
U.S. Visitor Visas are divided into two categories: The B-1 Business Visa and the B-2 Visitor Visa. Each of them has different purposes, but keep in mind that you can now apply for both at the same time (B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa). In this article, we will detail the most important facts about the B-1 Business Visa. Apply now
Who qualifies for a B1 visa?
B-1 Temporary Business Visitor. You may be eligible for a B-1 visa if you will be participating in business activities of a commercial or professional nature in the United States, including, but not limited to: Consulting with business associates. Traveling for a scientific, educational, professional or business convention, or a conference on ...
Can we apply for B1 visa without a job?
It is basically a Business Visa for a short visit to United States. On this Visa you can attend conferences, attend training sessions. However when you are on this Visa you cannot earn money. So without a job also you can apply for this Visa provided there is some business intent and there is a company in United States which is inviting you!
What can I do on B1/B2 visa?
Here is what you can do with a B1/B2 visa:
- Hire and fire a staff
- Perform research
- Plan out and spend money on investments and purchases
- Attend business meetings, negotiations, and investment and sales meetings
- Attend up to 18 hours per week of recreational lessons
- Bring along dependents like children (only for a B2 status)
- Attend seminars and conferences without earning college credits
How to extend a B1 visa?
- CompletedI-539 form – printed, signed and dated.
- Written statement detailing your reason (s) for extending your stay.
- Evidence of how you will financially be supported during your extended stay.

Is B1 visa application open?
They have opened first-time B1/B2 slots with interviews starting from Sep 2022, they continue to open slots until late 2024. H/L visa slots are booked for several months, they have opened slots for late 2022 and 2023 for booking. The slots in late 2022 and 2023 are not placeholder slots.
Can I travel to USA on B1 visa now?
Yes. You may travel to the United States without any further visa processing. Please note that you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination.
Is US Embassy issuing B1 B2 visa?
The U.S. Mission to India is pleased to resume processing of routine in-person B1/B2 visas appointments starting in September 2022.
Can I apply for U.S. visa now?
Please note: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Department temporarily suspended routine visa services at all U.S. embassies and consulates in March 2020. The process to resume routine visa services began in February 2021.
How long does it take to get a B1 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.
Are U.S. visa appointments open in India?
Conversation. The U.S. Mission to India is pleased to announce that we are resuming routine in-person tourist visa appointments in September 2022. Previously scheduled placeholders have now been cancelled.
How do I schedule a B1 B2 visa interview?
How to Book Your Visa Interview at the EmbassyStep 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.
When US visa services will resume?
The US embassy said it will resume routine in-person tourist visa appointments from September. “The US Mission to India is pleased to announce that we are resuming routine in-person tourist visa appointments in September 2022.
Are B1 B2 visa eligible for interview waiver?
Is my B1/B2 visa guaranteed to be approved if I renew through the interview waiver process? No. A consular officer will review your application and may determine an interview is required. If required, you will receive instructions about how to schedule a follow-up interview.
How can I get B1 visa from India?
How to Apply for a B1/B2 Visa from India?Step 1: Complete the DS-160 form online. This includes: ... Step 2: Pay the visa application fee. Application fee is USD 160 (INR 11,832 Approximately). ... Step 3: Schedule an appointment. ... Step 4: Attend the interview at the Consulate or Embassy.
How long is B1 B2 visa valid for?
10 yearsThe US B1/B2 Tourist visa is valid for 10 years after issue. It means that after that time, you will need to renew your B1/B2 Visa if you want to stay in the United States long-term again. Also, it allows you to stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 180 days Per Entry.
What are the requirements for B1 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.
What is B1 visa status?
The B-1 visa is suitable for short-term visits, less than 90 days, with no salary, for the purpose of lab observation, business meetings and conferences, training, medical clerkships, or one-time lectures. If the foreign national will conduct research, the B-1 is not appropriate.
How many times can you enter the US on a B1 B2 visa?
The holder of a B-2 visa can stay for a maximum of 180 days per entry (several times consecutively or at a time). These conditions apply to all visits until the visa has expired. After that the person must reapply for the visa at their U.S. consulate.
What are the requirements for B1 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.
How much bank balance is required for U.S. B1 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. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa? No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.
What is the process of applying for a B1 visa?
The United States Embassy or Consulate in your country can process your application. You can interview at a third-country embassy or consulate , but the visa application will take longer to process. Before an application is fully accepted, an interview will be required. Form DS-160, Online Non-Immigrant Application, must be completed. You'll need the confirmation page for your interview, so fill out the form online and print it. Please upload a digital photo. Pay fees Make an appointment with a U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your native country, and then show up for the interview. At your interview, you'll need to have a receipt for all fees, as well as the DS-160 confirmation page. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the procedure. They will most likely be taken during the interview, but this is not always the case. Following your interview, the consular officer may find that your application requires additional administrative processing and will notify you.
How many times can I travel to the US with a B1 visa?
You can visit the United States whenever you want if you hold a B1 Visa or B2 Visa as long as your passport is valid. The B visa is a multiple-entry visa, which means you can enter the United States many times.
How long will my B1 visa last?
It also allows you to stay in the United States for up to 180 days each entry.
How long may I stay in the US on a B1 visa?
When you enter the United States, a customs officer will grant you permission to stay for up to six months. If you'd want to stay longer, you may be eligible to request for a one-year extension.
Can I extend my stay on a B1 visa?
If you have a B-1/B-2 visa, you can request a one-year extension of your stay. To do so, fill out Form I-539, Request to Extend or Change Status. It's best to file for an extension of your status at least 45 days before your current authorization expires, so plan ahead.
How can I renew my B1 visa?
If you want to renew your B-1/B-2 visa, you must go through the original application process. You may be able to complete your visa renewal without an interview depending on the US embassy or consulate where you apply.
Should I apply for a B1/B2 or ESTA?
You can apply for an ESTA instead of a B-1/B-2 visa if you are a citizen of one of the 38 countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Both allow you to enter the United States for vacation or commercial purposes, but the ESTA can be applied for online. The B-1/B-2 visiting visa may be an option for you if you want to stay in the US for longer for travel or business.
How much does it cost to get a B1 visa?
The application fee for the B1 visa is $160. You must pay this fee in order to continue with your application. Besides the application fee, you might have to pay other fees such as the visa issuance fees. The amount of visa issuance fees depends on the relationship that your home country has with the US. After you pay all fees, make sure you save the receipts to attach to your documents.
How long is a B1 visa valid?
The initial validity for which the B1 visa is given is 6 months. The US Embassy will assume that for 6 months you will be able to complete all the business that you have in the country. This period is also enough time for you to be able to visit and tour any places in the United States that you want to.
How Long is the B1 Visa Processing Time?
The processing times for the B1 visa is not exact. It can take a couple of weeks or a few months for your visa to be processed. This depends on the workload of the US Embassy and other factors that they take into consideration. After the processing time is complete, you will be notified about whether you got the visa or not.
Can Business Visa Holders Bring Dependents to USA?
Unfortunately, since the B1 visa is an individual temporary visa, it does not have dependent visas. This means that your spouse, children, or other family members cannot join you in the United States if you are the only one that has the B1 visa. In order to be able to join you, they must apply for the B2 visa or the US tourist visa. With this visa, they will be able to come to stay with you for 6 months, and then ask for extensions for up to 1 year if necessary.
How to get a green card in the US?
Find a job in the US where the employer is willing to sponsor your visa such as the H-1B visa, and then apply for the Green Card.
What is transit visa?
A Transit Visa to USA is a permit to make a shortstop in the US, in order to reach your destination country. The US transit visas allow you to enter the US and stay for a layover. Afterward, when your planned flight or ship leaves for your next destination, you will have to leave the US.
How long do you have to stay in the US to get a B1 extension?
After 6 months, you are expected to return to your home country and not stay in the United States past your visa expiration date. However, if you want a B1 visa extension, you must work with your employer on that. You must prove that you have not completed all the business that you need to complete with a B1 visa. You must also get letters of confirmation from your employer or company that proves your stay in the US is essential for business.
What is a B1 visa?
The B1 visa is a non-immigrant U.S Visitor Visa that allows its holders to enter the United States for business purposes. It is usually available for citizens to negotiate contracts, consultants with business associates in the U.S., citizens attending conferences, and so on.
Who is eligible for the B-1 Business Visa?
These are the requirements that you must meet to be eligible for the B1 visa:
How does apply with iVisa.com work?
Applying with iVisa.com is very safe because this is a professional visa provider that has been working on this topic for years. Moreover, we always offer professional guidance to our clients, even if we do not offer the visa yet (just like this case, as we do not offer the B-1 Business Visa ). Our services include:
How long is a B1 visa valid?
This visa can be valid for up to 10 years, so you can visit the U.S. many times once you get it. However, the visits are limited to business only. If you prefer something for both business and tourism, then remember you can apply for the B1/B2 Visa.
Does iVisa.com help with visa?
We also remind you that very soon, iVisa.com will put at your disposal this form and other extra services to help you process your visa more efficiently. This way, you would only have to focus on the interview and not the bureaucratic part of the process.
Is a visit to the United States business related?
Your visit to the United States is business-related.
Is it hard to get a B-1 visa?
Getting a B-1 Business Visa is not difficult, but it can be a bit stressful if you don’t consider some recommendations first. Here we bring you some so that you can manage your time better and be well-prepared for the interview:
B-1 Visa for Canada for US Business
A B-1 Visa is required for Canadians to conduct business in the United States. It is usually considered rather informal because you do not usually get an actual visa, rather you would just get a stamp on your passport. A B-1 Visa is used for business-related activities in the US that do not necessitate and actual US Work Visa, such as:
Michael Niren
Michael is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. He is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section and the Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
Who can apply for a B-1/B-2 visa?
To qualify for B-1/B-2 visa eligibility, you will have to prove your travel to the United States is temporary, and you can afford all the costs of your trip. Under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), you will also have to show you do not intend to remain in the United States after your stay. You will have to prove you will not abandon your residence outside of the United States.
What are the B-1/B-2 visa requirements?
The B-1/B-2 visa allows people to travel to the United States for many reasons, including business activities and tourism.
How much does it cost to get a B-1/B-2 visa?
The filing fee for a B-1/B-2 visa application is $160. This amount does not include the cost of gathering required documents, evidence, and passport photos. You may also have to pay additional visa issuance fees, which vary depending on your home country. However, there are certain circumstances where you may not have to pay at all. For example, if you are working for the U.S. government or visiting for a charitable event, you may not have to pay a fee.
What is a visa for a foreigner?
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.
Where to schedule a visa interview?
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
What happens after a visa interview?
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this required.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
Can a visa be voided?
Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
Do you need an interview for a visa?
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.
Can a B1 visa be used for employment?
An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
