B-1 / B-2 Visa

B-1 / B-2 Visa:

  • The B-1 business visitor visa classification allows individuals to temporarily visit the U.S. for limited business activities, e.g. for contract negotiations, to meet with business associates, or to attend conferences.

  • The B-2 visitor visa classification allows individuals to temporarily visit the U.S. for pleasure / recreation, e.g. for tourism, amusement, or to visit with friends or relatives.

Basic B-1 / B-2 Visa Requirements:

  • To qualify for a B-1/B-2 visa, individuals must: 

    • Have a residence outside the U.S. that they have no intention of abandoning as well as other ties such as employment, which will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit. 

    • Be visiting the U.S. temporarily for limited business activities (e.g. business meetings) or for pleasure / recreation. 

    • Not engage in any employment for a U.S. employer while visiting the U.S., or receive any compensation from a U.S. source. (A U.S. source may provide an individual with expenses for their trip, e.g. reasonable travel or meal/lodging expenses.)

    • Have sufficient financial resources to cover their expenses during the visit. 

B-1 Visa For Professional Athletes:

  • Individuals may qualify for a B-1 visa if they are a professional athlete who:

    • Meets the above basic B-1 visa requirements.

    • Will participate in a tournament or sporting event in the U.S.

    • Will receive no salary or payment other than prize money from the event.

B-2 Visa For Amateur Athletes:

  • Individuals may qualify for a B-2 visa if they are an amateur athlete who:

    • Will participate as a competitor in an athletic event, or other similar activity.

    • Will not be paid for participation in the event.

    • Is not normally compensated for participating in such events (other than for expenses).

Application Process:

  • If the applicant is not in the U.S., the applicant must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa stamp at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their home country. (Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa stamp requirement, and may seek entry to the U.S. as a visitor directly at the port-of-entry.)

  • Under the Visa Waiver Program, individuals from certain countries may be eligible to travel to the U.S. as a B-1/B-2 visitor without first obtaining a visa stamp at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

  • If the applicant is currently in the U.S. under another visa classification, an I-539 application can be filed as a “change of status.” When USCIS approves the I-539 application, the applicant’s visa status is automatically changed to B-1/B-2 visa status.

Approval Period:

  • The validity period of a B-1/B-2 visa stamp, which governs a person’s ability to travel to he U.S. will depend on the applicant’s citizenship. For example, a citizen of Brazil may be issued a B-1/B-2 visa stamp valid for up to 120 months.

  • Individuals entering the U.S. under B-1 / B-2 visa status can be generally admitted up to a 6-month period.

  • Individuals can potentially extend their B-1 / B-2 visa status in 6-month intervals.

  • Individuals entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program may be admitted to the U.S. for 90 days.

More Information:

Revised April 8, 2023.