B-1 and B-2 Visas: Business and Tourism Visitors
B Visas are available for nonimmigrant entry for those wishing to visit the United States temporarily for Business or Tourism.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a B-1 Visa, you must prove the following:
- Your trip’s purpose is to enter the U.S. for legitimate, legal business
- Your period of stay is limited
- You have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of your stay in the U.S.
- Your main residence is outside of the U.S. and you do not intend on abandoning it
- You are deemed admissible into the U.S.
To be eligible for a B-2 Visa, you must prove one of the following:
- Your purpose for entry is a vacation or holiday as a tourist
- You are visiting family or friends
- You are entering for a medical treatment
- Participating in a social event or short-term enrollment of recreational course
Application
To apply for a B visa, you should begin by completing online nonimmigrant visa Form DS-160. A photo is also required to be uploaded with your form. Once your form and photo have been approved, you will schedule an interview. Interviews are generally only required for applicants between the ages of 14-79.
The following documentation is required for an application interview:
- Passport
- Nonimmigrant visa application (Form DS-160)
- Application fee ($160)
- Photo
Family of B Visa holders including spouses and children must apply for their own B visa.
Period of Stay
The typical allotment of time a person is granted with a B visa is 1 to 6 months, with 6 months being the maximum. If you wish to stay beyond 6 months, complete Form I-539, application to extend nonimmigrant stay.
Contact an Immigration Attorney Today
At Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C., we provide individuals and families with the legal representation they need during the process of obtaining nonimmigrant visas. With over seven decades of combined experience in US Immigration law, we’re here to guide you through the process of obtaining a B visa for your business or tourism needs. Contact our immigration law office in Chicago, IL, at 312.444.1940.
