United State America - USA Visa

U.S. Visitor Visa (B1/B2)

The U.S. Visitor Visa (B1/B2) is intended for individuals who wish to travel to the United States for a short-term stay—whether for business, tourism, medical treatment, or visiting family and friends.

Overview

If you are planning a temporary trip to the United States, you may need a Visitor Visa. This is a non-immigrant visa issued to individuals traveling for:

• Business purposes (B-1)– such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
• Tourism or leisure (B-2)– including vacations, family visits, or medical treatment.
• Combination purposes (B-1/B-2)– allowing both business and tourism activities under a single visa.

What You Can Do with a Visitor Visa

Business (B-1 Visa):

• Attend meetings with business associates
• Participate in professional, scientific, educational, or business events and conferences
• Negotiate contracts
• Settle an estate

Tourism (B-2 Visa):

• Tourism and vacation
• Visit friends and relatives
• Undergo medical treatment
• Attend social events or community programs
• Participate in unpaid amateur sports, musical or cultural activities
• Enroll in a short recreational course (e.g., a two-day cooking class)

What You Cannot Do with a Visitor Visa

The following activities are not allowed under a visitor visa:

• Study or long-term academic programs
• Employment or paid performance
• Working as crew on ships or aircraft
• Journalism or media-related work
• Applying for permanent residence
• Birth tourism (traveling for the sole purpose of giving birth in the U.S.)

How to Apply for a Visitor Visa

Applying for a U.S. Visitor Visa involves several steps, which may vary slightly depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply.

Step 1: Complete the Online Visa Application (Form DS-160)

• Fill out the DS-160 form
• Upload a recent photo as per the required guidelines.
• Print the confirmation page for your interview.

Step 2: Pay Visa Fee

• The non-refundable application fee is $185 USD.
• Additional visa issuance fees may apply depending on nationality.

Step 3: Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for most applicants, except for:

• Children (13 years and younger):Interview usually not required
• Applicants aged 14–79:Interview required (with some exceptions for renewals)
• Applicants aged 80 and above:Interview usually not required

Step 4: Prepare for the Interview

You must carry:

• A valid passport (at least six months valid beyond your intended stay)
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa fee payment receipt
• Photo (if the online upload fails)

Additional documents may include:

• Evidence of trip purpose
• Proof of financial capability
• Ties to your home country (employment, property, family ties)

Step 5: Attend the Interview

A consular officer will assess your eligibility. Fingerprints will also be collected.

• If approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa.
• If additional processing is required, you will be informed.

Visa Validity & Entry

• B-1 Visa:Multiple entry, valid for up to 120 months
• B-2 Visa:Multiple entry, valid for up to 120 months
• B-1/B-2 Visa:Multiple entry, valid for up to 120 months

After Approval

Entering the United States

• Having a visa does not guarantee entryinto the U.S.
• At the port of entry, Customs and Border Protection (CBP)officers decide whether you can enter and for how long.

Extending Your Stay

• You may apply with S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)to extend your stay.
• Overstaying will automatically void your visa and may affect future eligibility.

Change of Status

• If your situation changes (e.g., marriage, employment offer), you may apply to change your statusthrough USCIS.
• A new visa is required for future travel after you leave the U.S.

Important Notes

• A visitor visa does not permit employmentin the U.S.
• Do not finalize travel bookings until your visa is issued.
• A valid visa in an expired passport remains valid; you can carry it with a new passport.

How Can-X Immigration (Punjab) Can Help?

 At Can-X Immigration we provide end-to-end guidance for your U.S. Visitor Visa application – from preparing documentation to interview readiness. Our experts ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and avoid common mistakes that may lead to refusals.

Contact us today to get started on your U.S. Visitor Visa application.