When traveling to the United States for short-term stays, foreign individuals are often required to obtain a visa. One of the most common types is a B visa. These nonimmigrant visas are issued to temporary or business travelers. Continue reading below for more information on the B-1 and B-2 visa, and reach out to a Queens business immigration lawyer at Monica Saran-Nace, P.C. for legal counsel and representation.
What is a B-1 Visa?
A B-1 visa is a visa that is issued to foreign nationals who want to come to the United States for business-related purposes. This could involve attending meetings, negotiations, conferences, or other business activities that don’t involve actual employment or payment.
B-1 visas are beneficial for individuals who want to:
- Consult with business associates
- Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
- Settle an estate
- Negotiate a contract
- Participate in short-term training
What is a B-2 Visa?
A B-2 visa is designed for foreign nationals who want to visit the United States for leisure, tourism, or medical treatment. This is one of the most commonly issued visas in the United States, as people often come to the country for short-term vacations, to visit family, or in search of medical attention.
Some activities that qualify an individual for a B-2 visa include the following.
- Tourism
- Vacation (holiday)
- Visit with friends or relatives
- Medical treatment
- Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
- Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
- Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree
Who is Eligible for a B-1 or B-2 Visa?
The eligibility requirements for both the B-1 and B-2 visas are very similar and revolve around the individual’s intention behind their visit. In general, you must be able to demonstrate the following in order to secure one of these visas.
- You intend to return to your home country after your visit and do not intend to stay in the U.S. permanently or long-term
- You can financially support yourself during your stay in the U.S. without working or becoming a public charge
- You have ties to your home country, like family, friends, a home, a job, and other responsibilities
You are not eligible for a B-1 or B-2 visa if you want to study, commit to long-term employment, participate in paid performances, work in foreign press, obtain permanent residency, etc. It is imperative that you understand that these visa statuses are for temporary and short-term stays only. If you want to do anything other than the approved activities listed above, you must find another visa that better suits your needs.
For more information and to obtain skilled legal advice, reach out to an experienced immigration attorney today.
