Visitor Visas

Visitor Visa Overview

Foreign nationals wishing to travel to the United States must obtain a visa, either an immigrant visa for permanent residence or a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay. Visitor visas fall under the nonimmigrant category and are issued to individuals who intend to visit the U.S. for business (B-1 visa), tourism (B-2 visa), or a combination of both (B-1/B-2 visa).

Activities Permitted with a Visitor Visa:

Business (B-1):

• Consulting with business associates
• Attending scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions or conferences
• Settling an estate
• Negotiating contracts

Tourism (B-2):

• Tourism and vacations
• Visiting friends or relatives
• Medical treatments
• Participating in social events organized by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Engaging in amateur musical, sports, or similar events or contests (without remuneration)
• Enrolling in short recreational courses of study not for credit (e.g., a short-term cooking class)

Activities Not Permitted on Visitor Visas:

• Studying
• Employment
• Paid performances or professional performance before a paying audience
• Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
• Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
• Permanent residence in the U.S.
• Birth tourism (travel with the primary purpose of giving birth in the U.S. to obtain citizenship for the child)

Application Process for a Visitor Visa

1. Complete the Online Visa Application:
   • Form DS-160: Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Application form online and print the confirmation page for your interview.
   • Photo Requirements: Upload a photo that meets specific requirements when completing Form DS-160.
2. Schedule an Interview:
   • Interview Requirements: Generally required for applicants aged 14-79, with some exceptions for renewals. Not usually required for applicants aged 13 and younger or 80 and older.
   • Location: Schedule the interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You can choose another location, but it may be harder to demonstrate your qualifications outside your home country.
   • Wait Times: Check the estimated wait times for a nonimmigrant visa interview at your chosen U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Wait times vary by location, season, and visa category.

Important Considerations

Apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel date to account for varying wait times for interview appointments. Each U.S. Embassy or Consulate may have specific application procedures, so refer to their respective websites for detailed instructions.

Summary

Visitor visas (B-1/B-2) are nonimmigrant visas for those traveling to the United States temporarily for business or tourism. The application process involves completing Form DS-160, uploading a photo, and scheduling an interview. It's essential to apply early due to varying wait times for visa interviews.

If you have further questions or need assistance, please contact Yellow Law Group for personalized guidance.