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Visiting America
 B-1/B-2
Visitor's Visas
Visitor visas are available for individuals
seeking to come to the U.S. for short visits for the
purpose of business or pleasure. All applicants for
visitor visas must show that Applicants must also show
that they:
- Have a permanent residence abroad;
- Are coming to the United States for 6 months or
less (with an additional 6 months extension
possible as needed);
- Will not engage in skilled/unskilled labor or
attend school;
B-1 business visitor visas are granted for a
short time period to people who want to come to the
United States to conduct business, attend a
professional or scholarly conference, exhibit at or
attend a trade show, and participate in other related
business events. Such visits must not involve local
employment. They may engage in commerce, negotiate
contracts, attend business meetings for an employer
abroad, consult with business associates, or represent
a foreign client in a court proceeding. In order to
apply for a visa and to enter the United States as a
visitor for business, applicants must go to a U.S.
Consulate or Embassy abroad and complete the form OF
156. At that time, they will be asked to provide proof
of the temporary business purpose for which the trip
is being made, and how this will benefit the foreign
company or subsidiary.
B-2 Visitors for Pleasure must show that they
are coming to the United States for pleasure, tourism,
or to visit friends or relatives.
Nationals of certain
countries may be eligible to visit the U.S. for up
to 90 days without obtaining a visa. This program is
called the "Visa Waiver Program."
Individuals who enter the United States under the Visa
Waiver Program may not change to another non-immigrant
classification, extend their stay, or adjust to an
immigrant visa classification while in the United
States.
Individuals in the United States as visitors may
not engage in "employment" in the United
States. This means the may not be paid wages from any
U.S. source. Appropriate documentation for this
category are invitation letters, an itinerary, proof
of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in the
United States, round trip ticket, proof of ties to
ones home country, and a valid foreign passport.
It typically takes less than one week to receive a
visitor visa if approved.
In this section see
also:
Working
in the USA
Visiting
America
K-1 Fiancée
Visas
Studying
in the USA
Educational
and Cultural Exchanges
Reentry
into the USA by Non-immigrant Aliens Holding
Expired Visas
Passport
Validity
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