B1_B2 Application Process
B1/B2 Visa Checklist
The temporary business visa (B1 Visa) & temporary tourist (B2 Visa) applications are processed at the home country’s local consulates or embassy.
Steps to follow:
Complete & submit the Form DS-160 (Online Non-Immigrant Application)
Print the confirmation page (a copy is required at the time of interview)
Upload your digital photo (see the photo requirements)
Pay the $160 visa fees (use the verification code received from filling out the application)
Schedule the interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Attend the biometrics and visa interview
Documents required for the interview:
Current & valid passport along with expired passports that show past travel, if applicable
Intended travel itinerary for your U.S. trip
Proof of funds to cover the entire cost of travel (bank statements, proof of assets, etc.)
Printed version of your recent photograph
Printed copy of your visa interview appointment letter
Printed copy of your DS-160 confirmation page
Invitation letter from a friend in the US (see sample letter)
Proof of strong ties to your home country (click here to see what constitutes strong ties)
In some cases, interviews can be scheduled in a third country. Click here to see exceptions.
Also see sample list of interview questions.
B1_B2 Interview Questions
The main goal of the B1/B2 visa interview is to make sure that the applicant is planning a temporary visit to the U.S. and has an intention to return to the home country after the visit. The questions can vary depending on the officer and applicant’s background. The DS-160 application provides most of the information to the office and it also sets the tone for the interview.
Following are the most common B1/B2 travel visa interview questions:
PURPOSE
What is the purpose of the visit to the United States?
How long is the planned stay?
Are there any family or friends who live in the United States?
What will you be doing during your stay?
TIES TO HOME COUNTRY
What is the guarantee that you will return after your visit?
Who is paying for the trip?
Who else is traveling with you?
What work do you do?
TRAVEL HISTORY
Have you ever been denied a visa?
Have you ever traveled outside the country?
How to prove strong ties
How to prove strong ties for a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
One of the pre-requisite for getting a B-1/B-2 visitor visa application approved is that the applicant has to show “binding social or economic ties.” The US presumes that every B-1/B-2 applicant is an intending immigrant. This legal presumption can be overcome by showing the following:
1. The purpose of the trip is for a temporary visit, such as business, pleasure, or medical treatment;
2. The plan is to remain for a specific, limited period;
3. Evidence of funds to cover the trip expenses;
4. Proof of permanent residence outside the United States and other binding social or economic ties that will ensure the return abroad.
What constitutes strong ties?
1. Professional or Business Ties
a. Letter from the employer stating duties, remuneration, duration of the job tenure, and permission for the trip
b. Income statements or Pay Stubs
c. Business Revenue and other proof of running a business
1. Assets
a. Deeds of properties owned by the applicant
b. Bank statements with substantial balance
1. Sociat & family ties
a. Birth Certificates of spouse & Kids;
b. Marriage Certificate;
c. Photos;
d. Affidavits from family members;
1. Other
a. Letters from social organizations that can establish social or political prominence in the society;
b. Letters from NGOs;
c. Student ID (if applicable)
Find out what other documents are required to be presented at the consulate.
What Are the US Visitor Visas?
The US visitor visa allows a person to go to the US for short-term visits for six months. There are two types of visitor visas divided into B1 & B2 Categories.
A B-1 visa allows a person to participate in business activities of a commercial or professional nature in the United States.
A B-2 visa classification is for tourists, people coming for medical treatments, participation in a social event, or amateur contests with no pay.
While applying for these visas, it is critical to show that the visit is temporary and the person intends to return to the home country after the stay, which will be at most six months.