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frequently asked questions B-1 and B-2 Visas
Activities allowed for visitors on B Visas
Some of the most common nonimmigrant visas are the visitor visas which are used for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1 Visa), for tourism/pleasure or medical attention (B-2 Visa), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1 Visa/B-2 Visa).
- Which Visa is required to travel to the United States for a temporary period?
- Which activities are allowed with a B-1 Visa for business?
- Which activities are allowed with a B-2 Visa for tourism/pleasure or medical attention?
- Which Activities are allowed on a Visitor Visa?
- I will be travelling to the United States for medical treatment: am I required to produce documents?
- Are there any additional requirements I should be aware of?
Visas required to travel to the United States for business, recreation or medical needs
B-1 Visa and B-2 Visa are a category of non-immigrant visas issued by the United States government to foreign citizens seeking entry for a temporary period. The two types of B Visa are the B-1 Visa, issued to those seeking entry for business purposes, and the B-2 Visa, issued to those seeking entry for tourism or other non-business purposes. Citizens of certain countries do not need to obtain a Visa for these purposes.
Back to the List of Questions on B1/B2 Visas
Activities permitted with a B-1 visa for business
Professionals, executives, academic personnel can:
- Consult with business associates
- Attend a scientific, educational, professional or business convention or conference
- Settle an estate
- Negotiate a contract
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Activities allowed with a B-2 Visa for tourism/pleasure or medical attention
Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor on a B-2 Visa:
- Tourism
- Vacation(Holiday)
- Visit with friends or relatives
- Medical treatment
- Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social or service organizations
- Participation by amateurs in musical, sports or similar events or contests if not being paid for participating
- Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree
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Activities allowed on a Visitor Visa
Visitor Visas do not allow you to travel for the purpose of:
- Study
- Employment
- Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
- Arrival as a crew member on a ship or aircraft
- Work as a foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism or other information media
- Permanent residence in the United States.
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Seeking medical treatment in the United States
If you are seeking medical treatment in the United States, the consular officer may ask you for additional evidence:
- Medical diagnosis from a local physician
- Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States stating that they are willing to treat for a specific ailment and detaining the length and cost of treatment
- Proof of that your transportation, medical and living expenses in the United States will be paid.
Back to the List of Questions on B1/B2 Visas
Additional B-1/B-2 visa requirements you should be aware of
You will be required:
- to have a valid passport for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay in the United States;
- The DS160 confirmation page and proof of applicant fee payment;
Additional documentation may be required establishing:
- The purpose of your trip;
- Your intent to depart the United States after your trip
- Your ability to pay all costs of the trip