B1/B2 Visa Application Process
- Fill out the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application (DS-160).
- You must submit the form online and print the confirmation document.
- Upload your image file
- Schedule an interview at your local U.S. Embassy.
- Provide a receipt for all fees as well as the DS-160 confirmation page.
Full Answer
How long can a B1/B2 visa holder stay in the US?
Permanent residence in the United States. A B-1/B-2 visa does not grant permanent resident status - it is a temporary visa - but the holder can apply for a green card. The maximum amount of time issued for a B1/B2 visa is 180 days. This visa allows for multiple entries into the United States.
What are the requirements for B2 visa?
Your B2 visa application documents checklist should include:
- DOS Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application
- Your passport which is valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay in the U.S. ...
- Two identical color photographs showing full face without head covering against a light background. ...
- Letters of invitation from your friends or relatives in the U.S.
- A copy of your tour itinerary
How to get a B2 visa?
Here are the required documents that you need to submit when applying for a B2 visa:
- Valid passport.
- A photograph that complies with the requirements and guidelines.
- Form DS-160 confirmation page and code.
- Receipt of paid visa fees.
- Interview confirmation page.
- A letter which describes the purpose of your trip.
- Proof of financial means. ...
- Ties to your home country. ...
- Optional US visitor visa invitation letter from friends or family in the US.
What is B2 visa process?
The following are some of the major requirements for a B-2 visa:
- Documented proof that your financial situation allows you to travel to the United States and complete your trip
- Ensuring the authorities that you’re not a security threat to American residents
- Proof that you’ll leave the United States before your visa expires
How do I get a B1 B2 U.S. visa?
How to ApplyComplete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.Pay the visa application fee.Schedule your appointment on this web page. ... Visit the U.S. Embassy on the date and time of your visa interview. ... Students. ... Working adults. ... Businessmen and company directors. ... Visiting a relative.More items...
How long does a B1 B2 visa take?
How long does it take to get my B1/B2 Visa? Similar to other application processes, the processing time is very difficult to predict. It could take anywhere between two to eight weeks for homeland security officials to verify the information in your B1/B2 visa.
What documents do I need for B1 B2 visa?
List of Forms and Documents People Seeking B-2 Visitor Visas Must PrepareForm DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application. ... One photo of you, printed. ... MRV fee receipt. ... Visa reciprocity fee. ... Your passport. ... Documents showing the purpose of your trip to the United States. ... Employer letter if applying for B-1 visa.More items...
How can I apply for B1 visa?
Stay on B1 is given at the port of entry in USA....Get a digital photograph of each applicant. ... Complete business visa application form DS160. ... Pay the business visa application fee. ... Take appointment for visa interview. ... Visitor Visa Fingerprinting at Visa Application Center (VAC) ... Go for visa interview at designated US consulate.
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.
How much does a B1 visa cost?
$160What Does a Tourist Visa Cost You? TheUS Tourist visa fee (B1/B2) costs $160. This amount is dependent on the nationality and can be paid at the time of the interview or during the application process. The application fee receipt is required for the interview.
Is U.S. embassy open for 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.
What do I need for B1 visa interview?
The documents typically required for a B1 visa are:Form DS-160, confirmation page, and bar code.Your valid passport.The social media accounts you use currently.Interview confirmation letter.Photos which comply with U.S. visa photo guidelines.A letter detailing the purpose of your visit.Bank statements.More items...•
How many months bank statement is required for U.S. visa?
Ans. You are required to show at least 3-9 months of bank statements to get hold of a US student visa.
How much time it takes to get B1 visa for USA?
B-1 visas are valid for up to six months and may be renewed once for up to an additional six months. 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.
Can I work on B1 visa in USA?
An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
How long is a B2 visa good for?
ten yearsVisa validity In general, the B-2 visa remains valid for up to ten years after it is issued. However, the visa can also be limited to a shorter period of time. The period of validity of the visa is especially dependent on the nationality of the applicant.
How long does it take to get a B2 tourist visa?
B2 Visa Processing Time and Length of Stay B2 visas are valid for up to six months and may be renewed once for up to an additional six months. After submitting the DS-160 form, it generally takes USCIS between 60–90 days to process the B2 visa application.
How long does it take for a US visa to be approved?
How long are the U.S. visa application processing times? It is hard to give a general statement about what visa processing times you can expect. The entire visa application processing takes somewhere between two weeks and four months, depending on the type of visa.
How long does it take to get B2 visa after interview?
If you were advised at the interview that a waiver of ineligibility is required before the visa can be issued, you can expect your application to take up to 8 months to process from the date of the interview. Incomplete applications will take longer.
How many times can I enter the US with a B1 B2 visa?
You may travel to the U.S. as many times as you like during the period of validity of the visa. There is no restriction on the number of times you may visit.
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.
B1 Business Visitor Visa
A B1 ‘Visitor for Business’ Visa allows business travellers to enter the United States. These visas are typically provided as a combination of a B-1 business visit visa and a B2 ‘Visitor for Pleasure’ (i.e. tourist) visa. As a result of this approach, an old B1 B2 visa issued for a vacation trip may be valid for a scheduled business trip.
B2 Tourist Visitor Visa
If the purpose of the planned travel is purely recreational, such as tourism, visiting friends or family or is related to medical treatment, fraternal, social, or service activities, or amateur participation in musical, sporting, or similar events or contests, a B2 Visitor Visa would be the appropriate type of visa for you.
What is DS-160 form?
A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 webpage for more information about the DS-160.
What do consular officers look for in an 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.
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.
How to apply for a business visa in the US?
If you apply for a business/tourist visa, you must submit the following: 1 A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 web page for more information about the DS-160. 2 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. 3 One (1) 2"x2" (5cmx5cm) photograph taken within the last six months. This web page has information about the required photo format. 4 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. 5 10-year travel history 6 List of siblings and children
How to apply for a nonimmigrant visa?
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.
What do consular officers look for in a visa application?
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.
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:
Application Process
For information on applying for a B-1 visa, see the “Department of State” link.
Family of B-1 Visa Holders
Your spouse and children are not eligible for a dependent visa. Each of your dependents who will be accompanying or following to join you must apply separately for a B-2 visa and must follow the regulations for that visa.
What is a business visa?
According to the US Department of State, a 'business visa' is limited to visitors who want to : consult with business associates, attend a scientific, educational professional or business convention or conference. settle an estate. negotiate a contract.
How many appointments are required for a visitor visa?
After you pay the fees, you will have to schedule 2 appointments as part of the visitor visa process. The two-part appointment process consists of an appointment with one of the five Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) to give Biometrics information that includes fingerprinting and photograph , and second an appointment with the Consulate or Embassy for a personal visa interview.
How to pay visa fee in India?
The fee can be paid either electronically as a bank transfer or in cash at designated CitiBank or Axis bank branches throughout the India. In order to ensure the proper amount is paid and activated in a timely manner, first create a profile at US visa Service website and choose the Schedule Appointment option. On the payment confirmation screen you will be presented with payment options and further details of how to initiate payment. The fee is good for a year from the date of payment. You must take an appointment within a year for your visa interview.
How many digits are in a visa barcode?
After successfully completing the application, you will receive a confirmation with a 10-digit barcode. Take a printout of this page. This will be needed for setting up your visa interview appointment.
Where is the DS160 application page stamped?
The DS160 application form confirmation page stamped at the VAC .
When to schedule fingerprinting appointment for VAC?
After taking appointment with the consulate or embassy for personal interview, schedule the fingerprinting appointment at least a day or two before the interview at the consulate. Earlier, the fingerprints were taken during the personal interview. But under the new rules you are required to give the Biometrics information at the VAC appointment. This measure has been introduced to reduce congestion at the US consular facilities and to speed up the applicant processing. Schedule the visa interview appointment at the Consulate or Embassy prior to the VAC appointment.
How long before I-94 expires can I apply for a B2 visa?
You should do so at least 42 days before the expiration of your I-94 card. Yet, you are not allowed to apply within three months of arrival in the US. You should submit the following documents when applying for a B2 visa extension: Completed form I-539. Your valid passport.
How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa?
To apply for a US Tourist visa you must go through these simple steps :
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a Tourist Visa?
To be eligible for a US Tourist visa, the purpose of your visit should be one of the following:
Can I Get a Green Card With a US Tourist Visa?
It is very difficult to get permanent residence or a Green Card if you are a tourist in the United States. Since the B2 visa is a temporary visa, you must prove that you will return to your home country after it expires in order to get it. Also, you are not allowed to look for a job or start studying, which means the easiest paths to a Green Card may not be available for you.
What is VisaExpress?
VisaExpress specializes in assisting visa applicants throughout the whole process.
How much does it cost to get a US visa?
The application fee for the US Tourist Visa is $160. Depending on your country’s relationship with the US, you might have to pay other fees too. These are called visa issuance fees and they vary from country to country. After making the payments, you need to keep the receipts and attach them to your file of required documents.
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.
Overview
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: 1. That the purpose of your tr...
Application Items
- If you apply for a business/tourist visa, you must submit the following: 1. A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 webpagefor more information about the DS-160. 2. 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 agreementspro…
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 resid…
Supporting Documents For Applicants Seeking Medical Care
- If you wish to travel to the U.S. 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: 1. A medical diagnosis from a local physician explaining the nature of your ailment and the reason you require treatment in the United States. 2. A letter from a physician or medica…
Electronic Visa Update System
- 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 pass…