Every year, US consulates around the world issue millions of visas to persons who wish to enter the US. The majority of people entering the US do so in the tourist visa or the B visa category. The B visa is the most widely used non-immigrant visa. Through this visa, foreign nationals can come to the US for the purpose of business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2). This visa is not intended for employment or study in the US. People who wish to work or study in the US have to apply for a visa classification that is appropriate to their specific situation.
B-1 Visas – Business Visitors
The B-1 visa category is for foreign nationals entering the US to engage in business activities other than productive employment. The types of activities allowed within the term “business” are far and wide. While the B-1 visa does allow a wide range of activities, this category is certainly not intended for employment in the US.
B-1 visa holders are not permitted to work in the U.S. They may only conduct certain business activities that are not considered employment.
B-2 Visas – Visitors for Pleasure
The B-2 visa or the tourist visa is reserved for foreign nationals who wish to enter the US temporarily for pleasure. It is more simplified in definition than the B-1 visa in terms of the activities allowed.
Pleasure in a B-2 visa context can generally be described as legitimate activities of a recreational character that includes tourism, amusement, visits with family or friends, rest, medical treatment, or activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature. The documentation required while applying for this visa will be determined by the primary purpose of the visit.
When a foreign national enters the US on a tourist visa, they will receive a I-94 arrival/departure card. This card will have the person’s legal name, date of birth, and country of citizenship. On arrival, a US Customs and Border Patrol agent will stamp the card with the date of entry and the status expiration date. The status expiration date indicates how long the person is allowed to remain in the US. The person must leave the US before this date or file for an extension of stay, or change to another visa status.
Features of the Tourist Visa
Used for temporary visits for business or pleasure. Employment is not allowed.
Pre-approval from the USCIS is not required. An application is made directly at the US consulate or embassy.
Valid for a few months to a few years.
Admission to the US generally for less than three months (B-1 business visitors) or a minimum of six months up to one year (B-2 tourists).
Separate dependent classification is not available.
Short courses of study are allowed.
Requirements for the Tourist Visa
The applicant
1. should have foreign residence outside the US that he/she does not intend to abandon.
2. will come to the US for a temporary period of limited duration.
3. will engage only in the business or tourist activities allowed by the B visa.
4. has permission to enter a foreign country at the end of the temporary US stay.
5. has sufficient financial resources to fund the temporary US visit.
US Immigration Test | Citizenship Exam 