United States/B1/B2 Visitor Visa

US B1/B2 Visitor Visa Requirements

Complete guide to US B1/B2 Tourist and Business Visa requirements including interview tips, documents, and application process.

Processing: Varies by embassy (interview wait times can be days to months)

Fee: $185

Updated: Jan 2026

Overview

The B1/B2 visa is the most common US visa for temporary visitors. B1 is for business purposes (meetings, conferences, negotiations) while B2 is for tourism, visiting family, or medical treatment. Most applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visa.

The key to a successful US visa application is demonstrating that you have a legitimate purpose for travel and strong ties to your home country that will ensure your return. The visa interview is crucial and can make or break your application.

B1/B2 visas are typically issued for 10 years, allowing multiple entries, but each stay is limited (usually up to 6 months, determined at entry).

Eligibility Requirements

Valid passport for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Genuine temporary purpose for visit (tourism/business)
Intent to depart US after authorized stay
Strong ties to home country
Sufficient funds to cover US expenses
No immigrant intent

Required Documents

Valid Passport

Required

Valid for 6 months beyond intended stay

Bring old passports showing travel history

DS-160 Confirmation

Required

Online visa application confirmation page

Complete the DS-160 form carefully and accurately

Passport Photo

Required

Recent photo meeting US specifications (2x2 inches)

Interview Appointment Letter

Required

Confirmation of embassy interview appointment

Flight Itinerary

Optional

Proof of intended travel dates

Recommended - use our Flight Itinerary Generator

Hotel Reservations

Optional

Accommodation proof for your stay

Use our Hotel Booking Generator

Cover Letter

Optional

Letter explaining purpose of visit

Highly recommended - use our Cover Letter Generator

Proof of Employment

Required

Employment letter with salary and leave approval

Key document for showing ties to home country

Financial Documents

Required

Bank statements, tax returns, property documents

Last 6 months of bank statements recommended

Invitation Letter (if applicable)

Optional

If visiting family/friends or attending business meetings

Use our Sponsor Letter Generator

Proof of Ties to Home Country

Required

Property ownership, business registration, family ties

Critical for visa approval

Application Steps

Complete DS-160 Form

Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application form

Pay MRV Fee

Pay the $185 visa application fee

Schedule Interview

Book appointment at US Embassy or Consulate

Gather Documents

Prepare all supporting documents

Attend Interview

Answer questions from visa officer

Wait for Decision

Visa approved, denied, or administrative processing

Receive Passport

Collect passport with visa (if approved)

Visa Fees

Type	Amount	Note
MRV Fee (B1/B2)	$185	Non-refundable application fee
Visa Issuance Fee	$Varies	Reciprocity fee for some countries

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions are asked in US visa interview?

Common questions include: Purpose of visit? Who is sponsoring your trip? Where will you stay? How long will you stay? What do you do for work? Have you been to the US before? Do you have family in the US? The key is to answer confidently and truthfully.

How can I prove ties to my home country?

Strong ties include: stable employment, property ownership, business ownership, family members (spouse, children), bank accounts with significant funds, and investments. Show that you have reasons to return.

Can I apply without a confirmed flight ticket?

Yes, you don't need confirmed tickets. A flight itinerary showing your intended travel dates is sufficient. Use our Flight Itinerary Generator to create this document.

How long can I stay in the US with B1/B2 visa?

The visa may be valid for 10 years, but each entry stay is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry. Typically, you get up to 6 months per visit.

What if my US visa is denied?

You can reapply if circumstances change significantly. Common reasons for denial include insufficient ties to home country, incomplete documents, or inability to demonstrate genuine temporary visit intent.

Generate Your Documents

Create all required documents for your B1/B2 Visitor Visa application

Flight Itinerary Generator Hotel Booking Generator Visa Cover Letter Generator

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Processing Time

Varies by embassy (interview wait times can be days to months)

Standard processing

Important

Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate website before applying.

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