The "B" Visitor Visa is a non-immigrant visa for people desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure (B-2).
Applicants for visitor visas must apply at their local U.S. consulate. They need to schedule an interview and meet the requirements of the consulate. The main issue that applicants need to prove is their intention of a temporary visit, that is, at the end of their visit, they will return to their home country. (Therefore, although it is possible to apply for a U.S. visa at consulates outside of the applicant's home country, it is not recommended as it may show weak links to the applicant's home country). In addition, the purpose of the visit must suit the definition of the visa, meaning the travel must be for business or pleasure.
Please note: You are not allowed to work in the United States on a B1/B2 visa, whether you are being paid or not. You are also not allowed to attend school or university, including full-time English language courses, or take care of children as an au-pair. Applicants who plan to work in the United States, including for professional performances, must apply for a petition-based visa, a visa that will give you the right to be employed and paid in the U.S.
The following is a list of documents for the Embassy:
Mandatory Documents
- Passport, with at least six months of validation after your planned U.S. entry date.
- One passport size photo, taken in the last six months (5cm X 5cm).
- Processing fee from the post office ("Agra" worth $100).
- Completed visa application forms: DS-156, DS-157, for each applicant.
Recommended Documents
- Applicants should provide evidence to support the purpose of their trip and ties to their homeland. This is relevant whether it is for business or for pleasure. The following are examples of documents that can be provided as evidence at the time of your interview:
- Documents that describe the purpose of the trip and intentions in the U.S.
- Documents that exemplify strong ties to your home country (examples: letter from your employer evidencing employment prior to and subsequent to completion of your trip, 106 etc.)
- In the case of a business trip, documents that describe the purpose of the trip, detailed travel plans and schedule, indication of employment before and after the trip (including 3 recent salary slips) and the intention of the company to pay the travel costs.
- Students should provide receipt of tuition payment or Letter of enrollment/ acceptance and academic transcripts.