Visitor Visas (B-1, B-2)

B-1, Visitor for Business

Admissible business activities are defined in the Foreign Affairs Manual. A B visitor cannot engage in employment and the visit must be of a temporary nature. Business activities should be incidental to work conducted overseas or to promote international trade or commerce.

(For example, a tailor who came to measure customers was a valid B-1; however, an engineer who came to consult with clients in order to expand work in the United States was denied B-1 status.) The profits and compensation for B-1 visa services must be directed to foreign employer and paid abroad.

B-2, Visitor for Pleasure

Includes tourism, social visits, health visits, and amateur performances in sports or entertainment events. It can be used for a non-spouse domestic partner regardless of gender.

Visa Waiver Program

Certain countries are exempt from visitor visa applications.

W/B is same as B-1 without requirement for visa. W/T same as B-2 without requirement for visa. A maximum period of stay under the Visa waiver program is 90 days without extension. As of October 2003 all passports must be in machine-readable format.