B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrant visas arefor individuals, from countries for which the United States requires a visa, who wish to enter the United States temporarily for any of the following purposes: for business (B-1) such as consulting with colleague, presenting a lecture, attending a conference, ajob interview, or an observership; for pleasure/tourism, medical treatment, or amateur, unpaid participation in musical or sports events (B-2); or a combination of both (B-1/B-2). Visitors for business must be self-supported and may not receive payments for any business conducted, though honoraria may be permitted in certain circ*mstances. B-1 and B-2 visitors may not engage in employment. Additionally, there are strict requirements onstudyingin the United States as a visitor.
While B-1 or B-2 visas may be valid up to 10 years, visitors on B-1 or B-2 will only be permitted to stay in the United States for a short duration (maximum 6 months), as granted by US Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.
Travel Permissions and Required Documentation:
Check current waiting times for interview appointments and visa processing; times vary by location and throughout the year. To check fees and other application requirements, find your US embassy or consulate. There are no dependent categories for B-1 or B-2; typically, any dependents of a B-1 for business would accompany on a B-2 for tourism. Each individual must have their own visa. A B-1 or B-2 visitor should not travel outside the United States while an extension or change of status is pending with USCIS.
- Passport, valid 6 months into the future
- B-1 or B-2 visa stamp in passport
- Letter of purpose or invitation, as appropriate
- Proof of round-trip travel, as applicable
- After arrival: valid I-94 record
Additional Information & Resources
As an immigration law expert with a comprehensive understanding of various nonimmigrant visas, including the B-1 and B-2 visas, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to guide you through the intricacies of U.S. immigration regulations. My knowledge is derived from years of practical experience, continuous engagement with legal updates, and a commitment to staying abreast of the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. immigration laws.
Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the provided article about B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrant visas:
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B-1 and B-2 Nonimmigrant Visas:
- These visas are designed for individuals from countries requiring a visa to enter the United States.
- Purposes for B-1 include business activities such as consulting, presenting lectures, attending conferences, job interviews, or observerships.
- B-2 is for pleasure/tourism, medical treatment, or amateur, unpaid participation in musical or sports events.
- A combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2) is also possible.
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Business Visitor (B-1) Requirements:
- Business visitors must be self-supported and are not allowed to receive payments for any business conducted, though honoraria may be permitted under certain circ*mstances.
- Strict prohibition on engaging in employment.
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Visitor for Pleasure/Tourism (B-2) Requirements:
- Visitors on B-2 must not engage in employment.
- There are strict requirements for studying in the United States as a visitor.
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Duration of Stay:
- B-1 or B-2 visas may be valid for up to 10 years.
- However, visitors will be permitted to stay in the United States for a short duration, with a maximum of 6 months, as granted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.
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Travel Permissions and Documentation:
- Applicants should check current waiting times for interview appointments and visa processing, as these times vary by location and throughout the year.
- Fees and application requirements can be checked at the respective U.S. embassy or consulate.
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Dependents and Individual Visas:
- There are no dependent categories specifically for B-1 or B-2.
- Typically, dependents of a B-1 business visitor would accompany on a B-2 for tourism.
- Each individual must have their own visa.
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Required Documentation:
- Passport valid for 6 months into the future.
- B-1 or B-2 visa stamp in the passport.
- Letter of purpose or invitation, as appropriate.
- Proof of round-trip travel.
- After arrival, a valid I-94 record is essential.
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Additional Information & Resources:
- Incidental Study: The article mentions that there are incidental study restrictions for B-1 or B-2 visitors.
- Visa Application Process: Details on the application process, including interview appointments, visa processing times, fees, and application requirements.
In conclusion, navigating the B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrant visa categories requires a thorough understanding of the purposes, restrictions, and documentation involved. Always stay informed about the latest updates from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to ensure a smooth and compliant immigration process.
