The visitor visa of the United States is a B-1/B-2 visa, which has been issued for temporary entry into the United States for multiple purposes. This visa category allows entry to attend meetings, conferences, conventions or a visit for business purposes, as well as multiple other reasons. It also accommodates the purpose of visiting friends and relatives, tourism, medical treatment, and social activities.
Applicants have to assure the interviewing officer that they will only stay for a short period, have enough money to support them for the entire period and have home ties that will ensure their return. The application is made by filling out the DS-160 form, paying the visa fee, and appearing for an interview in the US embassy or consulate. The visitor visa is valid from a few months to even a few years in some cases. In this article we will learn about the types of USA visit visa, eligibility and America visitor visa requirements:-
What is a Visitor Visa?
The visitor visa is a non-immigrant visa which the issuing countries present to foreign nationals who wish to enter the country for a limited period for certain reasons such as – tourism, business, medical treatment, visiting relatives, etc. A visitor visa will allow a person to stay in the host country for a short, specifically indicated period, generally from a few days to several months.
A visitor visa is a group of different subcategories of visas that have been modified for activities permissible during the stay. For the USA Visa , there is a B-1 visa for business-related activities, while the B-2 visa handles issues of tourism and social visits. In most cases, applicants must show intent to return to their home country, prove financial stability to support their stay and meet health and security criteria. A visitor visa is flexible and multifunctional, which is why it has a lot of demand for short-term international travel.
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Types of US Visitor Visa
A foreign national wishing to enter the USA can apply for a visitor visa. It is generally of two types, namely – B1 and B2 visas. Depending on the reason for travelling to the USA, candidates can obtain either one of the two. Let’s dive deeper into what the American travel visa entails in this case.
B1 Visa
Also popularly known as the business visitor visa, the B1 visa is issued to a person who intends to conduct business with organisations and individuals based in the USA. The B1 visa also allows the individual to attend various scientific, educational and business conventions. B1 visa holders can also negotiate contracts, settle financial deals, provide and obtain business consultations, etc.
B2 Visa
The other type of US visitor visa is called the B2 visa also referred to as the tourism visitor visa. The B2 visa holders can enter the United States for holidays, medical treatment, visiting friends and family, attending social and cultural events, participating in amateur sporting and other similar events, etc.
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Differences Between B1 and B2 Visa
Although both the B1 and B2 visas are visitor visas issued by the USA, there are certain subtle differences between them. It is important to understand the difference between the b1 and b2 visas so that you can apply for the exact visa you need. Listed below are the key differences;
| Criteria | B1 Visa | B2 Visa |
| Purpose | It is given to individuals for business purposes. | Issued for tourism, recreation and other similar activities. |
| Scope | The B1 visa is limited in scope and can only be for one purpose – Business activities. | The B2 visa on the other hand is more relaxed allowing for different activities including but not limited to tourism. |
| Uses | A B1 visa holder can only indulge in non-commercial business activities like contract negotiation, estate settlement, etc. | A B2 visa holder can do a plethora of activities like visiting friends and family, consulting professionals for medical treatment, etc. |
Benefits of a USA Visit Visa
Travelling abroad can be challenging, especially with the efforts that go into preparing for travel. One of the most important aspects of travel preparation is obtaining a visa. However, once you have secured your visa, there are multiple benefits of the American travel visa. Some of the prominent benefits are mentioned below;
- Travel to multiple countries Visa Free – With a B1 B2 visa stamp on your passport you can travel to many countries and territories visa-free. It is essential for travellers with weaker passports.
- Flexibility – Visitor visas allow more flexibility than traditional tourist or business visas.
- Multiple Entries – The USA visitor visa holders can enter and exit the United States multiple times with no restrictions.
- Easy Visa Processing for other countries – The importance of travel history cannot be underestimated. A passport holder with a US visitor visa stamp can easily apply and obtain visas for other countries that are generally tougher to get like UK, Germany, etc.
- Multiple Purposes – A visitor visa is versatile allowing for multiple functions to be served such as tourism, business interactions, medical treatment, etc.
- Long-Term Validity – The B1 and B2 visas are valid for much longer than traditional tourist or business visas.
Eligibility for the US Visitor Visa
For individuals to be eligible for the USA visitor visa they have to meet certain requirements. Since it is a nonimmigrant temporary visa there are eligibility requirements already in place. The following are the Americaor US Visitor visa requirements;
- Genuine Reason to Visit the USA – You must be able to prove to the responsible authorities that you have genuine intentions regarding your purpose of visit.
- Proof of Return to Home Country – Any candidate looking for a US visitor visa must prove that they will return to their home country upon the expiry of their visa. It is an important requirement to be eligible for the B1 and B2 visas.
- Sufficient Funds – This is the most common eligibility criteria for any visa and the B1 and B2 visas are no exception. The candidate must demonstrate that they will be able to financially support their stay in the United States.
- Accurate Documentation – An important aspect of US visitor visa eligibility is the documentation needed. The candidates need to have valid and updated documents otherwise their eligibility might be compromised.
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America Visitor Visa Requirement– Documents Need
Submitting complete and correct documents is an important prerequisite. Candidates need to submit the following documents to meet the American visitor visa requirements;
- Valid Passport with over 6 months of validity beyond the intended stay
- A completed nonimmigrant visa application from the DS-160 portal
- Passport-size photographs as per the specified requirements
- Visa application fee payment receipt
- Bank statements and other financial documents to prove your ability to support your stay abroad
- Proof of intent to depart the US after the trip such as home, property, family in the home country.
- Itinerary for the trip
How to Apply For a Visitor Visa (Step-by-Step Process)
The process of a visitor visa application involves multiple steps. Here are the steps for how to get us visitor visa from India;
- Fill out the Online Application – The very first step includes filling up the online application form from the DS-160 portal for the B1, B2 or B1B2 visa.
- Upload the Photo – Applicants must upload passport-sized photographs as per the pre-determined specifications.
- Pay the Fees – The next step involves paying the non-refundable online visa application fee for the American travel visa.
- Secure an Interview Appointment – Once the application is submitted and the fee has been paid, you should schedule an interview with the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
- Attend the Interview – You must gather all the required documents such as passport, visa application fee payment receipt, etc and attend the interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.
- Wait for Processing – After the submission of the documents, the interview and all other formalities, you have to wait for the embassy to process your application. It usually takes around 3-5 days to approve the application and grant the visa.
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If approved you will be provided with your visa and passport. You will need documents attestation from MEA and after this, you can start your preparation for leaving for the United States.
US Visitor Visa Sample
Differences Between a Visitor Visa and a Travel Visa
Overseas travel is a challenging process in its own right and it gets even more complicated when it comes to choosing the right visa for your travel. To choose the right visa for your travel you need to understand the difference between a visitor and a travel visa. Let’s look at what makes them different from each other;
Visitor Visa – It is a non-immigrant temporary visa issued for multiple purposes including business, tourism, vacations, medical treatment, etc. A visitor visa is usually issued for periods longer than the traditional visas.
Tourist Visa – As the name suggests, it is a visa issued by the host country specifically for tourism purposes. A traveller carrying a tourist visa cannot indulge in anything other than tourism. These visas are generally shorter ranging anywhere from 14 days to 3 months and even 6 months in some cases.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key differences between the US visitor visa and the US Tourist visa:-
| Criteria | Visitor Visa | Tourist Visa |
| Purpose | Visitor visa holders can participate in multiple activities including business, tourism, medical treatment, etc. | Tourist visa strictly allows only tourism and the visa holders cannot participate in any other activity. |
| Limitations | A major benefit of the visitor visa is multiple entry to and exit from the United States without any hassle. | Tourist visas are generally issued for a single entry meaning you can enter the United States only once on a tourist visa. |
| Validity | Visitor visas are issued for extended periods. | The validity of a US tourist visa may last anywhere between 14 days to 3 months. It can be longer in some cases but generally shorter than a visitor visa. |
| Process | The application and interview process for a visitor visa is usually complicated and time-consuming. | Comparative it is easier to apply for and obtain a US tourist visa, |
| Eligibility | Candidates need to prove their intentions for visiting America, provide proof of sufficient funds and they also need to show their intention of returning to be granted an American travel visa for the visitor category. | The candidates just need to provide a valid passport, return/onward ticket, and proof of financial ability to be given a US tourist visa. |
Conclusion
The US visitor visa under the B-1 and B-2 categories is phenomenally flexible for temporary entry into the United States for any purpose, be it for business meetings or simple tourism. The recognition of these differences is important when applying so that one selects the right visa to perform intended activities.
Although the visa application process, which involves filling out the DS-160 form application, paying the fee for the processing of the visa, and attending the interview, may seem daunting, with proper preparation, it is quite possible. There are certain advantages of a US visitor visa such as multiple entries, long-term validity, and the opportunity to travel to a wide range of countries without a visa.
It is a highly sought-after visa with a complicated process so make sure to have all your documents in order and be prepared for the interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the meaning of a visitor visa?
A. A visitor visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued to foreign nationals that allows them to visit the host country for specified durations. Visitor visa holders can indulge in tourism, business, medical treatment, etc.
Q. What is the difference between an entry visa and a visitor visa?
A. An entry visa is permission issued by a host country whereas a visitor visa is issued to the traveller who wants to be involved in various activities such as simple tourism, business activities, etc.
Q. What is the full form of a visa?
A. VISA stands for Visitors International Stay Admission.
Q. How much are the US Visitor visa fees?
A. The application cost for a US visitor visa is 185 USD. After successful processing, the candidates may need to pay an issuance fee.
Q. What is the benefit of a visitor visa?
A. The visitor visa has multiple benefits including but not limited to multiple entry, enabling visa-free travel to numerous countries, long-term stays and more.
Q. How long is a visitor’s visa valid?
A. The US visitor visas are generally valid for 10 years. However, the candidates can only stay in the States for a continuous period of 180 days. After this, they have an option to come back to the US again.
Q. What are the differences between a visitor visa and a tourist visa?
A. A visitor visa is issued for individuals who are travelling for multiple purposes including business, leisure, medical treatment, visiting family and friends and so on. There is no restriction as such. Tourist visa on the other hand is issued strictly for tourism and leisure purposes.