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United States · Visit (no work)
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
- Processing
- Varies by embassy
- Cost
- From $185
- Validity
- Stays often up to 6 months
Required for short business trips or tourism. Cannot work or study full-time.
Requirements
- Demonstrate strong ties to home country
- Proof of temporary intent (will return home)
- Sufficient funds for trip
- Clear purpose of visit
- No immigrant intent
Restrictions
- Cannot work or receive payment from US sources
- Cannot study full-time (only short recreational courses)
- Max 6 months per entry
- Must demonstrate non-immigrant intent
Time and cost
- Processing time
- Varies by embassy, from days to months
- Validity
- Visa validity depends on nationality. CBP sets the permitted stay at entry, often up to 6 months
- Cost
From $185
Required
- $185 visa application fee
Optional
- $250 visa-integrity fee at issuance, if your post already charges it, as DHS is still rolling it out post by post ($250 is the statutory floor before annual inflation adjustments)
Documents
DS-160 confirmation
Online nonimmigrant visa application
Valid passport
Usually valid for 6 months beyond the stay; some nationalities are exempt
Passport photo
Recent 2x2 inch photo
Proof of ties to home country (if it applies)
Employment letter, property, family ties
Bank statements (if it applies)
Last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds
Travel itinerary (if it applies)
Flight reservations, hotel bookings
Invitation letter (if it applies)
If visiting for business meetings
Tips
- Be prepared to explain your trip clearly at the interview
- Bring supporting documents even if not explicitly required
- Strong ties to your home country support approval