B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa of US from Bangladesh
How long does it take to receive a B-1 or B-2 visa?
As of December 2023, the average wait period (processing time) for most B1/B2 visa interview appointments ranges from two months (Brazil) to more than two years (Canada). Enter your city into this handy State Department tool under the section “Appointment Wait Time” to find out how long it will take to get an appointment at your specific embassy or consulate. Keep in mind that if you apply for an interview in a country different than your home country, the wait period may be longer.
How long can you stay in the US on a B-1/B-2 visa?
A maximum of 6 months can be gained for every B-1/B-2 admission, with the possibility of extensions within the United States in qualifying instances. The exact time varies by visa holder, however you can usually stay in the US for up to six months.
The B1/B2 visa is a multiple-entry visa, which allows you to enter the United States more than once. There is no established restriction on how many times you can visit the United States in a year; it is determined by the individual circumstances and discretion of the CBP officers who assess your case each time you arrive.
It’s vital to remember that the B1/B2 visa is only valid for short-term, infrequent visits for business, tourism, or medical treatment. It is not intended to be used for long-term residency in the United States or to spend the bulk of your time there.
What is the difference between a B1 and a B2 visa?
The B1 is intended for brief business visits (conferences, meetings, contract negotiations, etc.). Those with B1 visas cannot work in the United States in the traditional sense; however, beginning of March 2023, B1 or B2 visa holders may seek for jobs in the United States and attend interviews.
The B2 (tourist visa) is intended for travel, vacation, or visiting friends and relatives. It also covers specific medical procedures, as well as unpaid participation in social activities or contests such as music or sports. In most circumstances, a B1/B2 visa is given concurrently, allowing the holder to travel for work and pleasure.
How many times may you visit the United States with a B-1 or B-2 visa?
The number of times a B visa can be used to visit the United States varies depending on the circumstances. B1B2 visas are multiple-entry, which means they can be used to enter the United States more than once. There is no established restriction on how many times you can visit the United States in a year; it is determined by the individual circumstances and discretion of the CBP officers who assess your case each time you arrive.
It’s vital to remember that the B1/B2 visa is only valid for short-term, infrequent visits for business, tourism, or medical treatment. It is not intended to be used for long-term residency in the United States or to spend the bulk of your time there.
If officers believe you’re attempting to live in the United States through frequent or extended visits, or if you don’t have strong ties to your home country, they may feel you’re abusing your visa, which might result in denial of entrance or future visa complications.
While there is no official limit, it is critical to follow the purpose and constraints of your visa to avoid complications. If you need help with your specific circumstance, you should speak with an immigration professional.
B-1/B-2 Visa Cost
Currently, the government filing fee for a B visa is $185, which does not include the cost of gathering documents and documentation, as well as passport photos.
FaraTaran has assisted over 100,000 people with the visa application process, and we will assist you in developing a travel visa strategy depending on your specific scenario. Get started now!
B-visa requirements
A B1/B2 visitor visa allows for a variety of journeys to the United States, including business and non-business activities such as tourism. If you wish to apply for a B1 or B2 visa, you must show that your journey to the United States is just temporary.
You must also present documentation that you intend to return to your native country following your visit and that you have a place to live outside of the United States that you will not depart permanently. These points demonstrate that you will respect the rules of the B1/B2 visa.
Reasons for travelling with a B1 tourist visa include:
Business consultations: This may include meetings, negotiations, or talks with business associates in the United States.
Attending conferences or seminars: This includes professional, educational, scientific, and business conventions.
Estate settlement: If someone inherits property or assets in the United States, a B1 visa can help them manage the situation lawfully.
Contract negotiations: If a person needs to sign or negotiate a contract with a U.S. corporation, a B1 visa is usually the best option.
Professional testing and licensing: Some professionals must visit the United States to take examinations or obtain licenses that are only available there.
Reasons to travel with a B2 tourist visa include:
Tourism might include sightseeing, seeing notable landmarks, touring cities, or simply enjoying a country’s culture and atmosphere.
Visiting relatives or friends: Many people utilize a B2 visa to visit loved ones who live in the United States.
Medical treatment:
If someone needs medical care or a procedure that is available in the United States, they may apply for a B2 visa.
Social events: Attending concerts, cooking lessons, conventions, festivals, or other social activities is another incentive to use a B2 visa.
Participation in events or contests: If the event does not need professional participation (such as amateur tournaments or contests), a B2 visa may be appropriate.
Short course of study: If the course lasts fewer than 18 hours per week, it comes under the B2 visa requirements.
You cannot travel on this visa to engage in any of the following:
- Study
- Long-term employment with a US company
- Paid performances are any professional performance before a paying audience.
- Arrival as a crewmember aboard a ship or aircraft
- Work in the foreign press, radio, film, print journalism, or other information media.
- Permanent Residence in the United States
- FaraTaran has assisted over 100,000 people with their immigration and travel plans to the United States. We will be your partner from beginning to end. Get started now!
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of specified countries to visit the United States without a visa for up to 90 days for business, tourism, or transit purposes. The program presently covers 38 countries and territories, including the majority of those in the European Union.
Canadian nationals do not normally require a visa to enter the United States for tourism purposes. Canadian nationals will require the right visa if they intend to study, work, or relocate permanently to the United States.
Canadian nationals have different admission requirements depending on whether they want to work, study, invest, or immigrate. The maximum period of stay might range from 6 months to a year, depending on the conditions.
Can you change the status from B1/B2?
The B1 and B2 visas are temporary visas that do not confer permanent resident status; however, you can change your status from B1/B2 to another type of visa while in the United States if you meet specific requirements. This process entails submitting a change of status application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Here are some important aspects to consider:
Key considerations to consider while changing status from B1/B2.
Purpose of Stay: Your reason for wishing to stay in the United States should correspond to the new visa category. For example, if you want to study, you can seek to switch to a student visa (F-1). If you locate an employer ready to sponsor you, you can apply for a work visa (such as H-1B).
Timing: Apply before your present status expires, as noted on the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. The USCIS suggests applying at least 45 days before your existing status expires.
Eligibility: Not everyone can change their status. For example, if you entered the United States through the Visa Waiver Program, you cannot change your status unless you marry a US citizen.
Status violation: If you have violated the terms of your existing status (for example, if you have begun working while on a B1/B2 visa without authorization), you will most likely be unable to change your status.
Approval: Even if you complete all of the requirements and submit your application, the final decision is up to USCIS.
If you’ve recently married someone who is a US citizen or permanent resident (with a green card), you can apply for a marriage green card. This allows you to stay in the United States and live with your spouse. You can apply for a green card while you’re still in the nation through a process known as “adjustment of status” (AOS), or you can apply from your home country using consular processing. Take our eligibility questionnaire to see if you’re eligible for a B1B2 visa or want to alter your status from one. Get started now!
Requirements for a travel visa
The documents required to apply for a B1/B2 visa are:
- A passport valid for six months after the date of return.
- A current digital photograph that passes government standards.
- Documentation of the last five journeys to the United States, if relevant.
- Proof of cash to pay the total cost of the trip, including airfare, lodging, and living expenses.
- Proof of binding ties with the applicant’s native country, such as a job, property, or family.
B1/B2 visa application procedure
Applications are processed by the US Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Before your visa may be approved, you must first attend an interview. You can interview at a third-country embassy or consulate, but the visa appointment will most likely take longer.
Steps to get a B visa
- First, you must fill out the Online Non-Immigrant Application, Form DS-160. Fill out the form online and print the confirmation page; you’ll need it for your interview.
- Upload a digital photo.
- Attend a visa interview.
- Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are collected as part of the procedure, usually during the interview. Following the interview, the consular official may seek further documents or information before making a decision on your case.
FaraTaran’ Travel Visa Service simplifies the application process by offering online filing, 1:1 interview coaching, interview scheduling, and support if your visa is denied. Take our approval odds quiz to determine your eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Which visa is best for me: B1 or B2?
B-1 visas are provided for short-term business trips, whereas B-2 visas are issued for tourism purposes such as holidays or family visits.
Who is eligible for a B-1 or B-2 visa?
If you want to visit the United States for vacation or employment purposes, such as attending a conference, exploring a city, or visiting family, you can apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. You may need to provide proof that you have ties to your native country and intend to leave the United States.
How long may I stay in the United States on a B-1/B-2 visa?
When you enter the United States, a customs officer will authorize you to stay for up to six months. If you want to stay longer, you may be eligible to apply for an extension of up to one year.
How can I prolong my stay on the B1 or B2 visas?
If your permitted stay in the United States is about to expire, you may want to extend it, especially since there can be consequences if you stay longer than you were allowed to.
If you have a B-1 or B-2 visa, you can request to extend your stay for up to a year. To achieve this, you must submit Form I-539 to prolong or modify your status. It is suggested that you apply to extend your status at least 45 days before your approved stay expires, so plan ahead.
Can I work in the United States on a B-1 or B-2 visa?
No. You may enter the United States for business purposes, but you cannot work or be employed by a US employer. If you want to work in the United States for a U.S. firm, you should consider other visa categories, such as the H-1B visa.
Can I work in the United States on a B-1 or B-2 visa?
No. You may enter the United States for business purposes, but you cannot work or be employed by a US employer. If you want to work in the United States for a U.S. firm, you should consider other visa categories, such as the H-1B visa.
How can I renew my B1 or B2 visa?
If you want to renew your B-1/B-2 visa, you must go through the original application process. Depending on the US embassy or consulate where you apply, you may be allowed to renew your visa without an interview.
Should I apply for a B-1 or B-2 visa, or an ESTA?
If you are a citizen of one of the 38 countries in the Visa Waiver Program, you can apply for an ESTA rather than a B1 or B2 visa.
Both allow you to enter the United States for the same reasons: tourist or business, but you can apply for the ESTA online. Entering the United States this method only allows you to stay for up to 90 days, so if you want to stay in the country for longer periods of time for travel or business, the B-1/B-2 visiting visa may be a possibility for you.
Do Canadians require a B-1 or B-2 visa?
Most Canadian nationals do not require a visa for casual business or tourism travel and are automatically admitted under the B-1 or B-2 visa categories.
Is the B-1/B-2 visa for immigrants or non-immigrants?
The B-1/B-2 visa is not an immigrant visa, but if your circumstances change, such as marrying a US citizen or permanent resident, there are numerous options for transitioning from a guest visa to a green card. Learn more about how FaraTaran can help you avoid major headaches and streamline the process.
Do I need to have a particular amount of money in my bank account to be accepted for a travel visa?
No. A widespread myth regarding the travel visa procedure is that in order to be granted, you must show proof of a particular amount of money in your bank account. Although financial considerations are part of the B-1/B-2 procedure, and the consular officer may ask if you can sustain yourself financially during your stay in the United States, there is no minimum amount of funds that must be reached. The evaluation of funds will differ from applicant to applicant, based on a number of other considerations. Discover more common fallacies about the travel visa application procedure in FaraTaran’ blog post.
How can I renew my B1 or B2 visa?
If you want to renew your B-1/B-2 visa, you must go through the original application process. Depending on the US embassy or consulate where you apply, you may be allowed to renew your visa without an interview.
Should I apply for a B-1 or B-2 visa, or an ESTA?
If you are a citizen of one of the 38 countries in the Visa Waiver Program, you can apply for an ESTA rather than a B1 or B2 visa.
Both allow you to enter the United States for the same reasons: tourist or business, but you can apply for the ESTA online. Entering the United States this method only allows you to stay for up to 90 days, so if you want to stay in the country for longer periods of time for travel or business, the B-1/B-2 visiting visa may be a possibility for you.
Do Canadians require a B-1 or B-2 visa?
Most Canadian nationals do not require a visa for casual business or tourism travel and are automatically admitted under the B-1 or B-2 visa categories.
Is the B-1/B-2 visa for immigrants or non-immigrants?
The B-1/B-2 visa is not an immigrant visa, but if your circumstances change, such as marrying a US citizen or permanent resident, there are numerous options for transitioning from a guest visa to a green card. Learn more about how FaraTaran can help you avoid major headaches and streamline the process.
Do I need to have a particular amount of money in my bank account to be accepted for a travel visa?
No. A widespread myth regarding the travel visa procedure is that in order to be granted, you must show proof of a particular amount of money in your bank account. Although financial considerations are part of the B-1/B-2 procedure, and the consular officer may ask if you can sustain yourself financially during your stay in the United States, there is no minimum amount of funds that must be reached. The evaluation of funds will differ from applicant to applicant, based on a number of other considerations. Discover more common fallacies about the travel visa application procedure in FaraTaran’ blog post.
