A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa to do so. This can be a nonimmigrant (for a temporary stay) or an immigrant visa for (permanent residence).
For many people, a “B” visitor visa is the most appropriate and easiest US visa to get. It is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals wishing to enter the US temporarily for business (B-1) or pleasure/medical treatment (B-2).
In addition, if you want to travel to the United States for different purposes, such as to study, work temporarily, act as a journalist, etc., you must apply for a different visa in the appropriate category.
This article will walk you through the application process for obtaining a B1/B2 and other visas you can convert to.
Application Process for a B-1 or B-2
To apply, you’ll need to prepare the following document:
- Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
- Visa application fee.
- Visa issuance fee.
- USCIS Form I-134, Affidavit of Support (if you depend on someone in the US for financial support); see I-134 Affidavit of Support: Instructions & Tips for Sponsors of Foreign Visitors.
- Your passport is valid for at least six months.
- One passport-style photo (following the State Department requirements)
- Documents showing the purpose of your trip, such as an itinerary, hotel arrangements, and train tickets
- Evidence of your intention to return home at the conclusion of your stay in the United States, including proof of real estate ownership, relationships with immediate family members you’re leaving behind, and a letter from your employer confirming you haven’t quit and that your position will remain open until you return
- Proof of ability to cover your expenses during your travel such as bank statements and evidence of income.
- If you are visiting the US for professional reasons, you must get a letter from your overseas employer outlining your role and the tasks you will be performing while there. The letter should clearly state when you are expected to return and that you will only be paid from sources outside of the United States. If you are going to a trade show or other business event, you will need to bring flyers, your exhibitor contract, and other related materials.
- If you are traveling to the US for medical treatment, you must bring documentation from your doctor that includes your diagnosis and the reason you need to travel to the US for treatment. You should also bring a letter from the US doctor or treatment facility that details the expected duration and cost of your care, as well as evidence of your ability to pay for the trip and your medical needs.
Does B-1/B-2 Visa Guarantee US Entry?
Applicants should note that a visa does not guarantee entrance into the United States. The right to refuse entry rests with US border officials, who may do so if the applicant seems unfit to enter the country.
In a case that they pose a security risk or appear to be utilizing their visa for purposes other than travel, business, or medical care.
For example, suppose a border official opens your bag and discovers that you are bringing a wedding gown and a ton of paperwork from the USCIS for your green card application.
Still, you were only there for a tourist visit. In that case, you will probably be sent back home and may not be allowed to come back for a while.
Can I Convert My US Visit (B) Visa to a Work Visa?
A B-visa is a nonimmigrant, short-term visa. Usually valid for ten years, the visa permits holders to enter the country for a maximum of 180 days per visit.
With a B visa, you are not permitted to work or study in the United States. However, you are legally allowed to change to a work visa at a later time if you want to stay and work in the country for a longer period.
Such requests for visa changes are likely to be seen with suspicion by US immigration authorities, who will probably closely examine your application.
This is true because you apply for a certain kind of visa with a specific intention when you want to enter the US. Your purpose when you first applied for a B1/B2 was to engage in temporary commercial operations or to travel to the US for pleasure, to see loved ones, or for medical care.
You could also do a combination of the two and go back to your home country. However, the Department of State will likely be doubtful of your true intentions now that you are attempting to convert to a US work-visa to stay in the country longer and start a paid job.
If you must give your visa change application or its justification more thought, you risk having your present visa canceled and being permanently prohibited from entering the US.
Can I Convert My US Visit (B) Visa to a Student (F) Visa?
You can also convert from a visiting visa to an F-1 student status to reflect your new situation if you are currently in the country. To accomplish this, you must first have been granted admission to a US university and meet all other F-1 visa requirements.
In addition, you must confirm that your visitor visa is still valid. Suppose you want to use USCIS to modify your immigration status. In that case, you must apply for Form I-20 (“Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”) from your SEVP-certified college or language school.
‘Change of status’ should be noted as the Issue Reason on this form by the school’s Designated School Official (DSO). The I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) charge must then be paid.
Finally, you must pay the filing and biometrics fees as well as submit Form I-539 (“Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status”) to USCIS. You will have to wait for USCIS to react after filing Form I-539.
However, you must confirm that your B-1/B-2 visa’s initial visitor status is still in effect while you wait.
B1/B2 Visa Overstay
If you overstay on your B1/B2 visa and remain in the United States beyond the expiration date on your visa, you could be barred from re-entering the US in the future.
B-1/B-2 Visa Extension
If you’re on a 6-month visitor visa, you can request an additional 6-month extension to your stay without leaving the country.
It’s best to file an extension or AOS request before your current visitor visa expires to ensure you stay in status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change status from B1/B2?
The B1/B2 visa does not grant permanent resident status — they are temporary visas – but you can adjust your status from a B1/B2 visa to another type while you are in the US, as long as you meet certain requirements.
This process involves submitting a change of status application to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
When should I change my status from a visitor to a student?
You should apply to change your status before your program starts. Remember that if you are in the United States on a B-1/B-2 visa, you cannot enroll in classes or begin studying until USCIS has approved your change of status.
Ensure you allow enough time for USCIS to process this. If you are still waiting to hear from USCIS at least 15 days before your start date, you should contact the DSO at your school.
What can I do if my B-1/B-2 visitor visa runs out before I have received my F-1 student visa?
The F-1 student visa allows you to enter the United States up to 30 days before your school program starts. Suppose you are in the United States on a visitor visa, and your status will expire more than 30 days before your program start date.
In that case, you have two options: you can request to extend your current status by filing another Form I-539 to USCIS, or you may leave the US and apply for an F-1 through consular processing.
If you choose to extend your status, you will need to pay a separate filing fee. You can keep an eye on USCIS processing times to help you decide if you want to extend or change your status.
How many times can I visit the US with a B-1/B-2?
Depending on the context, the number of times you can visit the US with a B visa varies. B1/B2 visas are multiple-entry, meaning they can be used to enter the US more than once.
There’s no set limit to the number of times you can visit the US in a year, and it depends on the specific circumstances and discretion of the CBP officers who review your case each time you enter.