Visitor Visa

Foreign nationals wishing to travel to the United States must obtain a visa, whether it’s for permanent residence or temporary stay. Visitor visas fall under the nonimmigrant category and are issued to individuals who intend to visit the U.S. for business (B-1 visa), tourism (B-2 visa), or a combination of both (B-1/B-2 visa).

What are the different types of Visitor Visas?

Visitor visas all entail various aspects of work and life, below are the list of visitor visas and the areas they cover in terms of U.S. regulations. 

B-1 Visa (Business):

• Consulting with business associates
• Attending formal conferences
• Settling an estate
• Negotiating contracts

B-2 (Tourism) :

• Tourism and vacations
• Visiting friends or relatives
• Medical treatments
• Participating in social events organized by social organizations
• Engaging in amateur musical, sports, or similar events or contests (without remuneration)
• Enrolling in courses of study not for credit (e.g., a short-term cooking class)

Areas outside of Visitor Visas:

• Studying
• Employment
• Paid professional performances performances 
• Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
• Work as foreign press, in radio, film, journalism, or other types of information media
• Birth tourism (Giving birth in the U.S. to obtain citizenship for the child)
• Permanent residence in the U.S.

Application Process for a Visitor Visa 

1. Complete the Online Visa Application:
   • Form DS-160: Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Application form online and print the confirmation page to bring to your interview.
   • Photo Requirements: Upload a photo that meets the requirements of Form DS-160.
2. Schedule an Interview:
   • Interview Requirements: Most applicants aged 14-79 need an interview, although there are some exceptions.
   • Location: Schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. You may choose to file it in another country, however it may be harder to prove your qualifications.
   • Wait Times: Check the estimated wait times for a nonimmigrant visa interview at your chosen U.S. Embassy or Consulate. (Note, wait times vary by location, season, and visa category).

Remember to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel date to account for wait times and application process. Each U.S. Embassy or Consulates may have specific application procedures, so refer to their websites for detailed instructions.

Summary 

Visitor visas (B-1/B-2) are nonimmigrant visas for those traveling to the United States temporarily for business or tourism. The application process involves completing Form DS-160, uploading a photo, and scheduling an interview. It’s essential to apply early due to varying wait times for visa interviews.

If you have further questions, contact Yellow Law Group for personalized guidance and assistance.