What is B1 and B2 Visa in USA || B1/B2 Visa Requirements and Application

B1 and B2 visas are for a short-term stay. Both are non-immigrant temporary visas. Those who want to go to the USA for visiting purpose, can apply for these visas. In this article, we have tried to deep dive into B1 and B2 visas to make you understand very clearly. We have also shown differences between B1 and B2 visas.

Table of contents:- What is B1 and B2 Visa in USA

What is B1 visa in USA
Purpose of the B1 Visa
Eligibility Criteria B1 Visa
What is B2 Visa in USA?
Purpose of B2 Visa
Difference Between B1 and B2 Visa
Final Thought

What is a B1 visa in the USA?

A B1 visa is needed to go to usa for a short-term visit for business. A B1 visa is for those who want to go temporarily to the USA for their business work, a meeting, a conference, or to discuss agreements. One thing must be kept in mind that a B1 visa is not for employment. With this visa, no one can do a job or get wages. A B1 visa is only for building business communication and executing business plans. With a B1 visa, you can participate in professional and official work in the USA. All these must be done within legal limits. A B1 visa is also called a visitor visa or (Business Visitor). It is a type of non-immigrant visa.

Purpose of the B1 Visa

The main purpose of a B1 visa is to build international business relations and temporarily participate in business meetings and conferences. Some examples of the work that can be done under this visa ‍are described below:

Attending a business meeting or conference:

If you want to participate in an international or corporate meeting, seminar, or business conference, then a B1 visa is perfect for you.

Participating in contracts or business negotiations:

If you want to go to the United States to build a partnership or negotiate investments, or to enter into new business agreements with foreign companies, you can use a business visitor visa USA.

Participation in professional, educational, or scientific events:

This visa is applicable for those who are scientists, researchers, or teachers. They can use a B1 visa to attend any professional or educational event.

Consulting with business partners:

B1 visas are also permitted for strategic planning, consulting, or review with a foreign branch of one's own company or organization.

Additionally, this visa allows you to travel to the United States temporarily to settle a property or investment matter.

Eligibility Criteria B1 Visa

To get B1 or a US business visa, certain qualifications and conditions must be met. The US Embassy issues visas considering applicants' professional purpose, financial eligibility, and ties to return home country.

Valid Passport:
Applicants must have a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months' validity.
Firm Intention to return home country:

You have to make the visa officer understand that you are going to the USA for business purposes and you will return to your own country after completing the work.

Financial ability:

You have to show proof of your financial ability, that you have the ability to bear costs during your stay in the USA.

Proof of business purpose:

You have to bear an invitation letter, conference registration, or an official letter given by the company or institution.

Meeting these conditions greatly increases your chances of getting a visa.

B1 Visa Validity and Stay Duration

Generally, the duration of a B1 visa is 6 months. In some cases, the US embassy or consulate issues a multiple-entry visa on the basis of the applicant's needs. If your job is non done within the duration, you can apply for a visa extension. To apply for a visa extension, you have to show valid proof of reason according to the rules of USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). An important point is that a B1 visa does not allow you to work or job. With a B1 visa, you can only stay in the USA before expiring visa; you have to return to your home country.

What is B2 Visa in USA?

B2 is a non-immigrant visa for a short-term stay in the USA. Basically, a B2 visa is provided for tourism, entertainment, and treatment. A B2 visa is used to visit families, sightseeing, and for activities such as receiving medical care. This visa does not allow work permission.

Purpose of B2 Visa.

The primary purpose of a B2 visa is tourism, recreation, and medical treatment.

Activities: Using this US visitor visa, you can visit friends and family, national parks, or get medical care. A B2 visa also does not allow you to work in the USA.

Difference Between B1 and B2 Visa

Many people get confused about the B1 and B2 visas, as both fall under the “Visitor Visa” category. The following comparison will clarify the differences:

Topic	B1 Visa	B2 Visa
Purpose of visa	Business activities, Meetings, Conferences	Tourism, medical, and personal travel.
Type of work	Official or professional	Personal or recreational.
Duration of stay	Usually 6 months	Usually 6 months.
Work permit	No	No
Examples	Business meetings, contract negotiations	Travel, medical treatment, or visiting relatives.

From the comparison discussed above, it is easy to understand that if you want to go to the United States for business purposes, then the B1 visa is the right choice for you.

Final Thought

The business environment in the US is consistently appealing to international investors and entrepreneurs. So, a US business visa provides an opportunity through which you can build business relationships and develop cooperation with US companies. Above all, the B1 visa is an important means of exploring business opportunities in the United States, which can open up new horizons in your international professional journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is b1/b2 visa in usa?
B1 and B2 visas are non-immigrant visas. Both are temporary visas. A B1 visa is issued only for business activities, meetings, and conferences. On the other hand, a B2 visa is issued only for tourism, medical care, and personal travel.

How long can you stay on a B-1 visa?A
B1 visa is usually issued for a 6-month validity. But you can apply for a visa extension with valid proof of reason.

How many times can I enter the U.S. on a B1 visa?
There is no fixed limit to the number of times or entries. Entries depend on your needs. But many people visit multiple times a year with their visitor visa. A B1 visa is issued for occasional visits only. You are not allowed to stay in the USA for a long time. Before expiring your visa, you have to go back to your homeland.

Which visa is better, B1 or B2?
It depends on your intention and needs. A B1 visa allows you to travel for business activities, meetings, and conferences. On the other hand, a B2 allows you to travel for tourism, medical care, and personal travel. Both are non-immigrant temporary visas. You are not permitted to work with these visas.

What is b1/b2 visa foil number?
The B1/B2 visa foil number is the unique identification code for a U.S. visa.
Location: The foil number is printed in the bottom right corner in red ink on the U.S. visa stamp.
Format: It is a unique code, which is a combination of one letter followed by seven or eight digits.
Purpose: As it is a unique identifier for U.S. authorities, it is used to track and validate your visa for entry into the United States.
Synonym: It is also referred to as the visa number.
Additional context: For certain travelers, like Chinese nationals with 10-year B1/B2 visas, this number is crucial for the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) enrollment process.