What is a B1/B2 Visa? Information for Tourist and Business Visits to the USA

By Asim Kilinc, Immigration Attorney at CK Law Firm

In my weekly informational articles about different visa types, this week I will cover one of the most frequently asked and queried visa types by my clients: the B1/B2 Tourist Visa. In this article, I will attempt to answer the most commonly asked questions about the B1/B2 Tourist Visa based on the numerous cases I have prepared and the hundreds of clients I have consulted. By reading this article, you will find answers to the following questions:

• What is a B1/B2 Tourist Visa?
• What are the Differences Between B1 and B2 Visas?
• Who Can Apply for a B1/B2 Tourist Visa?
• What are the Requirements to Apply for a B1/B2 Tourist Visa?
• How to Apply for a B1/B2 Tourist Visa?
• What to Expect After Applying for a B1/B2 Tourist Visa?

If you have any additional questions about the B1/B2 Tourist visa, please do not hesitate to contact me through the comments section of this article, directly via LinkedIn, or through the website of CK Law Firm Immigration Attorneys.

What is a B1/B2 Tourist Visa?

The B1/B2 tourist visa is a type of visitor visa issued to foreign nationals who wish to visit the United States for short-term stays. The B1 visa is used for business purposes, while the B2 visa is used for tourism, medical treatment, or visiting family and friends. The B1/B2 visa allows the applicant to enter the US temporarily and stay for a specific period.

What are the Differences Between B1 and B2 Visas?

Both B1 and B2 visas are for visitors who wish to stay in the US for a short period, but they serve different purposes:

B1 Visa: Business Visit

• Issued to individuals visiting the US for short-term business purposes.
• Used for negotiations, business meetings, conferences, training seminars, project supervision, etc.

B2 Visa: Tourist and Other Visits

• Issued to individuals visiting the US for tourism, social, health, or other personal reasons.
• Used for tourism, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, social events (concerts, festivals, etc.).

Common Features

• Both B1 and B2 visas typically have a validity period ranging from 1 to 10 years.
• The length of stay in the US is determined by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer and is usually up to 6 months.
• Both types of visas generally allow multiple entries, meaning you can enter and exit the US multiple times during the visa’s validity period.

There is also a combined visa type known as the B1/B2 visa, which is issued to individuals who wish to travel to the US for both business and tourism purposes. This combined visa offers all the benefits of both the B1 and B2 visas.

Who Can Apply for a B1/B2 Tourist Visa?

Individuals who meet certain conditions can apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa. Anyone with a clean criminal record, sufficient financial resources to cover the trip, and proof of temporary stay in the US can apply for a B1/B2 visa.

What are the Requirements to Apply for a B1/B2 Tourist Visa?

To apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa, certain requirements must be met. Here are the key requirements to be aware of during the application process:

Requirement 1: Temporary Visit Purpose
You must prove that you will stay in the US temporarily and return to your country after a specific period.

Requirement 2: Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your planned stay in the US.

Requirement 3: Financial Capability
You must prove that you can cover all expenses during your stay in the US. This can be documented with bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letters.

Requirement 4: Travel Purpose
You must provide documents supporting your travel purpose. For business trips, invitation letters, and for tourist trips, hotel reservations and flight tickets are important.

Requirement 5: Criminal Record
Individuals with no criminal record or any legal issues that may negatively impact the visa application can apply.

Meeting these requirements and submitting the necessary documents is critical for the success of your visa application.

How to Apply for a B1/B2 Tourist Visa?

To apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa, you must follow several steps:

Online Application Form (DS-160)
Fill out the DS-160 form online on the US Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. Make sure to provide accurate and complete information when filling out the form.

Payment of Application Fee
Pay the visa application fee. The payment process is carried out according to the methods specified by the US Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Schedule an Interview
Go to the official website of the US Embassy or Consulate and schedule an interview appointment. You will need the DS-160 form number when scheduling the appointment.

Preparation of Necessary Documents
Prepare the necessary documents: Your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation document, biometric photo, bank statements, pay stubs or sponsorship letters, flight ticket reservations, hotel reservations, employment verification letters, previous visas, travel history, and other supporting documents.

Interview
Depending on the country you are applying from, you will need to attend an interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.

What to Expect After Applying for a B1/B2 Tourist Visa?

After applying for a B1/B2 visa, carefully follow the process, prepare your documents correctly, and prepare well for the interview to increase your chances of a successful visa application. Adhere to the visa rules while entering and staying in the US.

In conclusion, providing accurate information and documents at every stage of the application is important. Due to the complexity of the process and legal requirements, it may be beneficial to seek support from an immigration attorney. You can reach me through the CK Law Firm Immigration Attorneys’ website, via email at info@cklawfirm.org, or directly on LinkedIn.

Attorney Asim Kilinc

Attorney Asım Kılınç, a founding partner of CK Law Firm, stands out with his extensive experience and expertise in both international law and the American legal system. Kılınç completed his Master’s degree at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and is registered with the Missouri Bar. He specializes in U.S. immigration law, significantly contributing to CK Law Firm’s success in this field with his deep knowledge and experience. Having been involved in the preparation processes of over 1,000 immigration cases, Attorney Kılınç has proven his expertise and provides comprehensive and professional legal support to help his clients adapt to their new lives in the USA.

Strengthening CK Law Firm’s leadership in immigration law, Attorney Kılınç offers reliable and effective legal consultancy services to his clients, accompanying them on their journey to establish a new life in the USA. He works to ensure that his clients receive the highest quality service in citizenship, Green Card, work permits, and other immigration processes, supporting them from the beginning to U.S. citizenship.