Non-Immigrant Visas

Business / Tourism Visa

Under most circumstances, individuals who would like to visit the United States for either business or pleasure must first secure a B1/B2 visa, commonly referred to as a "visitor" visa.

Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act and must demonstrate that they are properly classifiable as visitors under U.S. law.

The presumption in the law is that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:

• The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment;
• That they plan to remain for a specific, limited period;
• Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States;
• Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad; and
• That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will ensure their return abroad at the end of the visit.

Visitors are not permitted to accept any employment during their stay in the United States. However, certain unpaid work can be done while on a B1/B2 visa. This includes attending business meetings, purchasing property, negotiating and signing contracts, gathering and filling orders, completing market surveys, attending conferences or short training courses and buying equipment, etc.

Professional performers who plan to perform in the United States normally need a petition-based P or O visa. Likewise, representatives of the media normally need to request an I visa to perform their work in the United States. Neither of these activities is permitted while traveling with a visitor visa.

Details about how to apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa can be found at our Application Procedures page.

Last updated: 03/13/2008