B-1 / B-2 / Visit guide
A clear plan for a temporary visit
Understand B-1 business visits and B-2 tourism, prepare an evidence folder and separate visa validity from your permitted stay.
The starting point
Start with what you intend to do in the United States. A short trip is not automatically a visitor trip: the activities matter as much as the length of your stay.
Choose by activity, not convenience
The Department of State distinguishes temporary business visits under B-1 from tourism, family visits and certain medical travel under B-2. A combined B-1/B-2 visa can cover both kinds of permitted activity. It does not provide general permission to work in the United States.
Write a plain-language itinerary before selecting a category. A conference, a holiday and taking a paid position are different purposes even if each lasts a week. If your plans mix meetings with productive work, seek advice on the actual activities rather than relying on the label ‘business trip’.
Prepare a coherent account of your trip
The consular process can involve the DS-160, a passport, a photograph, payment evidence and an interview. Follow the instructions of the embassy or consulate handling your application. Evidence may be requested about the trip’s purpose, how it will be funded and your intention to leave after the visit.
- Keep your dates and accommodation plans consistent across your records.
- Explain who pays for the trip and keep relevant financial evidence available.
- Check names, passport details and previous travel information before submitting a form.
- Do not invent employment, income or family ties to make a stronger-looking application.
A visa date is not a departure date
A visa’s expiration date concerns its use for travel to seek admission. It does not, by itself, tell you how long you may remain after entry. Review your admission record and the conditions of your stay. A visa also does not guarantee admission.
Keep a copy of your I-94 with your travel records. If a date or classification looks wrong, use the official correction route rather than assuming that the visa sticker settles the issue.
Read the two categories separately
If your itinerary includes professional meetings, compare the B-1 business visitor category with your intended activities. For a holiday or family visit, the B-2 visitor visa reference provides a separate starting point. The distinction helps you ask more precise questions before applying.
Questions to settle before booking
Which activities will you perform, where will you apply and what official instructions apply to your nationality? Check current appointment procedures, fees and any entry restrictions before making non-refundable commitments. An old approval or a friend’s experience is not a promise of the same result.
Your preparation notes
Checks stay in this page only; they are not submitted or saved after you leave.
Official sources and review
Reviewed 2 October 2026. Requirements can change; consult the linked official instructions before applying. This article explains a category and preparation questions, not your individual eligibility. How we review our guides.