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The US government provides an unlimited
number of non-immigrant business (B-1) and
tourist (B-2) visas for temporary travel
to the U.S. Application consists of a one-step process, and
visas are often approved and issued in one day. Please see
new proposed changes to USCIS rules regarding
visitor visas below.
B Visa Applicants must:
(1) show proof of a home
abroad
(2) intend to return home
after their visit is over
(3) be physically present
at a U.S. consulate or USCIS (formerly INS) office to apply
B Visa Extensions: B
Visa extensions are granted only in cases that have resulted
from "unexpected or compelling humanitarian reasons"
such as medical treatment or a delay in the conclusion of
a business matter. Extensions are granted in increments of
a maximum of six months.
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B-1
Visas (business travel visas) |
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Maximum Length of Stay:
six months
Limited to:
(1) making investments
(2) buying goods
(3) attending seminars
(4) performing temporary
work for a non-U.S. employer
Extension: up to
six months at a time
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B-2
Visas (tourist visas) |
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Maximum Length of Stay:
The USCIS will determine a period of time that is "fair
and reasonable for the completion of the purpose of
the visit" If this period cannot be determined,
the USCIS will grant a 30-day period of admission.
Limited to:
(1) tourists only;
may not engage in business-related activities
(2) available for
vacation-home owners staying up to six months at a time
Extension: up to
six months at a time
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!ALERT!
New rules on B visitor visas April
8, 2002
Citing a need to further enhance US
security, the USCIS (formerly INS) has proposed new tighter
regulations on the issuing of B visitor visas for tourists
and businesspeople. The new proposed rules will:
- eliminate the minimum 6-month admission
period for B-2 non-immigrant tourist visitors. The new admission
period will be based on the amount of time needed to accomplish
the purposed of the trip, usually 30 days.
- reduce the maximum initial admission
period from one year to six months for all B non-immigrant
visitors
- limit the conditions for which an
extension of stay can be granted and reduce the length of
that extension
- prohibit non-immigrants admitted
in B visitor status from changing to student status unless
they state an intention to study at the time of admission.
- an alien with a final order of removal
must surrender to authorities within 30 days of issuance
of that order. The new rule will deny discretionary relief
to such persons.
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