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US Tourist Visa B1/B2 on Ekşi Sözlük: Lawyer Dr. Ergül Çeliksoy Answers the Most Frequently Asked Questions on Ekşi Sözlük
By Ozlem Kara, Content Editor at CK Law Firm
Özlem Kara, the content editor at CK Law Firm, and Ergül Çeliksoy, the founding partner of CK Law Firm, came together on Ekşi Sözlük to answer the most frequently asked questions about the B1/B2 tourist visa. We thank Ergül Çeliksoy for the enjoyable interview.
By reading this post, you will find answers to the following questions:
- What is the B1/B2 Visa?
- What are the Requirements for the B1/B2 Visa?
- What Documents are Required for the B1/B2 Visa?
- What is the Validity and Stay Duration of the B1/B2 Visa?
Hello Mr. Ergül, we would like to know more about you and your career. Could you tell us about yourself?
Certainly. In 2017, I completed my Master’s degree in international law and human rights law at the University of Nottingham and then began my PhD at the same university. In 2022, I earned my Doctor of Law degree from the University of Nottingham School of Law. My publications, research, and articles in my field have gained international recognition. I have handled many cases and now, with the experience I have gained, I provide effective and solution-oriented services to my clients at CK Law Firm, helping them start new lives.
What is the B1/B2 Visa?
The B1/B2 tourist visa is a type of visitor visa granted to foreigners who wish to make short visits to the United States. The B1 visa is used for business trips, while the B2 visa is used for purposes such as tourism, medical treatment, or visiting family and friends. The B1/B2 visa allows the applicant to temporarily enter the US and stay for a certain period.
What are the Requirements for the B1/B2 Visa?
To apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa, certain conditions must be met. Here are the important requirements to consider during the application process:
Requirement 1: Temporary Visit Purpose
You must prove that you intend to stay in the US temporarily and return to your country after a certain period.
Requirement 2: Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your planned US trip.
Requirement 3: Financial Ability
You must prove that you are financially capable of covering all expenses during your stay in the US. This can be documented through bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letters.
Requirement 4: Criminal Record
Individuals with no criminal record or any legal issues that could negatively affect the visa application can apply.
Meeting these requirements and providing the necessary documents are crucial for a successful visa application.
What Documents are Required for the B1/B2 Visa?
The required documents for applying for a B1/B2 visa are as follows:
- Valid Passport:
- A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the visa period.
- A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the visa period.
- DS-160 Form Confirmation:
- The confirmation page of the DS-160 application form, completed online, with the barcode.
- The confirmation page of the DS-160 application form, completed online, with the barcode.
- Visa Fee Payment Receipt:
- The receipt showing that the visa application fee has been paid.
- The receipt showing that the visa application fee has been paid.
- Biometric Photo:
- A biometric photo taken within the last 6 months, clearly showing your face. This photo should also be uploaded to the DS-160 form.
- A biometric photo taken within the last 6 months, clearly showing your face. This photo should also be uploaded to the DS-160 form.
- Interview Appointment Confirmation:
- Confirmation of the interview appointment obtained from the US consulate.
- Confirmation of the interview appointment obtained from the US consulate.
- Financial Documents:
- Documents proving that you can cover your travel expenses in the US. For example: bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, financial sponsorship documents (if another person is covering your expenses).
- Documents proving that you can cover your travel expenses in the US. For example: bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, financial sponsorship documents (if another person is covering your expenses).
- Documents Showing Intent to Return:
- Documents proving that the applicant will return to their country. For example: a leave of absence letter or work documents, property ownership documents, documents showing family ties.
- Documents proving that the applicant will return to their country. For example: a leave of absence letter or work documents, property ownership documents, documents showing family ties.
- Travel Plan and Documents:
- Documents detailing the purpose, duration, and details of the visit. For example: hotel reservations, flight reservations, invitation letters for events you will attend in the US.
- Documents detailing the purpose, duration, and details of the visit. For example: hotel reservations, flight reservations, invitation letters for events you will attend in the US.
- Invitation Letter:
- If you have been invited to a business meeting, conference, or visit with a relative/friend in the US, an invitation letter.
- If you have been invited to a business meeting, conference, or visit with a relative/friend in the US, an invitation letter.
- Previous Travel Documents:
- Copies of visa and entry-exit stamps from previous travels to the US or other countries.
- Copies of visa and entry-exit stamps from previous travels to the US or other countries.
- Other Supporting Documents:
- Other documents, such as a work contract, work ID, or student certificate, if necessary.
These documents must be submitted to the consulate when applying for a US B1/B2 visa. It is important that the documents are complete and accurate for a successful visa application.
What is the Validity and Stay Duration of the B1/B2 Visa?
Key details regarding the validity and stay duration of the B1/B2 visa are as follows:
- Validity Period: The B1/B2 visa typically has a validity period of 1 to 10 years. The validity period of the visa depends on the applicant’s situation, the information provided during the application, and the evaluation of the US consulate. The B1/B2 visa often allows for multiple entries, meaning you can enter the US multiple times during the visa period.
- Stay Duration: The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers determine how long you can stay in the US after entering. Generally, those entering with a B1/B2 visa are granted a stay of up to 6 months. However, this duration may be shorter, depending on the CBP officer’s evaluation. The I-94 form (or the electronically recorded entry document) you receive upon entry determines your stay in the US. You must leave the US by the date specified on this form. The stay duration is independent of the visa’s validity period.
- Extending the Stay: If you wish to extend your stay in the US, you can apply to USCIS to request an extension of your visa stay. This application must be made before the stay duration on the I-94 form expires. Your application will be evaluated, and if your reasons are sufficient, you may receive an extension.
- Difference Between Visa Duration and Stay Duration: The visa duration determines the periods when you can enter the US. However, the length of stay after entering depends on the CBP officer’s determined duration. You can enter and exit the US multiple times during the validity period of your visa, but it is important to pay attention to the stay duration granted at each entry.
In conclusion, providing accurate information and documents at every stage of the application is crucial. Due to the complexity of the process and legal requirements, it may be beneficial to seek support from an immigration attorney. Remember that you can reach me directly via CK Law Firm’s website, at info@cklawfirm.org, or on LinkedIn!
