United States/B1/B2 Visitor Visa

US B1/B2 Visa: $185 Fee + $250 Integrity Fee (Pending) & Interview Required

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
Last verified:April 2026
Updated:
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Verified:
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Reviewed byVisaCalm Editorial Team
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What This Means for You

You will need to apply for a US B1/B2 visa and attend an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. The process involves completing the DS-160 online application, paying fees, and scheduling an interview.

Check current interview wait times for your location before making travel plans. Wait times can range from a few days to several months depending on the embassy and season. The visa fee is $185. A $250 Visa Integrity and Fraud Prevention Fee has been enacted but implementation is pending — check travel.state.gov for the latest status before applying.

Prepare thoroughly for your interview. The consular officer will ask about your travel plans, ties to your home country, and purpose of visit. Be honest, concise, and confident. Bring all supporting documents even if not all are reviewed.

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

Flight reservations or travel plan showing your intended dates of arrival and departure from the US

Recommended - check the US embassy website for accepted travel documentation

Hotel Reservations

Optional

Accommodation proof for your stay

Include hotel confirmation details

Cover Letter

Optional

Letter explaining purpose of visit

Highly recommended - use our Cover Letter Generator Try it now

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 Try it now

Proof of Ties to Home Country

Required

Property ownership, business registration, family ties

Critical for visa approval

Application Steps

1

Complete DS-160 Form

Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application form

2

Pay Visa Fees

Pay the $185 MRV fee. A $250 Visa Integrity and Fraud Prevention Fee has been enacted but implementation is pending — check travel.state.gov for the latest status.

3

Schedule Interview

Book appointment at US Embassy or Consulate

4

Gather Documents

Prepare all supporting documents

5

Attend Interview

Answer questions from visa officer

6

Wait for Decision

Visa approved, denied, or administrative processing

7

Receive Passport

Collect passport with visa (if approved)

Visa Fees

TypeAmountNote
MRV Fee (B1/B2)$185Non-refundable application fee
Visa Integrity and Fraud Prevention Fee$250Enacted but implementation is pending. Check travel.state.gov for the latest status before applying.
Visa Issuance Fee$VariesReciprocity fee for some countries
View full United States fee breakdown

Common Reasons for Refusal

Understanding these can help you strengthen your application

  • 1Failure to demonstrate strong ties to home country
  • 2Insufficient evidence of stable employment or income
  • 3Unclear or unconvincing purpose of visit
  • 4Previous US visa violations or overstays
  • 5Inconsistent answers during interview
  • 6Inadequate financial documentation
  • 7Perceived immigrant intent
  • 8Failure to overcome presumption of immigrant intent (Section 214(b))

If your application is refused: You will receive a letter explaining the reason. In most cases, you can reapply immediately with a stronger application addressing the concerns raised.

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions are asked in a US visa interview?

Common questions include: What is the purpose of your 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, concisely, and truthfully. The interview is typically 2-5 minutes.

What counts as "strong ties" to my home country?

Strong ties include: stable employment (especially long-term), property or real estate ownership, business ownership with tax records, immediate family members (spouse, children) who remain behind, significant bank balances and investments, and active community commitments. The consular officer wants to see that you have compelling reasons to return home after your visit.

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

The visa may be valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries, but each stay is determined by the CBP officer at the US port of entry. Typically you are admitted for up to 6 months per visit. Visa validity and permitted length of stay are separate things — having a 10-year visa does not mean you can stay 10 years.

What is the difference between B1 and B2 visas?

B1 covers business travel (conferences, contract negotiations, consulting, board meetings). B2 covers tourism, visiting family, medical treatment, and social events. Most applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visa that covers both purposes. Neither permits paid employment in the US.

What happens if my US visa is denied under Section 214(b)?

Section 214(b) means the officer was not convinced you have strong enough ties to your home country. It is the most common refusal reason and is not a permanent ban. You can reapply at any time with a new DS-160 and fee payment. Before reapplying, strengthen your documentation — a promotion, property purchase, new family obligations, or improved financial situation can help. Simply reapplying with the same information rarely produces a different result.

What is administrative processing (Section 221g)?

Administrative processing means your application requires additional review beyond the standard interview. It is not a denial. It is more common for applicants in STEM fields, advanced technology, defence-related industries, or those with travel history to certain countries. Processing times range from 2 weeks to several months. You cannot expedite it. Do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is approved.

How far in advance should I apply for a US visa?

Apply as early as possible — at least 3-6 months before your planned travel date. Interview wait times vary significantly by consulate and season, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Summer (May-August) and holiday season (November-January) typically have the longest waits. You can check current wait times at ustraveldocs.com.

Can I extend my stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?

Yes, you can apply for an extension by filing Form I-539 with USCIS before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted in increments of up to 6 months. You must demonstrate a legitimate reason for the extension and that you still intend to leave the US. Apply well before your current authorized stay expires — processing can take several months.

Can I work in the US on a B1/B2 visa?

No. The B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid employment in the United States. Working on a B1/B2 is a violation of your visa status and can result in deportation, visa cancellation, and a ban on future US entry. If you need to work in the US, you must obtain an appropriate work visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.).

Do I need travel insurance for a US visa application?

Travel insurance is not a formal requirement for a US B1/B2 visa application, unlike Schengen visas. However, the US has extremely high healthcare costs, and having travel insurance is strongly recommended for your own protection. Some consular officers may view it positively as evidence of thorough trip planning.

Can I apply for a US visa without a confirmed flight ticket?

Yes. You do not need a confirmed flight booking to apply for a US B1/B2 visa. In fact, it is generally advised not to purchase non-refundable tickets before your visa is approved. A travel itinerary or tentative plans are sufficient. The consular officer is more interested in your purpose of travel and ties to your home country than in a specific flight reservation.

How soon can I reapply after a US visa denial?

There is no mandatory waiting period. You can reapply immediately by submitting a new DS-160 and paying the fee again. However, reapplying without any change in your circumstances is unlikely to produce a different outcome. Take time to strengthen your application — improved finances, stronger employment, or new ties to your home country can make a meaningful difference.

What is the US visa bond programme?

As of April 2026, the US has implemented a visa bond programme for applicants from 51 countries. If your country is included, you may be required to post a bond of $5,000-$15,000 that is returned after you depart the US on time. The bond amount varies by assessed risk. Check the latest State Department guidance for your nationality.

Generate Your Documents

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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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Official Sources

This information is based on the following official sources. Always verify with these sources before submitting applications.

B1/B2 Visa Information

Official B1/B2 visitor visa page

travel.state.govOfficial
DS-160 Application

The official Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal used to submit the DS-160 application.

ceac.state.govOfficial
Schedule Visa Appointment

The official scheduling system for securing an interview date at a US Embassy or Consulate.

ustraveldocs.com
Visa Fees

A verified compilation of current consular application fees to help you budget accurately for processing.

travel.state.govOfficial
Photo Requirements

Strict official technical requirements regarding composition, sizing, and lighting for your visa application photo.

travel.state.govOfficial

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