The United States offers two types of visitor Visas, B-1 and B-2.
If you want to visit the U.S. for business purposes such as: meet with business associates, attend scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions/conferences, settle an estate, or negotiate contracts then should apply for the B-1 visa.
Whereas, if you want to visit the U.S. for leisure travel, such as tourism, visits friends or relatives, medical treatment, or service activities then you should apply for the B-2 Visitor Visa!
What are the steps to apply for a Visitor Visa?
One of the first steps you need to take is to complete the Form DS-160 which is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
You must then print the confirmation page and take it with you when you schedule and attend the U.S. Embassy interview for your Visa. Before scheduling do not forget to upload a digital photo of your passport scan and pay the fees.
Both these documents are necessary for the interview!
Why does the U.S. have an increasing number of B-1 and B-2 applicants?
It is no surprise that a huge number of B Visa applicants apply each year.
The U.S. is a very diverse country that offers numerous opportunities for business partners to negotiate contracts, tourists to visit the country, athletes to compete in various competitions, family members to visit one another, entertainers to perform, and even people in need of medical treatment to receive proper care!
How many countries can I visit with a U.S. Visitor Visa?
With this Visa you can travel many countries around the world. Starting with Europe: Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and United Kingdom; Asia: Taiwan, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia; Central America: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama; North America: United States and Mexico; Africa: São Tomé and Príncipe; South America: Colombia and Peru; Caribbean: Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Sint Maarten, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba and Curaçao.
What if I need to stay more than 1 year in the U.S. with a B Visa?
If this is the case, you may be able to change your visa’s status.
However, if that has always been your intention, you must inform the consular officer during your interview.
If you never intended to change your visa status, you must be able to show that the cause for your desire for an extension happened while you were already in the US.
What are the required documents for the B Visitor Visa?
If you apply for a business/tourist visa, you must submit the following:
a valid passport (with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States),
a Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form,
a 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) photograph of yourself taken within the last six months,
proof of ties to your home country such as family,
job contract,
lease,
or property deed,
criminal records or letters from authorities stating that you do not have prior convictions,
a letter which describes the purpose of your trip,
and financial or bank statements to prove you have the finances to stay in the US!
How many B-2 Visa applications have been accepted?
Many Temporary Visitor for Pleasure (B-2) Visas have been granted in recent years!
People were showing a lot of interest these past years, the applications were increasing gradually and steadily each year until the current situation made it go down drastically.
Can I get married on a B-2 visa?
Yes, you can marry in the United States while on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa or under a visa waiver program.
In fact, you are permitted to enter the United States solely for the purpose of marrying.
