B-1/B-2 Tourist and Business Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- Varies by embassy, typically 3-5 weeks
- Fee
- $435 USD
- Validity
- Up to 10 years depending on nationality
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
B-1: Business meetings, conferences, negotiations, consulting with business associates. B-2: Tourism, vacation, visiting friends/family, medical treatment, participation in social events. No employment or enrollment in study programs allowed.
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover all expenses during stay in the US. No fixed minimum, but typically $5,000-$10,000 is expected depending on length and nature of trip.
Minimum funds: $5,000-$10,000 USD
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), color, white background, taken within 6 months. Head must be 50-69% of image height. Digital: 600-1200 pixels square, JPEG, under 240KB. No glasses, no AI editing or filters allowed starting January 2026.
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: Varies; typically $5,000-$10,000 maintained for 3-6 months; Months required: 3
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements (3-6 months), pay stubs, employment letter, tax returns, sponsor's financial documents; Minimum amount: $5,000-$10,000 USD recommended
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: Yes; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel bookings, host invitation letter with address; Must cover full stay: No
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application; Form url: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
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Proof of ties
Provide evidence that you have reasons to leave before the permitted stay ends, such as work, study, family or property ties.
Accepted evidence types: Property ownership documents, family ties, employment contract, business registration, return flight tickets
How to apply
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Online application
Complete Form DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application at ceac.state.gov/genniv/. Takes approximately 90 minutes. Print confirmation page with barcode.
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Fee payment
Pay visa application fee of $185 online or at designated bank depending on country. Additional $250 Visa Integrity Fee paid at visa issuance.
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Appointment booking
Schedule visa interview appointment at US embassy or consulate in your country. Interview waivers very limited as of September 2025 (mainly children under 14, adults over 79, diplomats).
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Document gathering
Gather all required documents: passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, appointment confirmation, bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary, proof of ties to home country.
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Biometrics
Provide fingerprints at visa application center or embassy. Some locations require separate biometrics appointment.
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Interview
Attend visa interview at US embassy or consulate. Consular officer will ask about your trip, ties to home country, and financial situation. Be prepared to explain purpose of visit and intent to return home.
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Processing wait
Processing time varies by embassy and nationality, typically 3-5 weeks. Some cases may require additional administrative processing.
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Visa collection
If approved, passport with visa will be returned via courier or pick-up at embassy. Pay $250 Visa Integrity Fee before visa issuance.