Non-Immigrant Visas
B-1/B-2
Business & Tourist Visitor
Visit the United States for business meetings, conferences, or leisure travel.
A B-1/B-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visitor visa that allows eligible individuals to travel temporarily to the United States for business (B-1), tourism, or medical treatment (B-2). B-1 visas generally cover certain business activities, such as attending meetings, negotiating contracts, and participating in professional conferences. B-2 visas cover tourism, visiting family and friends, and obtaining medical treatment. Applicants must generally demonstrate that their visit is temporary and that they intend to depart the United States at the end of their authorized stay.
The validity period and number of permitted entries depend on the applicant's nationality and applicable visa reciprocity rules. The visa's expiration date does not determine how long a visitor may remain in the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determines admission and the authorized period of stay upon entry, as reflected in Form I-94. Visitors are often admitted for up to six months, although the permitted duration may vary.
B-1/B-2 visitor status generally does not authorize employment in the United States or enrollment in academic or vocational programs. Certain short, recreational, non-credit courses may be permitted. B-1 visitors may engage in qualifying business activities but generally cannot perform ordinary employment in the United States. Remaining beyond the authorized period of stay or violating the conditions of admission may negatively affect future visa applications and eligibility to enter the United States.
Because consular officers evaluate the purpose of travel, ties outside the United States, financial circumstances, and other relevant factors, careful preparation is important. ByLaw assists clients by evaluating eligibility, reviewing supporting documentation, preparing for consular interviews, and advising on potential extensions of stay or changes of status when legally available.
Eligibility Criteria
Valid Visit Purpose: You intend to visit the United States temporarily for permitted business activities (B-1), tourism, or medical treatment (B-2). B-1/B-2 visitor status generally does not authorize employment or academic or vocational study, although certain short recreational, non-credit courses may be permitted.
Strong Ties to Home Country: You can show strong ties to your home country, such as a job, family, property, or ongoing studies, proving you intend to return after your visit.
Financial Sufficiency: You can demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to pay for your trip, stay, and return travel without working in the United States.
Nonimmigrant Intent: You have no intention to immigrate on the visitor visa and no recent history of overstays, visa violations, or serious immigration or criminal issues.
Clear Documentation: You are able to clearly explain your travel plans, provide supporting documents (itinerary, invitations, medical letters, etc.), and convince a consular officer you meet all visitor-visa requirements.
“A B visa application has to show that your visit is temporary, and we help you document that clearly.”
How We Help
Our B-1/B-2 Services
B Visa Application Advisory
Help completing the DS-160, preparing documents, and getting ready for the consular interview.
Refusal Analysis & Reapplication
Review of prior refusals under INA §214(b) and planning a stronger reapplication.
Extension of Stay
I-539 applications to extend B-1/B-2 status beyond the initial admission period.
Change of Status
Changing from B status to another non-immigrant category (F-1, H-1B, etc.) where eligibility exists.
Complex Case Assessment
Advisory for applicants with prior immigration issues, strong US ties, or unusual circumstances.
Medical Visit Support
Specialized B-2 preparation for applicants seeking medical treatment in the United States.
How We Work
Our Approach
Purpose & Eligibility Assessment
We review the purpose of travel, the applicant's background, and identify any risk factors.
Application Preparation
We assist with completing Form DS-160 and preparing supporting documents.
Interview Preparation
We prepare you for consular interview questions, addressing potential concerns proactively.
Post-Issuance Compliance
We advise on admission conditions, authorized period of stay, and how to avoid inadvertent violations.
B-1/B-2 FAQ
Most visitors admitted on a B‑1/B‑2 visa are allowed to stay up to six months (about 180 days) per visit, as shown on the I‑94 record issued by Customs and Border Protection. In limited situations, you can apply to extend your stay, but approval is discretionary and you must still show that your visit is temporary.
No. B-1/B-2 visitor status generally does not authorize employment in the United States. Working remotely while physically present in the United States, including for a foreign employer, may also constitute unauthorized employment, depending on the nature of the activities. However, B-1 visitors may engage in certain permitted business activities, such as attending meetings, negotiating contracts, and participating in professional conferences. Whether a particular activity is permitted depends on the specific circumstances.
In certain circumstances, a person admitted to the United States in B-1/B-2 visitor status may be eligible to apply for a change to another nonimmigrant status or for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence (a Green Card), including through marriage to a U.S. citizen. Eligibility depends on the individual circumstances, and immigration authorities may examine whether the person willfully misrepresented a material fact when applying for a visa or seeking admission to the United States. The Department of State's "90-day rule" is guidance for consular officers and is not binding on USCIS. Under this guidance, certain conduct inconsistent with visitor status within 90 days of visa application or admission, such as unauthorized employment, unauthorized study, or marrying a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and taking up residence in the United States, may give rise to a rebuttable presumption of willful misrepresentation. Merely filing an application for a change or adjustment of status does not, by itself, trigger this presumption. Likewise, waiting more than 90 days does not eliminate the possibility of a misrepresentation finding. Each case should be evaluated individually, taking into account the applicant's eligibility, representations at the time of visa application or entry, and subsequent conduct.
If you stay past the date on your I‑94, you start accruing "unlawful presence," which can trigger serious penalties, including three‑year or ten‑year bars on reentering the U.S. once you leave. Overstays also make future visa applications and entries much harder because consular officers and CBP may view you as unlikely to obey U.S. immigration laws.
In most cases, yes. B-1/B-2 visa applicants generally must attend an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Certain applicants renewing a previously issued B visa within 12 months of its expiration may qualify for an interview waiver, subject to additional eligibility requirements. Consular officers may still require an interview on a case-by-case basis.
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Ready to start your B-1/B-2 process?
We offer a confidential consultation to understand your situation and outline your options, in English or Türkçe.