to the operating status and capacity of the consular section.
Which country Haitian can go without a visa? ›
- Benin.
- Gambia.
- Indonesia.
- Israel.
- South Korea.
- Micronesia.
- Philippines.
- Samoa.
In all cases: You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.
Does the United States have an Embassy in Haiti? ›The large Haitian diaspora in the United States is a potentially powerful ally in the effort to expand business opportunities and build on the many links that unite Haitians and Americans. Today, the US embassy is in Port-au-Prince.
Does Haiti have an American Embassy? ›The U.S. Embassy to Haiti houses all U.S. government agencies and is currently located in Tabarre, a suburb just outside of Port-au-Prince.
Who is the current U.S. ambassador to Haiti? ›Ambassador Eric Stromayer assumed responsibility as the Deputy Chief of Mission at Embassy Port-au-Prince on July 3rd, 2022 and serves as the Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, Ambassador Stromayer most recently served as the U.S. Ambassador to the ...
Can a U.S. citizen apply for a visa for someone else? ›While you can't petition for a friend's immigrant visa or Green Card (only family members can do that), you can financially sponsor a friend's immigration petition with Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
How can I get early appointment for U.S. visa? ›Applying for an Expedited Appointment
Pay the visa application fee. Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. If the Embassy approves your request then you will receive an email alerting you to schedule your expedited appointment online.
Yes, Indians will have to wait until 2024 to successfully book a visitor visa appointment. With the easing of COVID restrictions and resumption of regular international flights, many Indians are gearing up to travel abroad.
How do I apply for a business visa? ›- BUSINESS VISA.
- LIST OF DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR A BUSINESS VISA.
- 1 Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months and having at least 3 blank visa pages.
- 2 A photocopy of the data page of the passport.
- 3 Two passport size photographs (2X2 inch).
- 4 An Indian Government visa application form duly filled in online.
Government authorities issue business visas to travelers who intend to conduct permissible business activities and attend meetings that do not constitute labor or employment in a specific country. Common activities performed on a business visa include: Attending meetings. Attending business events/conferences.
Can I use US business visa for tourism? ›
What is a B1/B2 visa? The B1 visa and B2 visa are temporary, non-immigrant visas that allow the holder to travel to the United States for either business or tourism purposes.
Can I start a business without a work permit in USA? ›One of the questions I get asked all the time is: Can I start a business in the USA and work for that business? The short answer is: Yes, you can start a business in the USA. But, if you want to work for that business, you will need to have work authorization.
How do you open a business in the US as a foreigner? ›- Step 1: Register Your LLC. To start the process you need to work with what is known as a “Registered Agent”. ...
- Step 2: Get a Physical Business Address. ...
- Step 3: Apply for an EIN. ...
- Step 4: Get a Bank Account. ...
- Step 5: Get a Payment Processor. ...
- Step 6: Set up a Bookkeeping System.
- Choose a unique name for your LLC or C Corp.
- Hire a registered agent service.
- File for incorporation with the state.
- Get an employer identification number (EIN)
- Obtain a physical U.S. mailing address.
- Set up a U.S. bank account.
- Online application with the form DS – 160: 1 to 3 days.
- Payment of the fee: 1 day.
- Scheduling the appointment for the interview: 1 to 2 weeks.
- Attending the Visa interview: 1 or 2 days.
Visa Types and Application Fee Amounts
The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190.
Duration of Stay and Processing Time for a B-1 Visa
In general, B-1 visa processing time is about three months (90 days) for USCIS to process work permit applications but has been taking longer recently-often 4.5-5 months (135-150 days) to process.
Oct 3, 2022
As restrictions start to ease, most U.S. embassies and consulates have resumed certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments.
To schedule an appointment please contact us via telephone at 509-2229-8000 Monday to Friday between 1:00PM to 3:00PM or by email via acspap@state.gov .
How do I schedule a U.S. visa appointment? ›- Step 1: Complete the DS-160 form online! ( ...
- Step 2 - Find the embassy nearest to you! ...
- Step 3 - Pay the non-refundable application fee. ...
- Step 4 - Schedule your visa appointment! ...
- Step 5 - Attend Your Visa Interview. ...
- Step 6 - Pick up your passport with visa.
Is Haiti eligible for h2b visa? ›
Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Labor, announced a record allocation of 20,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for citizens of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Haiti – as part of almost 65,000 supplemental H-2B visas made available for fiscal ...
How much bank balance is required for US tourist visa? ›The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank.
How do I apply for US visa 2022? ›- Pay the visa application fee.
- Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
- Schedule your appointment on this web page. You will need three pieces of information in order to schedule your appointment: ...
- Visit the U.S. Embassy/Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview.
This visa issuance count is higher than in any other country in the world. B1/B2 Visa Appointments: US Consulates have started processing regular B1/B2 appointments starting in September 2022.
How long does it take to get a U.S. visa from Haiti? ›If more information is needed
The letter will include instructions on how to send those documents to the Embassy. Administrative processing takes additional time after the interview. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days.
...
U.S. Embassy Dates of Closure.
| Month | March 1 |
|---|---|
| Day | Tuesday |
| Holiday | Carnival |
| Haitian/U.S. | Haiti |
- Benin.
- Gambia.
- Indonesia.
- Israel.
- South Korea.
- Micronesia.
- Philippines.
- Samoa.
Visa processing takes approximately 21 workdays from the date on which the application is received by the Embassy. A further 2-3 workdays should be allowed for the return of your passport.
What is the best time to book U.S. visa appointment? ›For nonimmigrant visa applicants in India, it is advised that they make a booking three months in advance of their intended travel date.
How long does it take to get a U.S. visa interview appointment? ›On average, waiting times for an appointment are around two to three weeks – under normal conditions.
How much is a H-2B visa cost? ›
How much does it cost to apply for the H-2B Visa? The current processing fee for an H-2B Visa (only for the petition) is USD460, but this does not include other expenses like the visa application fee, which is USD190 and also travel costs, which can be USD450 or more.
Can Haitians work in the US? ›The Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday that it was reinstating Haiti in the H-2A and H-2B guest worker visa programs for the coming year, which allows farmers, hotel workers and other laborers to apply for temporary work in the U.S. Haiti is among six new countries whose nationals are now eligible.
What is the difference between H-2A and H-2B? ›Overview. H-2A visas can be issued to seasonal agricultural workers to fill temporary agricultural jobs for which U.S. workers are not available. H-2B visas are issued to unskilled workers to perform a job which is temporary or seasonal in nature and for which there is a shortage of U.S. workers.