The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is the most widely issued U.S. nonimmigrant visa — the document most travelers use to enter the United States for business (B-1) or for tourism, family visits, and medical care (B-2). This 2026 guide explains who qualifies, how the DS-160 and interview work, how long you can stay, how to extend, and how the visitor visa compares with the ESTA/Visa Waiver alternative. Fees and rules below are drawn from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and USCIS; always confirm current amounts before you pay.
B-1/B-2 at a glance
Purpose: temporary business or pleasure · Application: Form DS-160 plus an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate · MRV fee: $185 (DOS, 2026) · Typical admission: up to 6 months, set by CBP on Form I-94 · Extensions: Form I-539 · Key hurdle: proving nonimmigrant intent under INA 214(b).
B-1 vs B-2: What Each Visa Covers
The B-1 and B-2 are usually issued together as a single "B-1/B-2" visa, but they authorize different activities. The distinction matters because doing something outside the permitted scope — especially unauthorized work — can lead to refused entry or future ineligibility.
| Allowed on B-1 (business) | Allowed on B-2 (tourism / pleasure) |
|---|---|
| Attend meetings, conferences, and conventions | Tourism and sightseeing |
| Negotiate contracts and consult with associates | Visiting family and friends |
| Settle an estate or attend a business event | Medical treatment |
| Short professional training (unpaid by a U.S. source) | Social events and short recreational study |
Neither visa lets you take local employment, be paid by a U.S. company, enroll in a full course of academic study, or work as foreign media. Those activities require other visa categories.
Eligibility and the 214(b) Intent Test
Most visitor-visa refusals are issued under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The law presumes every applicant intends to immigrate; you must convince the consular officer that you will return home. Officers weigh your ties to your home country — steady employment, family, property, financial resources, and a clear, temporary purpose for the trip.
- Nonimmigrant intent. Show a residence abroad that you have no intention of abandoning.
- Purpose and duration. Have a specific, temporary plan with a realistic end date.
- Ability to fund the trip. Demonstrate you can cover your costs without unauthorized work.
How to Apply for a B-1/B-2 Visa
Applicants outside the U.S. apply through a consulate — the same broad path described in our consular processing guide. The core steps:
- Complete Form DS-160 online and print the confirmation page. Our DS-160 application guide gives a field-by-field walkthrough.
- Pay the MRV visa fee ($185 for the B category as of 2026, per DOS) and schedule your interview.
- Attend the interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, and documents showing ties and purpose.
- Wait for processing, which may include additional administrative processing for some applicants.
Fees to Budget For (2026)
Confirm every amount on the official DOS and USCIS fee schedules before paying — fees change and some depend on your nationality.
| Fee | Amount (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MRV visa application fee (B category) | $185 | Non-refundable; receipt generally valid 12 months |
| Visa issuance / reciprocity fee | Varies by country | Only some nationalities; based on reciprocity |
| Visa Integrity Fee | $250 (pending) | Authorized by 2025 law; not yet routinely collected at most posts as of mid-2026 — verify |
| Form I-539 (extension of stay) | See USCIS schedule | Filed from inside the U.S. to request more time |
The $185 MRV fee reflects the DOS schedule in effect since June 2023. The $250 Visa Integrity Fee was created by 2025 legislation but, as of mid-2026, DHS had not begun routine collection at most consulates — confirm with the post handling your case and on travel.state.gov.
How Long Can You Stay? Admission and Extensions
A common misunderstanding: your visa validity (often up to 10 years, multiple-entry) is only permission to travel to a U.S. port of entry. Your actual authorized stay is set by a CBP officer at admission and recorded on Form I-94 — usually up to six months for B visitors. Retrieve and check your I-94 at the CBP website after each entry.
Need more time? You can request an extension of up to six additional months by filing Form I-539 before your I-94 expires, with evidence that your visit remains temporary. Our B-2 visa extension guide covers eligibility, timing, and how to avoid a gap. File early — a timely, pending extension helps show good faith.
The ESTA / Visa Waiver Alternative
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can often visit for up to 90 days for business or tourism without a B visa by obtaining an ESTA authorization online. It is faster and cheaper, but limited to 90 days with no extensions and no change of status. If you need a longer stay, the flexibility to extend, or you are not from a VWP country, the B-1/B-2 is the better route. Compare the two in our ESTA and Visa Waiver Program guide.
What You Can and Can't Do as a Visitor
- You can: attend business meetings, tour, visit relatives, receive medical treatment, and take short recreational classes.
- You can't: work for or be paid by a U.S. employer, enroll in full-time study, act as paid media, or stay indefinitely.
- Gray area: doing remote work for a foreign employer while visiting is debated — keep your purpose clearly temporary and tied to home.
Overstay Consequences
Staying beyond your I-94 date carries serious effects. An overstay generally voids your visa automatically and can trigger unlawful-presence bars: more than 180 days of unlawful presence followed by departure creates a 3-year bar, and more than one year creates a 10-year bar to re-entry. Track your I-94 date carefully and act before it expires.
Common Denial Reasons
- Weak ties (214(b)). The most frequent reason — not enough evidence that you will return home.
- Unclear or inconsistent purpose. Vague plans, or answers that don't match your DS-160.
- Prior immigration violations. Past overstays or unauthorized work.
- Insufficient funds. No credible way to pay for the trip.
A 214(b) refusal is not permanent; you can reapply once your situation changes. Strengthen your ties and documentation before the next interview.
Documents to Bring to Your Interview
Strong documentation is how you demonstrate ties and purpose. Requirements vary by consulate, but most B-1/B-2 applicants should be ready to present:
- A passport valid at least six months beyond your intended stay, plus any older passports;
- Your DS-160 confirmation page and interview appointment letter;
- A photo meeting the Department of State specifications;
- Proof of ties — an employment letter, pay records, property deeds, or family documents;
- Evidence of funds to cover the trip, such as recent bank statements; and
- For B-2 medical travel, a letter from the U.S. facility and proof you can pay for care.
Bring originals where possible. Officers decide quickly, so organized, credible evidence of a temporary, well-funded trip works in your favor.
Visa Validity vs. Number of Entries
A B-1/B-2 visa often shows a long validity and "M" for multiple entries, meaning you can travel to the U.S. repeatedly until it expires. But each arrival is a fresh inspection: CBP decides admission and the length of each stay independently. Frequent or back-to-back long visits can lead officers to question whether you truly live abroad, so space your trips and keep your ties current.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a B-1 and a B-2 visa?
The B-1 visa covers short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, and contract negotiations, while the B-2 visa covers tourism, visiting family, and medical treatment. Most travelers receive a combined B-1/B-2 visa. Neither category lets you work for a U.S. employer or be paid from a U.S. source.
How long can I stay on a B-1/B-2 visa?
Your visa validity is not your permitted stay. At the port of entry a CBP officer sets your admission period on Form I-94, usually up to six months. You can request up to six more months by filing Form I-539 before your I-94 expires. Always check the date on your I-94.
Can I still get a visitor visa after a 214(b) denial?
Yes. A 214(b) refusal means you did not overcome the presumption of immigrant intent at that interview; it is not a permanent bar. You may reapply once your circumstances change or you can better document strong ties to your home country, such as employment, family, or property. A new MRV fee applies each time.
📚 Related Guides
→ DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application → ESTA & Visa Waiver Program → B-2 Visa Extension GuideLast reviewed: July 2026 · Reviewed by USImmigrationLaw.Today editorial team.