About B-1 & B-2 Visitors Visas

To obtain a B-1 or B-2 visa, you must first file the appropriate forms with the USCIS.

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B-1 & B-2 Visitors Visas

B-1 & B-2 VISAS

B-1 and B-2 visas are non-immigrant visas that allow temporary visitors to enter the U.S. for business (B-1), tourism, pleasure, or medical treatment (B-2).

These visas are typically issued for short durations and do not confer the right to work or study in the U.S. B-1 visas are for individuals participating in business activities such as conferences, consultations, or contract negotiations, while B-2 visas are for tourists, visitors visiting friends or relatives, or individuals seeking medical treatment.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Submit a DS-160 Application

01

Complete the online non-immigrant visa application form DS-160, providing accurate and detailed information about the purpose of the visit and personal background.

Schedule Visa Interview

02

Schedule a visa interview appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, paying the required visa application fee beforehand.

Attend the Visa Interview

03

Attend the visa interview, bringing all required documentation, such as a valid passport, the confirmation page of the DS-160 application, the appointment confirmation, and, most importantly, supporting documents demonstrating the purpose of the visit and ties to the home country.

B-1 & B-2 Visa Application Process

TYPICAL TIMELINE

Application Timelines

The typical timeline for a B-1/B-2 visa application can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors such as the applicant's nationality, the workload of the embassy or consulate, and whether additional processing or administrative processing is required.

Schedule a Visa Interview

After submitting the online visa application (DS-160) and scheduling a visa interview, applicants usually wait a few days to a few weeks for an available interview slot. Post-COVID, many consulates have experienced significant delays, and interview wait times have increased in some locations to as much as more than a year from the time the interview is requested.

Post-Interview Processing

The processing time for visa approval can vary following the visa interview; some applicants may receive their visas shortly after the interview, while others may need to wait several weeks for administrative processing or additional review.

Consult with an expert immigration lawyer to ensure successful approval.

Working with immigration and employment experts can open doors for additional opportunities. Our team’s extensive expertise allows us to combine legal and creative strategies to ensure successful immigration.

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Additional Resources

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

To learn more, contact our experienced immigration attorneys: