Visitor and tourists visas: B-1 visa and B-2 visa, ESTA

Overview

What are the B-1 and B-2 Visas?

The B-1 and B-2 visitor visas are part of the non-immigrant visa category. These type of visas are granted to citizens of foreign countries to allow them the opportunity of entering the United States for a temporary period of time for various purposes, including: business, tourism, medical treatment or pleasure. Although, frequently, B-1 and B-2 visas are combined in one visa category and referred to as a “visitor visa”, each of them vary in the type of activity that they allow you to engage in, once you are in the United States. One aspect, they both have in common is that B-1 and B-2 visas do not permit employment, academic study or permanent residence in the United States. Below, I will list some of the major purposes that each of these visas are legally valid, and used for.

B-1 visa is for the following activities:

• consulting with business colleagues
• attending business, educational, scientific or professional conference
• settling an estate
• negotiating a contract

B-2 visa is for the following activities:

• tourism
• vacation
• medical treatment
• visiting relatives or friends
• participation in social events
• participation in recreational sports, musical events or contests as long as such participation is not paid
• enrollment in short and nonacademic studies

Requirements

To apply for the visas on this category there are mandatory documents that are required for you to present with your application. However, on this category, there are different documents required that vary depending on the purpose of your upcoming trip to the U.S., and the reasons why you're applying for the visa.

Documents required for US visitor visa (tourist visa)

• Original Passport with a six month validity beyond expected arrival date in USA.
• All old passports.
• One photograph per specification. Both digital and hard copy of the photograph are required
• DS160 US Visa application confirmation page stamped at the Visa Application Center (VAC)
• Proof of fee payment, which is a valid receipt
• Printout of US Interview appointment letter

Documents required for tourism, pleasure, and exploring United States

• Travel itinerary
• Proof of funds (bank statement, copy of passbook, any other proof of cash)
• Tax ID, PAN Card, copy of last year's tax documents
• Business card if you have one

Documents required for visiting children, family, attending family event, etc.

• Letter of invitation from children or relatives
• Proof of event, invitation card, brochure, etc.

Documents required for medical treatment

• Detailed medical diagnosis from your physician with explanation as to why your travel to the U.S. is necessary
• Letter from a U.S. physician stating appointment dates and period and cost of the treatment
• Evidence that you or someone else will pay your medical, living and travel expenses

Additional suggested documents

• Occupation related: If you are employed, get a letter of employment verification.
• If you are a government employee, you must get a NOC.
• If you are self-employed, you must get proof of business ownership and financial history

What's included

My services include:

• At Sabalier Law, you count with expert legal representation and guidance throughout your entire visa application process
• Expert legal preparation and expedited submission of your petitions
• Legal review of your application, to ensure that it is filled out completely and accurately
• Legal guidance in case there are there are any requests for evidence of your circumstances for clarification purposes
• Legal advocacy and representation in case an issue arises throughout your application process
• Constant updates on the status of your case
• Timely notification of changes in immigration laws and procedures that are relevant for you and your case
• Expert and attentive legal support and representation throughout your visa application process from the moment you hire me until the moment of safely arrival in the United States. My work is not done until you have no more legal worries in mind
• And the best part is that at Sabalier Law, all legal services are offered online, using the latest in secure technology to ensure your safety and your comfort, so that you can get the legal representation, information, and communication you need every step of the way throughout your immigration process regardless of where you are located in the world