What are the B1 and B2 visas for the USA?

Please note that as of June 2022, the CDC no longer requires travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID pre-arrival to the US

If you want to travel to the United States for short stays, but you do not qualify for a US ESTA, which is available only to people who are from countries that are in the US Visa Waiver Program, you may qualify for a B1 or B2 visa. Which one do you need? It depends on the purpose of your visit. Learn more about the American B1/B2 visa in this blog!

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What is a B1 Visa?

The B1 visa is meant for people who travel to the US for business purposes. That includes a relatively large area of activities. You can attend meetings with business associates, settle an estate, negotiate a contract, or use the B1 to attend a convention or conference on scientific, professional, educational, or business matters.

What is a B2 Visa?

The B2 visa is mostly for tourism, but one can also use it for medical purposes. Like the B1, the B2 also has multiple uses. Most people apply for it for tourism because they want to go to the United States on vacation, but you can also apply for it if you wish to visit your family or friends, seek medical attention, want to attend social events, contests, and concerts, or if you plan to take a cooking class. Remember that you can use a B2 visa only if you attend classes, not for credit toward a degree. That requires a whole different type of visa.

What is an American B1/B2 Visa?

The American B1/B2 is a combination of both visas and has many benefits. It is a Multiple Entry visa that allows you to stay for a maximum of 180 days Per Entry and it has a validity of 10 years after issued.

How to apply for a B1/B2 visa for the USA?

The application process for a B1/B2 visa is relatively simple compared to other types of visas.

1) The first thing you need to do is to fill in an application form that you can find online. The form is called a DS-160. You should also know that a photo is required, and you must ensure that it follows the requirements imposed by the US government. It may come as a surprise, but many applications are denied because the photo does not follow the official guidelines.

2) Once you complete the application, you must submit it. An application form confirmation is issued, and you need to print it out. You are required to present it when you go to your interview.

3) After completing the application for your B1/B2 visa, you need to schedule an interview. Children who are 13 or younger, as well as people who are over 80, do not need an interview. The rule for the 14-79 age group is that an interview is necessary, but there are a few exceptions.

How long do I need to wait to get an interview?

What you should know is that the waiting period for an interview varies, it can take months or years if you apply alone. It also depends on where you are from, the season you want to travel, and the visa category. That is why you should complete the application form well before your trip.

What are the steps to apply for this visa at iVisa?

iVisa helps you to get your visa in only a few steps with the help of a visa expert to help you to achieve success!

Fill out the online simplified application with the guidance of our Didactic Manual and pay your chosen fee with a credit/debit card or with PayPal.
Get unlimited support during the entire process from our team of iVisa Experts that will help you apply correctly.
Send all the required documents to the Embassy or Consulate, and attend the Visa Interview if needed.
Receive your new visa and get ready to travel!

Pretty easy, right? You can apply here.

How Much Does the B1/B2 Visa Cost?

iVisa offers you a variety of prices according to your time and budget. In addition, we include the USD $185.00 MRV fee, and we provide you with a visa expert to help you through the whole process to achieve success! In addition, we have a short manual to fill out your form, and we are available 24/7 to answer any question. Contact us here.

What documents do I need to apply for the B1/B2 Visa?

That fee depends on your nationality. Other documents you need are as follows:

Valid passport – the passport must be valid for at least another 6 months from the intended date of departure from the US;
The application confirmation document;
The receipt of the fee you paid – only applies when you are asked to pay before your interview. It is not always the case;
Photo – this applies if the photo you upload when you fill in the online application form is faulty or the upload fails. Remember that additional documentation may be required, but you will be notified. Once you finish the interview and your B1/B2 visa for the USA is granted, you can book your flight and enter the United States. You can extend your stay if necessary, but only if you follow the procedure.