Business & Tourist Visa
Temporary entry for business meetings, tourism, or medical treatment.
Official Reference: USCIS.gov →
1What Is This Visa?
The B-1/B-2 visa is the most common non-immigrant visa issued by the United States. B-1 covers temporary business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. B-2 covers tourism, visiting family, or receiving medical treatment. These are often issued as a combined B-1/B-2 visa, giving holders flexibility for both purposes.
2Who Is This Visa For?
- ✓Attending business meetings, trade fairs, or conferences
- ✓Negotiating contracts (but not executing work)
- ✓Tourism and sightseeing
- ✓Visiting family or friends
- ✓Receiving medical treatment
- ✓Participating in amateur sports or musical events (without pay)
3What This Visa Does NOT Allow
- ✗Any form of employment or paid work in the US
- ✗Enrolling in academic courses or degree programs
- ✗Establishing permanent residence
- ✗Operating or managing a US-based business day-to-day
- ✗Receiving salary or compensation from US sources
4Common Mistakes & Risks
- !Overstaying the authorized period (check your I-94, not the visa sticker)
- !Working remotely for US clients while physically in the US on B-1/B-2
- !Applying with unclear purpose or insufficient ties to home country
- !Misrepresenting intent at the border or during interview
- !Assuming the visa allows repeated long stays without genuine purpose
5Does This Lead to a Green Card?
B-1/B-2 is strictly a non-immigrant visa with no direct path to permanent residence. Applying for a green card while on B status can raise concerns about original intent.
6Strategic Notes
The B-1/B-2 visa is best viewed as a tool for short-term, specific purposes rather than a flexible long-term presence option. US Customs and Border Protection officers have wide discretion at ports of entry and may deny entry to frequent visitors who appear to be living in the US or working without authorization.
7Legal Notice
This content provides general legal information only and does not constitute immigration advice. Immigration law is complex, changes frequently, and individual circumstances vary significantly. The information presented is referenced from official U.S. government sources but should not be relied upon for individual decision-making. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation.