What’s the difference between a B-1 and B-2 Visa?

What’s the difference between a B-1 and B-2 Visa? The B1 visa and B2 visa are temporary, non-immigrant visas that allow the holder to travel to the United States for either business or vacations. Temporary travel usually is covered by B visas except for student travel, which is covered under F-1 visas. Keep reading and discover more!

The B-1 visa is destined for business trips, while the B-2 visa is destined for tourism, such as vacations for example. The B1 and B2 Visas are used for numerous reasons for travel to the United States that includes both business and non-business purposes.

Reasons for travel under a B1 visa include doing business or attending business meetings and reasons for travel under a B2 visa include visiting family, receiving medical treatment, or engaging in events or classes, if there is no payment or credit involved.

So, what is the difference between B1 and B1 B2 visa?

Keep in mind that you cannot travel under a B2 visa in the following situations:

• Study;
• Long-term employment by a U.S. firm;
• Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience;
• Arrival as a crewmember of a ship or aircraft;
• Work as a foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media;
• Permanent residence in the United States;

How long can you stay in the US with a B1 B2 visa?

A B1 visa and a B2 visa are temporary they do not grant permanent resident status, but the holder can apply for a Green Card. The maximum amount of time issued for B visas is 180 days.

To be eligible for a B1 visa or B2 visa, the applicant must prove that the travel is temporary, and they have financial conditions to cost the trip.

Is also required to prove that they have no intention of remaining in the United States beyond their stay and abandoning a residence outside of the United States.

You will need these documents to apply:

• A passport valid for six months past the date of return;
• A recent digital photograph, which meets these requirements;
• Documentation of the past five previous trips to the United States, if applicable;
• Proof of funds to cover the entire cost of the trip, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses;
• Proof of binding ties to their home country, such as a job, property, or family;

The government filing fee for a B visa is $160, not including the cost of gathering documents and evidence and acquiring passport photos.

The procedure to obtain these kinds of Visa is simple, usually, applications can be processed by the United States Embassy or consulate in your country. You also can do this in a third country, but it will take longer to process the visa application.

You will need to provide a receipt for all fees at your interview, as well as the confirmation page for DS-160.

The Online Non-Immigrant Application, form DS-160, must be completed and an interview will need to be conducted before an application is accepted.

Can I work in the U.S. on a B-1 / B-2 visa?

No. You cannot work or be employed by a U.S. employer. If you intend to work in the U.S. for a U.S. employer, you may be interested in other visa categories, such as the H-1B visa.

How many times can I enter the U.S. with a B1 B2 visa?

You can travel to the U.S. as many times as you want during the period of validity of the visa. There is no restriction on the number of times you may visit.

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