Everything you need to know about B1 and B2 visas for the USA
There are a large number of U.S. visas, specific to each situation. B1 and B2 visas are issued to those wishing to travel to the USA for business or pleasure, as offered by ESTA. ESTA is an electronic travel authorization system for tourist, transit and business travel. However, it is only possible to travel for a maximum of 90 days, unlike B1 or B2 visas, which allow a maximum stay of 6 months in the USA.
Why do I need a B1-B2 visa? How do I obtain a B1 or B2 visa, and what are the requirements? Who is this type of visa for? All the answers in this article.
B1 and B2 visas: usefulness
If you’re planning to stay in the USA for an extended period, you’ll need to apply for a visa specific to the purpose of your stay. These are often referred to as B1-B2 or B visas, but they are in fact 2 distinct visas, with 2 different purposes. The first, the B1 visa, allows the holder to travel on business: it’s called the B1 business visa. The second is for tourist purposes: it’s called the B2 tourism visa. What can you do with these 2 visas?
B1 business visa
The B1 allows you to stay in the USA for a maximum of 6 months, for professional reasons. It is important to mention that these “business reasons” do not include employment as such! The B1, unlike the H1B visa, is not a work permit: it only allows you to do business with American business partners and American companies. The B1 visa is valid for between 1 year and 10 years, depending on the case. It allows you to :
- to meet American partners;
- take part in meetings with associates (if you work for a US company);
- attend seminars and conferences on American soil;
- represent your company when signing a contract, negotiating or ordering goods.
Unlike a work permit, a B1 visa does not allow you to receive remuneration from an American company; it is therefore not possible to engage in any paid activity.
The B2 tourist visa
The B2 tourist visa is issued to people wishing to visit the USA for more than 90 days (for shorter stays, it is possible to apply for ESTA authorization). The B2 can also be requested by people wishing to travel to the USA for medical treatment. With a B2, you can :
- attend cultural, sporting and artistic events, etc. ;
- volunteering ;
- visit family and friends in the USA;
- carry out tourist activities such as visiting museums, monuments, historical sites, national parks, etc. ;
- roadtrip and camping;
- benefit from medical care in an American hospital.
The B2 visa, like the B1 visa, does not authorize its holder to carry out paid activities or an internship in the USA on American territory.
How to obtain a B1 or B2 visa
B1/B2 visas are temporary authorizations to stay in the USA. Under no circumstances can they be used to settle or immigrate permanently, or to work in the USA.
To apply for a visa, you need to go to the American embassy or consulate in your country. One of the first things you need to do is gather as many official documents as possible to show that you have ties in your country and that you have no intention of becoming an illegal immigrant in the USA. Such documents could be a marriage certificate, a property deed, a family record book, your employment contract, etc.
You will be asked to fill in the DS-160 form, which is a first selection. The information you provide is forwarded to the consular services of the US embassy. Once the form has been sent, you must make an appointment for an interview at the American embassy . This is a mandatory step that enables the authorities to verify your identity and the reason for your trip. The American representative
will decide whether you qualify for a B1 or B2 visa. You will then have to pay the €120 visa fee on the same day.
Like all American visas, tourist and business visas require time and paperwork. If in the end you decide that you don’t intend to stay in the USA for more than 90 days for tourism or business, you can apply for an ESTA on the official government website or on an independent website instead of applying for a visa.