VizaStep-by-step guide to the US visitor visa application, interview tips, and document requirements.
What Is the B1/B2 Visa?
The B1/B2 is the standard US non-immigrant visitor visa, issued to foreign nationals who wish to visit the United States temporarily for tourism (B2) or business (B1) purposes. In practice, the two categories are almost always issued together as a combined B1/B2 visa, allowing holders to engage in both tourism and business activities during the same trip.
The B2 category covers tourism, holidays, visiting family or friends, receiving medical treatment, and participating in amateur events. The B1 category covers attending business conferences, negotiating contracts, consulting with business associates, and similar activities that do not constitute employment in the US.
The B1/B2 visa does not permit the holder to work in the United States, receive payment from a US source, or enrol in a full course of study. Nationals from Visa Waiver Program countries (such as the UK, Germany, Australia, Japan, and others) may visit the US without a B visa for stays of up to 90 days under the ESTA system.
The DS-160 Application Form
The DS-160 is the mandatory online application form for all US non-immigrant visa categories, including the B1/B2. It must be completed in full at ceac.state.gov before you can book a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate.
The form collects extensive personal, professional, and travel history information. You will need to provide details about your employment history for the past five years, all countries visited in the past five years, any criminal history, and social media handles. The latter has been mandatory since 2019 and applies to most applicants.
After completing the DS-160, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode. Print and bring this page to your interview — you cannot attend your appointment without it. The form cannot be edited after submission; if you need to make changes, you must start a new DS-160.
Booking Your Visa Interview
After completing the DS-160, you must pay the application fee and then schedule an interview appointment at the nearest US embassy or consulate. The visa application fee (MRV fee) for B1/B2 visas is currently $185 USD. Payment methods vary by country.
Interview wait times are one of the most significant practical challenges for B1/B2 applicants. In some countries, interview appointment availability can be extremely limited, with waits of months or even over a year at busy posts. Check the wait times dashboard on the State Department's website (travel.state.gov) early in your planning process.
Required Documents
While the consular officer has discretion in what they request, there is a standard set of documents you should prepare. Bringing well-organised, comprehensive documentation significantly improves your chances at the interview.
- DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended US stay)
- One passport-size photograph (US visa photo specifications)
- MRV fee payment receipt
- Evidence of strong ties to home country (employment letter, property ownership, family ties)
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds for your US stay
- Travel itinerary (hotel bookings, planned activities)
- For business purposes: invitation letter from US company, details of meetings
- Prior US visas or entry stamps (if applicable)
The Visa Interview
The consular interview is typically brief — often just 2–5 minutes. The officer will ask questions about the purpose of your trip, your ties to your home country, and your financial situation. Answer honestly, confidently, and concisely. Do not over-explain; answer exactly what is asked.
The most common reason for B1/B2 refusal is failure to demonstrate sufficient non-immigrant intent — in other words, the officer is not convinced you will return home after your visit. Strong employment, family, and financial ties to your home country are the most effective way to address this concern.
Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, every B1/B2 applicant is presumed to be an intending immigrant until they prove otherwise. The burden of proof is on the applicant. This is why demonstrating ties to your home country is so critical.
Validity and Duration of Stay
A B1/B2 visa is typically issued with a validity of 10 years for nationals of countries with reciprocal arrangements with the US. Some nationalities receive shorter validity due to reciprocity policies. The visa itself is not an authorisation to stay for the full validity period — it only allows you to seek admission at a US port of entry.
The actual duration of authorised stay is determined by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. Most B1/B2 holders are admitted for up to 180 days (6 months) on each entry. The CBP officer stamps your passport or issues an I-94 record specifying your authorised stay.
Interview Tips for Success
Preparation is the single biggest factor in interview success. Know your itinerary thoroughly — you should be able to explain exactly where you are going, why, for how long, and how you are funding the trip without hesitating or looking at notes.
Be clear about your profession and why you need to return home. If you are employed, bring documentation that your employer expects you back. If you are self-employed or a business owner, bring proof of your business activities and financial obligations at home.
- Be concise — interviewers have very limited time per applicant
- Never provide inconsistent or false information — this can result in a permanent ban
- Dress professionally to make a positive impression
- Bring original documents, not photocopies
- If refused, you can reapply — but address the specific reason for refusal first
- A 214(b) refusal does not permanently bar you from future applications
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the US B1/B2 visa cost?
The MRV application fee is $185 USD. This is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied or you cannot attend your appointment.
How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
You are admitted for the period determined by the CBP officer at entry, typically up to 180 days. The visa itself may be valid for 10 years, but each stay is limited by the I-94 admission record.
What is the DS-160 form?
The DS-160 is the online non-immigrant visa application form, completed at ceac.state.gov. It must be submitted before booking your interview.
What does a 214(b) refusal mean?
A 214(b) refusal means the consular officer was not satisfied that you have sufficient ties to your home country to ensure your return. You can reapply with stronger evidence of ties.
Can I work in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
No. The B1/B2 visa explicitly prohibits employment in the US. Working without authorisation is a serious immigration violation.
Disclaimer: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify requirements with the official embassy or consulate before travel. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
VizaHunt Editorial Team
Visa & Travel Research
The VizaHunt editorial team researches visa policies, passport rankings, and travel regulations across 195 countries. Our data is sourced from official government immigration portals, bilateral treaty records, and embassy publications, cross-referenced for accuracy before publication.