What is the difference between B1 and B2 visa?
What is the difference between B1 and B2 visa?
What is the difference between B1 and B2 visa?
People who intend to visit the United States from a foreign country will most likely need a visa to enter the territory. Three of those are the B-Category visas, that are for temporary visitors and non-immigrants.
B1 visas for business-related projects
These visas are issued for people doing business-related projects in the United States and ideal for those who need to spend less than six months in the country while they are working on a temporary business project.
Some of the activities the person can do with this visa are attending conventions, exhibits or business meetings; competing in non-professional sporting events; conducting independent research; negotiating and signing contracts; consultation on professional services; purchasing business supplies; settling an estate; take an exam.
If your business trip will take longer than six months you can apply for an extension on your visa, if the project expectations were less than six months when you entered the country. However, lying about the length of your stay may result in a violation of the visa’s term and it could prevent you from receiving a new visa in the future.
For those who need to stay longer than six months for business purposes, they can apply for an immigrant visa. If you need help with what type of visa you need for entering the United States, you can always contact an immigration lawyer that will help you out.
B2 tourist visas
Tourists that are planning on spending less than six months in the country will obtain a B2 visa. With this document the person may also attend reunions; weddings and ceremonies; recreational classes; seek and receive medical treatment; visit family or friends; visit tourist attractions.
In some cases, if needed, the visa holder may apply for an extension but documentation will be requested before the visa expires. As with the B1 visa, violating the terms may prevent you from returning to the country in the future.
B1/B2 visas
Many people apply for a combination of the B1 and B2 visas, which is called a B1/B2 visa. This will allow the traveler to do business and also tourism while in the United States territory. It is a flexible solution for someone that wants to take full advantage of their time in the country.
To obtain this visa you will need to complete the DS-160 form and submit it online with a photograph; schedule an interview; and pay the application fee.
Once the interview is scheduled you will need to gather and submit the required documentation, complete the meeting and wait for the visa to be approved.
However, not every visitor needs a B1 or B2 visa for entering the United States. The Visa Waiver Program is an alternative to requesting a visa if the person is planning on spending less than 90 days in the territory for business or pleasure.
To qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, the person needs to be a resident of one of these countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
They will also need a valid passport for at least six months after their planned departure from the US, have no intent to permanently reside in the country and cannot be a national of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria (even if the traveler carries the passport of another country).
If you have any questions about your visa application or what is the best option for you, contact an immigration attorney in California. At Kannan Law, we are ready to assist you, get in contact with us today!