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B1B2 Travel Visas by Boundless

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H O ME / IM M IGRAT I ON RESOU RC E S

B-1/B-2 Visitor
Visa, Explained

Understanding the B temporary

travel visa

In this guide

What Is a B1/B2 Visa?

How Long Does It Take To Get a B1/B2 Visa?

How Many Times Can You Visit the U.S. With a

B1 B2 Visa?

B-1/B-2 Visa Cost

B Visa Requirements

Can You Change Status From B1/B2?

Required Documents For a Travel Visa

B1/B2 Visa Application Process

Frequently Asked Questions

B1/B2 Visas 101

What Is a B1/B2 Visa?

The B1 visa and B2 visa are temporary, non-
immigrant, multiple-entry visas that allow the
holder to travel to the United States for either
business or tourism purposes. Though B Visas
cover many reasons for travel to the U.S., there
are different nonimmigrant visas (travel) visas
that allow people to temporarily visit the U.S.,
such as K1 (fiancé) visas, F1 (student) visas, H1B
visas, and more.

Learn how to increase your chance of

travel visa approval, and get
unlimited, live application support
from start to finish. Take our 5-
minute quiz to check your eligibility.

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Learn What You Get With

Boundless

VISA BOUNDLESS

IssuingPostName ControlNumber
BANGKOK 0000000000000
Surname
LEFEBVRE
GivenName VisaType/Class
MICHEL B1/82

PassportNumber Sex BirthDate Nationality

A12345678 M 22NOV1996 THAI
Entries IssueDate ExperationDate
M 22MAY2023 21MAY2033 1010
Annotation

E00000000

くくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくくく

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

What’s the difference between

a B1 visa and a B2 visa?

The B1 is for people who need to travel to the

U.S. for business-related work such as attending
a work conference, business consultations,
settling an estate, negotiating contracts, or
professional examinations and licensing. A B1
visa is specifically for business-related activities
and does not permit formal employment or
long-term work in the U.S., however in March
2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS) announced that those with B1
or B2 visas can apply for jobs in the U.S. and
attend interviews.

The B2 (tourist) is for tourism, vacation, or

visiting friends and family. It also covers certain
medical treatments and participation in social
events or contests, like music or sports, without
receiving pay. In most cases, a B1/B2 visa is
issued together, allowing the holder to travel for
both business and pleasure.

How Long Does It

Take To Get a B1/B2
Visa?
The average wait time (processing time) for a
B1/B2 visa interview appointment is currently
two months. To check the wait time for your
specific embassy or consulate, enter your city in
this handy State Department tool under the
section “Appointment Wait Time.” Note that if
you are applying for an interview in a country
other than your home country, wait times may
be longer.

How Long Can You Stay in

the USA on a B1 B2 Visa?

The B1/B2 visa is a multiple-entry

visa, which means you can use it
to enter the U.S. more than once.
There’s no set limit to the number
of times you can visit the U.S. in a
year, and it really depends on the
specific circumstances and
discretion of the CBP officers who
review your case each time you
enter.

It’s important to remember that

the B1/B2 visa is intended for
temporary, occasional visits for
business, tourism, or medical
treatment. It’s not meant to be
used for living long-term in the
U.S. or spending the majority of
your time in the country.

If officers think you’re trying to

live in the U.S. through frequent
or extended visits, or if you’re not
maintaining significant ties to
your home country, they may
suspect you’re misusing the visa,
which could lead to denial of entry
or future visa issues.

How Many Times Can

You Visit the U.S. With
a B1 B2 Visa?
It depends. The B1/B2 visa is a multiple-entry
visa, which means you can use it to enter the
U.S. more than once. There’s no set limit to the
number of times you can visit the U.S. in a year,
and it really depends on the specific
circumstances and discretion of the CBP officers
who review your case each time you enter.

It’s important to remember that the B1/B2 visa

is intended for temporary, occasional visits for
business, tourism, or medical treatment. It’s not
meant to be used for living long-term in the U.S.
or spending the majority of your time in the
country.

If officers think you’re trying to live in the U.S.

through frequent or extended visits, or if you’re
not maintaining significant ties to your home
country, they may suspect you’re misusing the
visa, which could lead to denial of entry or
future visa issues.

While there’s no official limit, it’s vital to respect

the purpose and restrictions of your visa to
avoid any problems. If you need guidance on
your specific situation, it’s a good idea to consult
with an immigration expert.

B-1/B-2 Visa Cost

Currently, the government filing fee for a B visa
is $185, which does not include the cost of
gathering documents and evidence and
acquiring passport photos. However, on June
17, the cost of many nonimmigrant visa
applications will be increasing. If you’re
thinking about applying for a travel, student, or
exchange visa, you should be prepared to shell
out an extra 15% compared to what you’d pay
right now. For more about the U.S. Department
of State’s announcement and to understand the
updated costs for each visa type, start here.

Important Note:

Beginning June 17, 2023, the cost

of nonimmigrant visa
applications will be going up. The
application fees for B1/B2 visas
will increase from $160 to $185.
Learn more.

Can a U.S. Sponsor Pay for a

B1B2?

Yes, a U.S. sponsor can help cover the costs for

someone applying for a B1/B2 visa. The sponsor
needs to show they’re financially stable and able
to cover the visitor’s expenses during their stay
in the U.S. by filing an I-134 “Declaration of
Support.”

I-134 FAQs

When to file Form I-134: The

sponsor can file Form I-134 at any
time, but it is often best to do so
early in the visa process to ensure
that all required documents are in
order.

What information is
required: The sponsor must
provide personal information, proof
of U.S. citizenship or green card
status, information about the visa
applicant, employment and financial
information, dependent and marital
information, and a signed page
promising to support the beneficiary.

Proof of financial assets: The

sponsor must submit photocopies of
documents that prove their financial
assets, such as bank statements, tax
returns, and employment
verification letters.

Translations: All documents must

be in English or must be
accompanied by a full English
translation.

Review process: Once the visa

applicant submits their application,
USCIS will review the sponsor’s
information along with the
application. If necessary, USCIS may
contact the applicant for additional
evidence or clarification.

Once the I-134 form is submitted, USCIS will

review it to determine if the sponsor can
financially support the applicant. If USCIS
approves the I-134, the applicant will be issued a
B1/B2 visa.

Boundless tip

Here are some additional things to

keep in mind:

The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or

lawful permanent resident.

The sponsor must be able to provide

evidence of their income, assets, and
debts.

The sponsor must be willing to

financially support the applicant for
their stay in the United States.

The sponsor must be able to travel to

the United States to meet with the
applicant if necessary.

Also, remember to consult with an immigration

expert if you have any doubts or need
personalized support. Boundless has helped
more than 100,000 people navigate the visa
application process, and we’ll help you make a
travel visa plan based on your unique situation.
Get started today!

B Visa Requirements
A B1/B2 visitor visa is for many types of trips to
the U.S., including business and non-business
activities like tourism. If you want to apply for a
B1 or B2 visa, you need to prove that your trip to
the U.S. is only for a short time.

You must also show proof that you plan to

return to your home country after your visit, and
that you have a place to live outside the U.S. that
you will not leave for good. These points help
show that you will follow the rules of the B1/B2
visa.

Reasons for travel under a B1 visitor visa

include:

1. Business consultations: This might

include meetings, negotiations, or discussions
with business associates in the U.S.

2. Attending conferences or seminars:

This can cover professional, educational,
scientific, or business conventions.

3. Settling an estate: If someone inherits

property or assets in the U.S., a B1 visa can
allow them to handle these matters legally.

4. Contract negotiations: If a person needs to

sign or negotiate a contract with a U.S.
company, a B1 visa is often the correct choice.

5. Professional examination and

licensing: Some professionals must be in the
U.S. to take exams or get licenses only
available there.

Reasons for travel under a B2 tourist visa

include:

1. Tourism: This could be sightseeing, visiting

famous landmarks, exploring cities, or simply
enjoying the country’s culture and
atmosphere.

2. Visiting family or friends: Many people

use a B2 visa to visit their loved ones living in
the U.S.

3. Medical treatment: If someone requires

medical treatment or a procedure that’s
available in the U.S., they might apply for a B2
visa.

4. Social events: Attending events like

concerts, cooking classes, conventions,
festivals, or other social gatherings can be
another reason for using a B2 visa.

5. Participation in events or contests: If

the event doesn’t involve professional
participation (like amateur tournaments or
contests), a B2 visa could be suitable.

6. Short courses of study: If the course

duration is less than 18 hours per week, this
falls under B2 visa regulations.

You cannot travel under this visa to

engage any of the following:

Study

Long-term employment by a U.S. firm

Paid performances, or any professional

performance before a paying audience

Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft

Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print

journalism, or other information media

Permanent residence in the United States

Boundless has helped more than 100,000

people with their immigration and U.S. travel
plans. We’ll be your partner from beginning to
end. Get started today!

Note:

The Visa Waiver Program allows

nationals from certain countries to
travel to the United States without a
visa for business, tourism, or while in
transit for up to 90 days. The program
currently covers 38 countries and
territories, including most countries in
the European Union.

Canadian nationals also typically do not need a

visa to enter the US for tourism purposes.
Canadian nationals will need the appropriate
visa if they have specific plans to study, work, or
move permanently to the U.S.

Different entry requirements also apply to

Canadian nationals, depending on whether they
plan to work, study, invest, or immigrate. The
maximum length of stay can vary, depending on
circumstances, between 6 months and 1 year.

Can You Change

Status From B1/B2?
The B1 visa and B2 visa do not grant permanent
resident status — they are temporary visas – but
you can adjust your status from a B1/B2 visa to
another type of visa while you are in the U.S., as
long as you meet certain requirements. This
process involves submitting a change of status
application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS).

Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Purpose of stay: Your reason for wanting to

stay in the U.S. should match the new visa
type. For example, if you wish to study, you
may apply to change to a student visa (F-1). If
you find an employer willing to sponsor you,
you could apply to change to a work visa (like
H-1B).

2. Timing: You should apply before your

current status expires, typically indicated on
the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. USCIS
recommends applying at least 45 days before
your current status expires.

3. Eligibility: Not everyone can change their

status. For example, you cannot change your
status if you entered the U.S. under the Visa
Waiver Program, unless it is due to marriage
to a U.S. citizen.

4. Status violation: If you’ve violated the

terms of your current status (for instance, if
you’ve started working while on a B1/B2 visa
without authorization), you usually can’t
change your status.

5. Approval: Even if you meet all conditions

and file an application, the final decision is up
to USCIS.

If you’ve just married someone who’s a U.S.

citizen or a permanent resident (they have a
green card), you can also apply for a marriage
green card. This lets you stay in the U.S. and live
with your spouse. You can either apply for a
green card while you’re still in the country in a
process is called “adjustment of status” (AOS),
or you can apply from your home country
through what’s called consular processing. To
find out if you’re eligible for a B1B2 visa or to
change your status from a B1B2 visa, take our
eligibility quiz. Get started today!

Required Documents
For a Travel Visa
Documents needed to apply for a B1/B2 visa
include:

A passport valid for six months past the

date of return

A recent digital photograph that meets

government requirements

Documentation of the past five

previous trips to the United States, if
applicable

Proof of funds to cover the entire cost

of the trip, including travel,
accommodation, and living expenses

Proof of binding ties to the applicant’s

home country, such as a job, property,
or family

B1/B2 Visa
Application Process
Applications are processed by the United States
Embassy or consulate in your country.

You will need to attend an interview before your

visa is approved. You can attend an interview at
an embassy or consulate in a third country, but
you will likely wait longer for a visa
appointment.

Steps to getting a B Visa

1 First, you must complete the Online

Non-Immigrant Application, Form DS-
160. File the form online and print the
confirmation page as you will need it
for your interview.

2 Upload your digital photo

3 Attend the visa interview

As part of the process, ink-free, digital

fingerprint scans are taken, typically at the
interview. After the interview, the consular
officer may request additional documents or
information to make a decision about your case.

Boundless’ Travel Visa Service makes applying a

breeze with online filing, 1:1 interview coaching,
interview scheduling, and support if your visa is
denied. Take our approval odds quiz to check
your eligibility.

Frequently Asked
Questions

B1 visa vs B2 visa, which

one is right for me?

B-1 visas are issued for short business

trips, while B-2 visas are issued for
tourism purposes, such as vacations or
visiting family.

Who is eligible for a B-1

visa or B-2 visa?

How long can I stay in

the U.S. on the B-1/B-2
visa?

How do I extend my stay

on the B1 visa or B2 visa?

Can I work in the U.S. on

a B-1 / B-2 visa?

Can I work in the U.S. on

a B-1 / B-2 visa?

How can I renew my B1

visa or B2 visa?

Should I apply for a B-

1/B-2 visa or an ESTA?

Do Canadian citizens
need a B-1/B-2 visa?

Is the B-1/B-2 visa an

immigrant or non-
immigrant visa?

Do I need a certain
amount of money in my
bank account to be
approved for a travel
visa?