Visitor visa for the USA

What is a visitor visa for the United States?

A U.S. visitor visa allows a foreign national to stay in the United States for a limited time: the initial duration of stay is limited to 6 months. Visitor visas can be renewed several times.

There are two types of visitor visa, depending on the purpose of the stay:

• The B1 visa is a visa for doing business in the United States.
• The B2 visa is a tourist visa that allows you to visit the United States, to visit friends or family there.

What are the differences between B1 and B2 visas?

The main difference between the two visas is the purpose of the stay: The B1 visa is issued for professional reasons, while the B2 visa is intended for tourist and family stays in the United States.

For the rest, the two category B visas are quite similar. They are issued for six months, with the possibility of extension for up to one year. There is no limit on the number of visa renewals.

What activities are prohibited on a B1/B2 visa?

Holders of a B1/B2 visa can travel to the United States, but certain activities are prohibited. Here are the main activities prohibited to B1/B2 visa holders:

• He can’t work in the USA;
• He cannot become a student;
• He may not embark as a crew member on an aircraft or ship;
• He cannot try to become a permanent resident of the United States.

How do I apply for a B1/B2 visa?

The visa application procedure is mainly carried out online. The process comprises the five steps in the following order:

1. Complete Form DS-160 online to initiate the procedure
2. Pay the visa fee to validate the visa application
3. Make an appointment for a visa interview at the embassy
4. Gather all supporting documents for your visa application
5. Participate in the visa interview.