EB3 Skilled
The B1/B2 visa is a temporary, non-immigrant U.S. visa that allows foreign nationals to visit the United States for business (B1) or tourism/medical treatment (B2) purposes. It’s ideal for individuals attending meetings, conferences, or exploring the U.S. as tourists without engaging in employment.
Typical visits last up to 6 months, and the visa can be issued for multiple entries depending on the applicant’s nationality and eligibility. Holders must demonstrate strong ties to their home country and the intent to return after their stay.
Common purposes include:
- Business meetings, consultations, or conferences (B1)
- Tourism, visiting family/friends, or short vacations (B2)
- Medical treatment or participation in social events
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a B1/B2 visa, applicants must meet certain criteria set by U.S. immigration authorities. The process requires demonstrating a clear purpose of travel, financial stability, and strong ties to the home country to ensure compliance with visa regulations.
B1/B2 Visa Cost Estimation
The following are approximate costs associated with the B1/B2 Visa process. Actual costs may vary depending on the applicant’s situation and country regulations.
Note: The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Always verify the latest fee on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website in your country before payment.
Limitation of B1/B2 Visa
While the B1/B2 visa allows foreign nationals to visit the United States for business or tourism, it comes with specific restrictions that applicants must follow:
Frequently Asked Questions
For each visa applicant, we take a tailored approach to streamlining the application process. A creative and proactive strategy is something we are proud of implementing! Our goal is to ensure a smooth process for every traveler.
Yes, but only if you receive a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you for B1/B2. After graduation, many students move from F-1 → OPT → Employer sponsorship → B1/B2 Green Card. You must maintain valid status until your Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) is approved.
Yes. H-1B holders often transition to B1/B2 because they already have a U.S. employer. If your employer is willing to file a PERM Labor Certification and I-140 petition, you can adjust status from H-1B to B1/B2 while legally staying in the U.S.
Yes, this is possible and is sometimes done when B1/B2 priority dates are moving faster than EB-2. Your employer must file a new I-140 under B1/B2, but you can retain your original priority date from EB-2.
Generally no, because B1/B2 requires a permanent job offer and employer sponsorship. Tourist visas are temporary and do not allow work. However, you may apply from abroad after securing an employer sponsor.
Yes, TPS holders can apply for B1/B2 if they have a qualifying employer sponsor. But it may involve consular processing outside the U.S. depending on their status history.
Generally no. Being out of status makes the B1/B2 process very difficult. In some rare cases, waivers or consular processing may be possible, but it requires strong legal guidance.
Yes, but only if you have completed or obtained a waiver for the 2-year home residency requirement (if applicable). Then, you can transition with employer sponsorship.
Yes, as long as they are willing to sponsor you and start the PERM process. You must maintain valid OPT status until your I-485 is filed and approved.
Not always. If you are in valid status (F-1, H-1B, J-1 with waiver), you may adjust status inside the U.S. If not, you may need to go through consular processing abroad.
Yes, but you need your own employer sponsor. Your H-4 status is tied to your spouse, but B1/B2 allows you to apply independently if an employer sponsors you.
Yes. You may apply for multiple immigrant categories at once (this is called “concurrent filing”). You will use whichever category becomes current first.