Tourist and Business Visas
B1 visas are issued to those visiting the United States to perform temporary business, such as attending meetings or consulting together with its partners. The B2 visas are issued to those visiting the U.S. for tourism and leisure or for medical treatment.
ACTIVITIES THAT ARE ALLOWED WITH A B1 OR B2 VISA
People who enter the U.S. on a B1 or B2 visa can only do so for the following reasons.
- Tourism, vacation and visiting friends and relatives
- Getting medical treatment
- Participation in scientific, educational, professional, religious or business conventions
- Performing commercial transactions not involving gainful employment, such as consulting together with customers or business partners
EVIDENCE FOR OBTAINING A B1 OR B2 VISA
When requesting a B1 or B2 visa, you must present evidence that demonstrates your reason for entering the United States, its intention to leave the country after serving the purpose of your trip, and their ability to pay for the trip.
This evidence may include invitations (e.g. marriages or graduations), tickets to events, programs, itineraries, letters from friends and family, medical records and letters from your employer. You can show your intention to leave the United States provide evidence of permanent residence, employment, or family or business ties that bind you to your country of origin. To demonstrate the ability to pay for the trip, you can use your bank account, credit cards, traveler’s checks, cash, and travel reservations and hotel paid in advance.
To apply for any type of visa, you should consult the consulate procedures by which you want to get the visa, because procedures vary from consulate to another. Visit www.usembassy.gov for more information.
VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
The United States began the visa waiver program in 1986 to enable citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without the need to obtain a visa. However, the exchange visitor waives certain rights, including the right to change or extend their immigration status, to request an administrative or judicial review if you are denied entry into the United States (with exceptions limited to those seeking seekers) and challenge a deportation order
An exception to the rule is that no extension spouses, parents and minor children of U.S. citizens can process applications for permanent residence in the United States without having to leave the country, even if they entered through the visa waiver program. For more information, go to www.cbp.gov.
CANADIAN VISITORS
People with Canadian passport may enter the United States as visitors without needing a visa. However, this condition can be extended or modified. Canadian visitors also have the right to challenge the deportation from the United States and may obtain permanent residency without having to leave the United States.