USA Visit B-1/B-2 Visa

The United States of America is one of the most favorite tourist destinations. A large number of the population in Pakistan dreams about visiting the USA: keeping in view the interest of people Immigration Experts would like to explain the process of getting a USA visit visa. You may follow the guide below if you are planning to visit the USA.

Understanding USA Visit B1/B2 Visa

B-1/B-2 visas are non-immigrant visas. It enables foreign nationals to visit the United States temporarily. The visa may be used for business (B-1), tourism (B-2), or both (B1/B2). This visa is typically provided for short travels to the United States. The B visa is usually valid for up to ten years from the day it is issued. Travelers can stay in the U.S. for up to 180 days per visit. After this period, they can leave and return to the U.S. again.

B1/B2 USA Visit (B1/B2) Visa Application Process

Applications for the B1/B2 visa are handled by the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to attend an interview before your visa can be approved. While you can schedule an interview at an embassy or consulate in a different country, expect longer wait times for visa appointments.

Steps to Obtain a B Visa:

1. Complete Form DS-160: Fill out the Online Non-Immigrant Application (Form DS-160). Submit the form online and print the confirmation page, which you will need for your interview.
2. Upload Your Digital Photo: Ensure you upload a recent digital photo that meets government requirements.
3. Attend the Visa Interview: Go to your scheduled interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
4. Fingerprint Scans: Digital fingerprint scans are normally taken during the interview.
5. Additional Documents: After the interview, the consular officer may ask for additional documents or information to finalize your visa decision.

On interview day:

• On the interview, the date reaches at least 30 minutes in advance, keep in mind that you will have to take the shuttle so calculate the time accordingly.
• The interview is mostly straightforward forward mainly focusing on your reason to visit and to evaluate whether you will come back to Pakistan or not.

INTERVIEW IS A CRITICAL STEP AND THE DECIDING FACTOR IN GETTING US VISIT VISA. YOU NEED TO PREPARE METICULOUSLY TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING VISA. 

Processing Time Get a USA Visit Visa (B-1/B-2) Visa

The wait time for a B-1/B-2 visa varies depending on where you apply. It may last for seven days or more than two years. The city and nation where you submit your application will determine the precise time. You can check the wait time for your specific embassy or consulate by using the State Department’s online tool under “Appointment Wait Time.” Remember that there may be a longer wait if you apply for an interview outside of your nation of residence.

How Long Can You Stay in the USA on a B-1/B-2 Visa?

With a USA visit visa (B-1/B-2), you can stay in the U.S. for up to 6 months per visit. In some cases, extensions may be granted if you qualify. When you enter, immigration officers evaluate how long you will be staying. You are permitted numerous entries into the United States with the B1/B2 visa. There isn’t a set limit on how many times you can visit the U.S. in a year. However, it depends on the discretion of CBP officers who review your situation each time you enter.

It’s important to understand that the B1/B2 visa is intended for short-term visits. This includes business trips, tourism, or medical treatment. It is not designed for long-term living or spending most of your time in the U.S.

Understanding the Difference Between B1 and B2 Visas

B1 Visa

A B1 visa is intended for short business trips. This includes attending conferences, meetings, or contract negotiations. However, B1 visa holders cannot work in the U.S. in the traditional sense. As of March 2023, B1 or B2 visa holders can apply for jobs in the U.S. and attend interviews.

B3 Visa

A B2 visa often called a tourist visa, is for tourism, vacations, or visiting friends and family. It also covers certain medical treatments and participation in social events or competitions, such as music or sports, without receiving pay. A B1/B2 visa is typically granted jointly, enabling the holder to travel for both business and pleasure.

How Often Can You Enter the U.S. with a B-1/B-2 Visa?

The quantity of times you can enter the United States with a B-1/B-2 visa varies according to your circumstances. B1/B2 visas are multiple-entry visas, meaning you can enter the U.S. more than once. There’s no fixed limit on the number of times you can visit the U.S. in a year. However, each entry depends on the discretion of CBP officers who assess your case.

It’s important to remember that the B1/B2 visa is meant for temporary visits. These visits can be for business, tourism, or medical treatment. The visa is not designed for long-term living in the U.S. or spending most of your time there. Immigration officials might think you’re attempting to reside in the U.S. if you visit often or stay for long periods. They could also suspect you’re misusing your visa if you don’t keep strong connections to your home country. This could lead to denial of entry or issues with future visa applications.

While there’s no official limit on visits, it’s important to respect your visa’s purpose and restrictions to avoid any problems. If you need guidance on your situation, consulting an immigration expert is advisable.

Fee of B-1/B-2 Visa

The current government filing fee for a B visa is $185. This fee does not cover the cost of gathering documents, acquiring evidence, or obtaining passport photos.

Boundless has assisted over 100,000 people with the visa application process. We can help you create a travel visa plan tailored to your specific needs.

B Visa Requirements

A B1/B2 visitor visa is used for various trips to the U.S., covering both business and leisure activities. To apply for a B1 or B2 visa, you need to prove that your visit to the U.S. is temporary.

You must also provide evidence that you plan to return to your home country after your stay. Additionally, you should show that you have a residence outside the U.S. where you intend to return. These factors help demonstrate that you will comply with the rules of the B1/B2 visa.

Common Reasons for Travel Under a B1 Visa:

1. Business Consultations: This includes meetings, negotiations, or discussions with business partners in the U.S.
2. Attending Conferences or Seminars: This covers professional, educational, scientific, or business-related conventions.
3. Settling an Estate: A B1 visa can be used if you need to manage inherited property or assets in the U.S.
4. Contract Negotiations: If you need to sign or negotiate contracts with U.S. companies, a B1 visa is often appropriate.
5. Professional Exams and Licensing: Some professionals must be in the U.S. to take exams or obtain licenses available only there.

Common Reasons for Travel Under a B2 Visa:

1. Tourism: This includes sightseeing, visiting landmarks, exploring cities, or enjoying the U.S. culture.
2. Visiting Family or Friends: A B2 visa is often used to visit loved ones residing in the U.S.
3. Medical Treatment: If you require medical care or procedures available in the U.S., a B2 visa may be necessary.
4. Social Events: Attending concerts, classes, conventions, festivals, or other gatherings can be reasons to use a B2 visa.
5. Participation in Events or Contests: A B2 visa can be used for non-professional participation in amateur tournaments or contests.
6. Short Courses of Study: If the course lasts less than 18 hours per week, it falls under B2 visa rules.

Activities Prohibited Under a B Visa:

1. Enrolling in full-time studies
2. Engaging in long-term employment with a U.S. company
3. Performing in paid events or professional shows before a paying audience
4. operating a ship or aircraft as a member of the crew
5. working in print, radio, film, or other media as a foreign press journalist
6. Seeking permanent residence in the United States

Can You Change Status from B1/B2?

The B1 and B2 visas are temporary and do not provide permanent resident status. However, you can apply to adjust your status to a different visa type while in the U.S., as long as you meet specific requirements. This process involves submitting a change of status application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Important Considerations for Changing Status from B1/B2

When considering a change of status, it’s important to ensure that:

1. Purpose of Stay: Your reason for staying in the U.S. must match the new visa type you seek. For example, if you plan to study, you might apply for a student visa (F-1). If you have an employer willing to sponsor you, you could apply for a work visa, such as the H-1B.
2. Timing: Apply before your current visa status expires, which is noted on your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. USCIS recommends submitting your application at least 45 days before your visa status ends.
3. Eligibility: Changing your status is not always possible. For instance, if you entered the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, you cannot change your status unless it’s due to marriage to a U.S. citizen.
4. Status Violation: If you have violated the terms of your B1/B2 visa, such as working without authorization, you typically cannot change your status.
5. Approval: Meeting all the requirements does not guarantee approval. It is up to USCIS to make the final call.

After tying the knot with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you have the option to ask for a marriage green card. This gives you permission to stay in the U.S. and make a home with your spouse. You can put in your request for this green card in two ways: by “adjusting your status” (AOS) while you’re still on U.S. soil, or by going through the consulate process from your home country.

Documents Needed for a USA Visit Visa

1. Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
2. Recent Digital Photograph: Provide a recent digital photo that meets government specifications.
3. Travel History Documentation: Include records of your last five trips to the U.S., if applicable.
4. Proof of Funds: Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover the entire trip, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses.

Evidence of Ties to Home Country: Provide proof of strong connections to your home country, such as employment, property, or family.

Getting a US Family Visit Visa or US Visit Visa is not an easy task and depends upon multiple factors. Immigration Experts would be happy to assist you in preparing your application for a USA Visit Visa. Please feel free to contact our visit visa consultant at +92 308 5857777 or 051-8439994-7 or via e-mail at wecare@immigrationexperts.pk for further details of our fees and services.

Note: immigration experts only facilitate the process. Issuance of a US visit visa is at the discretion of the visa officer at the US embassy.

If you want to settle in the USA permanently here is an option for you:
EB2 NIW Visa From Pakistan, Process, Requirements, FAQ, Guide

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