US Visitor Visa (B1/B2) Guide for Global Applicants
The United States is one of the most visited countries in the world, attracting millions of travelers every year for tourism, family visits, business engagements, medical treatment, conferences, and cultural exploration. Whether you plan to walk through Times Square in New York, visit family in California, enjoy theme parks in Florida, experience the Grand Canyon, or attend a business convention in Chicago, you will require a US Visitor Visa. The US Visitor Visa is commonly known as the B1/B2 Visa and is intended for short-term, non-immigrant travel.
Canada Visa Point provides guidance and visa support services to travelers from various countries. Our clients include individuals, families, tourists, business professionals, senior travelers, students on vacation, and individuals seeking medical treatment in the United States. Our consultation covers documentation, form filing, appointment scheduling, and interview preparation.
Understanding the B1/B2 Visa
The US Visitor Visa is generally issued as a combined category:
- B1 Visa: For business-related activities such as meetings, negotiations, conferences, or attending professional events.
- B2 Visa: For tourism, family visits, medical consultations, leisure travel, or attending private functions.
Most applicants receive a combined B1/B2 Visa, allowing both business and tourism activities during their stay.
Who Can Apply?
The B1/B2 Visitor Visa is available to applicants from all countries. The requirements remain the same globally. However, each individual must demonstrate intent to return to their home country after their temporary visit.
This means the applicant must show:
- A clear reason for travel
- Financial capacity to support the trip
- Strong ties to their home country, such as employment, business ownership, family responsibilities, or property ownership
Example: Applicants in India schedule their appointments through the US Embassy in New Delhi or US Consulates located in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Applicants in other countries follow the appointment system of the US Embassy or Consulate in their region.
Benefits of the US B1/B2 Visitor Visa
- Allows stays of up to six months per visit (final duration is decided by the immigration officer at entry).
- Multiple-entry visa, typically valid for up to 10 years.
- Flexibility to travel for both tourism and business under one visa stamp.
- Freedom to visit any city or state in the US during your stay.
- No sponsorship requirement from a US resident (optional, not mandatory).
Purpose of Travel Allowed Under B1/B2
The following activities are permitted:
- Family visits and reunions
- Vacation and tourism
- Cruises departing from US ports
- Medical treatment
- Attending trade shows or business meetings
- Short-term non-degree training programs
- Participation in social or cultural events
Documents Required for B1/B2 Visa
Required documentation remains generally consistent worldwide. Applicants must carry:
- Passport with sufficient validity
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Appointment confirmation document
- One passport-size photograph as per US Embassy specifications
- Proof of financial capacity (for example: bank statements, investment statements)
- Employment or business proof
- Travel itinerary outlining expected dates and duration
If invited by family, friends, hospitals, or companies in the US, supporting letters can be included but are not mandatory. The interview has more weight than document quantity.
Application Process for US Visitor Visa
1. Determine the Correct Visa Category
B1/B2 is the standard for tourism and business visits.
2. Complete the DS-160 Online Application
This online form captures personal information, travel details, and background records. All information must be accurate and verifiable.
3. Pay the Visa Fee
The visa fee for a B1/B2 application is USD 185. It is non-refundable.
4. Schedule the Biometric Appointment
Applicants must visit a Visa Application Center (VAC) to provide fingerprints and photographs.
5. Attend the Visa Interview
The interview occurs at a US Embassy or Consulate. The officer evaluates whether the applicant intends to return home after the trip.
Interview Focus and Best Practices
The US Visa interview is generally brief. The officer may ask about your trip purpose, employment, family, and financial background.
The most important qualities are confidence, clarity, and honest intent.
- Answer clearly without unnecessary details.
- Stay calm and maintain natural eye contact.
- Avoid memorized or rehearsed answers.
- Support your answers with logical reasoning.
Remember: The visa officer is evaluating your return intention, not your travel excitement.
Common Interview Questions
- Why are you traveling to the United States?
- How long will you stay?
- Who are you visiting?
- What do you do for a living?
- Who will cover the travel expenses?
- Do you have family members living in the United States?
- What ties ensure that you return to your home country?
US Visa Category Overview
| Visa Type | Purpose | Who Can Apply | Approx. Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Visa (C) | Transiting through the US to another country. | International travelers making a short stop in the US. | A few hours up to a maximum of 29 days. |
| Transit Visa (C-1, D, C-1/D) | For airline crew, ship crew, or individuals working onboard. | Airline crew, cruise ship crew, and sea vessel staff. | Short-term stay depending on travel schedule. |
| H-1B Work Visa | Employment in the US for specialized, skilled roles. | Professionals with qualifying skills sponsored by a US employer. | Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years or more. |
| H-4 Dependent Visa | Allows spouse and children of H-1B holders to accompany them. | Spouse and unmarried children (under 21) of H-1B visa holders. | Same validity as the primary H-1B holder. |
| L-1 Work Visa | For intra-company transfer to US office. | Employees of multinational companies being transferred to US branch. | 1 to 3 years initially, extendable up to 7 years. |
| L-2 Dependent Visa | Allows dependents of L-1 visa holders to stay in the US. | Spouse and unmarried children under 21 of L-1 holders. | Same duration as the primary L-1 holder. |
| J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa | Cultural exchange, internships, research, training, and study programs. | Students, researchers, interns, scholars, trainees. | From a few weeks to several years depending on program. |
| J-2 Dependent Visa | For dependents of J-1 visa holders to accompany them. | Spouse and children under 21 of J-1 visa holders. | Same duration as the J-1 holder. |
Reasons for Visa Refusal
Refusals generally occur when the officer feels the applicant may not return after their trip. Common reasons include:
- Unclear travel purpose
- Insufficient evidence of financial stability
- Inconsistent or scripted interview responses
- Weak employment or business ties
Proper preparation significantly reduces these risks.
Processing Time
Timelines vary depending on location. However, in most regions:
- Biometric appointment: Completed within a few days
- Interview appointment availability: Ranges from immediate to several weeks depending on demand
- Passport return time: Typically 3 to 10 working days post-interview
How Canada Visa Point Assists Applicants Worldwide
Canada Visa Point guides applicants with:
- DS-160 preparation and cross-checking
- Personalized document checklist based on applicant profile
- Appointment scheduling assistance
- Mock interview guidance focused on communication strategy
- Travel planning support if requested
Our consultation approach focuses on accuracy, clarity, and interview confidence-building.
Conclusion
The US B1/B2 Visitor Visa is designed for genuine short-term travel. With correct preparation, professional guidance, and confident communication, your chances of approval increase significantly. Whether you are traveling for holiday, family visits, business meetings, or medical reasons, a well-prepared application reflects credibility and intent.
To begin your US Visitor Visa application, connect with Canada Visa Point and receive clear, structured, and dependable assistance.