United States

Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

The US Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2) is a non-immigrant US Visa. Its validity period ranges from 1 month to 10 years and allows single, double, or multiple entries to the US. The period of stay which is a maximum of 6 months is recorded by the Customs and Border Protection officer.

B1 and B2 visas are generally referred to as “B visas”, and they are the most common types of visas issued for a wide range of uses in the United States. The B1 visa is issued mainly for short-term business trips, while the B2 visa is issued mainly for traveling for tourism purposes.

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

• Consult with business associates
• Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• Settle an estate
• Negotiate a contract

• Tourism
• Vacation (holiday)
• Visit with friends or relatives
• Medical treatment
• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating

• The eligibility criteria of the US tourist visa are:
  • Show proof of your travel:
    • If it is tourism, then you must display a travel itinerary, tickets, etc.
    • If it is a visit to family or friends, then you must show an invitation letter.
    • If it is for medical purposes, then you must show the necessary medical documents.
    • If it is for business, then:
      • You must display business invitations, etc.
      • You must show proof that you are a foreigner.
      • You must display the intent to leave the country to the immigration officer.
      • You must not work, study, or do paid performances.
    • You must display sufficient proof of funds.
    • You must have a residence in your home country.

• The documents required for the US tourist visa are:
  • Valid passport
  • Old passports (if any)
  • Recent photograph (as per the requirements)
  • Completed and signed DS-160 form
  • Confirmation page of the DS-160 form
  • It must be stamped at the Visa Application Center (VAC)
  • Receipts of the visa fee
  • Proof of funds
  • Proof of character

  Or

  • Any other documents showing that you have no criminal record
  • A letter describing the reason for your travel
  • Display of intent to return back
  • Printout of the appointment letter of the visa interview