A “B” visitor visa is the easiest and most commonly used visa to enter the U.S. The B visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). People planning to travel to the U.S. for a different purpose, such as to study, perform temporary work, act as journalists, and so forth, must apply for a different visa in the appropriate category.

Qualifying for a B-1 or B-2 Visa

The U.S. State Department, via its consulates around the world, denies a surprising number of visitor visa applications. For that reason, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria.

Applicants for visitor visas must demonstrate that:

• the purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment
• they plan to remain within the U.S. for a specific, limited period, and
• they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties that will ensure their return at the end of the visit.

Each of these criteria is very important, and you’ll need to provide convincing proof that you meet them, as discussed below.

Application Process for a B-1 or B-2 Visa

In order to apply for this visa, you’ll need to prepare or collect the following:

• Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application
• Visa application fee
• Visa issuance fee
• USCIS Form I-134, Affidavit of Support (if you will depend on someone in the U.S. for financial support)
• Your passport, valid for at least six months
• One passport style photo
• Documents showing the purpose of your trip, such as an itinerary, hotel arrangements, and train tickets
• Documents showing that you plan to return to your home country, such as proof of ownership of real estate, of relationships with close family members whom you’re leaving behind, and an employer letter showing that you haven’t quit your job and it will remain open until you return
• Proof of ability to cover your expenses (other than the Affidavit described above), such as bank statements and evidence of income
• If coming for business purposes, a letter from your foreign employer describing your position and explaining what you’ll be doing for it during your visit. The letter should specify that you’ll be paid only from sources outside the U.S., and when you’ll be expected to return. If attending a business event such as a trade show, supply flyers, your exhibitor contract, and similar information.
• If coming for medical treatment, a statement by your doctor containing your diagnosis and the reason why you must visit the U.S. for treatment, as well as a letter from the doctor or facility from which you’ll receive treatment in the U.S., saying how long your treatment will last and listing the expected costs, as well as your own proof of financial resources to cover the trip and your medical expenses.