How long can I stay on a B-1/B-2?

The officer at the port of entry decides your admission period, typically up to six months. You may apply to extend your stay if you have a valid reason, but you should not assume an extension will be granted. Overstaying can affect future travel.

Can I work on a visitor visa?

No. The B-1/B-2 does not authorize employment. The B-1 permits certain business activities like attending meetings, but not productive work for a U.S. employer. If you need to work, we look at a work-authorized category such as TN, H-1B, or O-1.

Why are visitor visas refused?

The most common reason is that the applicant has not convinced the officer of nonimmigrant intent — that they will return home. Weak ties to the home country, an unclear purpose, or prior immigration issues can lead to a refusal. We help you present a strong, well-documented case.

Can I change to another status after entering?

In some cases a visitor may apply to change to another nonimmigrant status, but doing so too soon after entry can suggest you misrepresented your purpose. If you anticipate needing a different status, it is usually better to apply for the right visa from the start. We advise on the safest approach.

B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

What Is the B-1/B-2 Visa?

The B-1/B-2 is the most common nonimmigrant visitor visa to the United States. It is usually issued as a combined B-1/B-2 stamp that covers both purposes: the B-1 for temporary business and the B-2 for tourism and personal visits. It does not authorize employment or a long-term stay.

B-1 activities include attending meetings, conferences, or trade shows, negotiating contracts, and consulting with business associates. B-2 activities include tourism, visiting family or friends, and obtaining medical treatment. Many travelers use the visa for a mix of both during a single trip.

What the B-1/B-2 Allows

Temporary business activities such as meetings and conferences (B-1).
Tourism, sightseeing, and visiting family or friends (B-2).
Medical treatment at a U.S. facility (B-2).
Admission typically for up to six months per visit.
The possibility of an extension of stay where justified.
Multiple entries over the validity period of the visa.

B-1/B-2 Eligibility

Visitor visas turn on the purpose of the trip and your intent to return home.

Temporary Purpose
Your trip is for a temporary business or personal purpose that fits the B-1 or B-2 category and has a defined end.
Nonimmigrant Intent
You intend to depart the United States at the end of your authorized stay and have not formed an intent to immigrate.
Ties to Home Country
You can show binding ties — employment, family, property, or studies — that give you a reason to return home.
Sufficient Funds
You have the means to cover the cost of your trip without unauthorized work in the United States.
Admissibility
You are admissible to the United States, or eligible for a waiver of any ground of inadmissibility that applies.

The B-1/B-2 Process

Most B-1/B-2 visas are obtained through a U.S. consulate abroad.

Step 01

Purpose & Documentation

We confirm your trip qualifies and assemble documentation of its purpose and your ties to your home country.

Step 02

Form DS-160 & Scheduling

We help complete the online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160), pay the fee, and schedule the consular interview.

Step 03

Consular Interview

You attend an interview at the U.S. consulate. We prepare you to present the purpose of your trip clearly and credibly.

Step 04

Travel & Admission

Once issued, you travel to a U.S. port of entry, where an officer admits you for a specific period. We advise on extensions if needed.

Common Supporting Documents

The exact set varies by consulate, but most B-1/B-2 applications include the following.

Core Documents

Valid passport
DS-160 confirmation
Visa fee receipt
Photograph meeting the specifications

Supporting Evidence

Invitation letter or itinerary
Proof of employment and ties to home country
Bank statements or proof of funds
Conference, business, or medical documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

The B-1 is for temporary business activities such as meetings, conferences, and contract negotiations, while the B-2 is for tourism, visiting family, and medical treatment. Most travelers receive a combined B-1/B-2 visa that allows both purposes.