B1, B2 Visa Information

General Information

If you wish to come to USA for any of the following purpose, you can apply for B1 or B2 Visitor VISA. (Visiting your relatives/friends, medical treatment, Attending seminar or business purpose, company sponsored training).

Business related visitors should apply for B1. Others can apply for B2.

The purpose of the VISIT should be short term and the applicant should have permanent residence in the home country. To obtain B1/B2 VISA, the visitor should show strong evidance to prove that their intention is just to visit USA and their stay in US will only be temporary. Also, they should submit the documents to prove that they have strong base in their home country and will return from US within the permitted time.

The new visitor VISA regulations restricts the change of status from B1/B2 to other status. Please visit the new proposed regulations by Clicking Here.

Documents for B2 Visitor Visa

Documents from you (Sponsor)

• Letter from you as a Sponsor - (Sample Letter)



• Passport, VISA copies (Yours and Spouse's)



• H1B approval copy or Green Card copy



• Letter from your employer (Just salary and your Job title)



• Affidavit of support (Form - I-134) - Should be notarized. (Notary public will be available in the nearest bank). Form Tips: If you are a permanent resident, give your Alien # or just fill it up as H1B.)



• Recent Bank Statement ($5000 balance in your saving account may be considerable amount)



• Recent Pay stubs (Supporting document)



• Previous Year Tax return copies (If available - Supporting document)

Documents from visitor

• VISA request letter - (Sample Letter)



• VISA application form. - (Form DS-156)

On January 11, 2002, the U.S. Secretary of State announced the introduction of a new form, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-157). It was announced that all male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply, must complete this new form, DS-157. The form must be submitted in addition to the usual Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156), previously known as Form OF-156.The DS-156 application form may be obtained via autofax at 202-647-3000, document 6306. All male applicants between 16-45 years of age must also submit form DS-157 (supplemental non-immigrant visa application.) Form DS-157

• Passport



• Two photographs 1 and 1/2 inches square (37x37 mm) for each applicant



• If you are working, copy of your employment letter / leave approval letter (This is really a strong supporting document)



• Recent Bank Statement(Supporting document)



• Property documents or Property estimation letter from your auditor (Supporting document)



• VISA fees (Please contact the respective consulate for current fees details)

Medical Insurance

It is advisable to have medical insurance while visiting US. Medical and hospital expenses are too expensive in US. If there is any emergency situation, you will be able to get the treatment without having the insurance, but you will be responsible to pay the full amount. One day of hospitalization may cost around $5000 to $10,000 depending upon the treatment.

Documents for B1 Business Visitor Visa

• Letter from your sponsor. US company or organization explaining the purpose of your visit, duration etc.



• Supporting documents from you to explain the purpose of the visit. If your visit is for the company purpose, you need the letter from your company.



• Supporting documents from you. To prove that you have strong tip up with your home country (Bank statements, Family details, employment details)



• VISA request letter - (Sample Letter)



• VISA application form. - (Form DS-156)

On January 11, 2002, the U.S. Secretary of State announced the introduction of a new form, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-157). It was announced that all male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply, must complete this new form, DS-157. The form must be submitted in addition to the usual Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156), previously known as Form OF-156.The DS-156 application form may be obtained via autofax at 202-647-3000, document 6306. All male applicants between 16-45 years of age must also submit form DS-157 (supplemental non-immigrant visa application.) Form DS-157

• Passport



• Two photographs 1 and 1/2 inches square (37x37 mm) for each applicant



• VISA fees (Please contact the respective consulate for current fees details)

Visitors from India

Consulates in India (Chennai, Culcutta, Delhi are accepting all NON Immigrant VISA application through TTSVisas.com) Please visit our Indian Consulate page, for more information.

Latest visitor VISA regulations - Tips

The proposed rule will place the burden on the visitor to explain to the INS Immigration Inspector at the port of entry, about the nature and purpose of their visit, in order for the Inspector to determine a period of time that is fair and reasonable for the completion of the purpose of the visit. When Inspectors cannot determine a fair and reasonable period of admission, INS will grant a 30-day period of admission. If an alien establishes the need for a period of stay, longer than 30 days, the Inspector will grant an appropriate and proportionate period of admission.

The problem is, some of the visitors (Parents/Elders) either do NOT speak English or do NOT understand American accent properly. It is better to explain the length of the stay in writing Sample Letter. Another important factor is Air Ticket. The visitors will NOT be able to confirm their return date because the period of their stay will only be known after the entry into US. It is difficult to get the confirmed air ticket, if the length of the stay is very short during the peak season. Your confirmed return air tickets may convince the port of entry officer. Also, the explanation for the stay should be reasonable. For example, if the visitor has two sons in different places of the United states, they can ask for longer stay. Reasons like taking care of their grand kids or to help their son/daughter might not be considered as a valid reason for a lengthy stay.

According to the latest INS news release, INS withdrawing the proposed 30 days visitor visa admission rule. Still getting the maximum period of stay will be based on the Immigration officer's decision at the port of entry. We are getting feedback from our users as most of visitors are getting 6 months admission for B2 visitor visa.