What Is a US Visitor Visa?
A US visitor visa is a nonimmigrant visa for people who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1), tourism (B-2), or a combination of both (B-1/B-2). It does not permit study, employment, or permanent residence, and it does not guarantee entry — a Customs and Border Protection officer makes the final admission decision at the port of entry.
What You Can Do on a Visitor Visa
- Business (B-1): consult with business associates, attend a convention or conference, negotiate a contract, settle an estate
- Tourism (B-2): vacation, visit friends or relatives, medical treatment, participate in social or amateur sporting events (unpaid), enroll in a short recreational course not for academic credit
What You Cannot Do
- Study for credit toward a degree
- Accept employment or work in the United States
- Give paid performances before a paying audience
- Work in foreign press, radio, film, or print journalism
- Establish permanent residence, including travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the US (birth tourism)
How to Apply
The exact order of steps can vary by embassy or consulate, but the process generally follows this structure:
Step 1
Complete the online Form DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application and upload a compliant photo. Print the confirmation page for your interview.
Step 2
Schedule your visa interview, generally at the US Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Wait times vary by location, season, and visa category — apply early.
Step 3
Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (currently $185 USD) and, if applicable to your nationality, prepare for a possible visa issuance fee.
Step 4
Gather required documents: a passport valid at least six months beyond your intended stay, your DS-160 confirmation page, fee receipt, and photo. Depending on your case, officers may also request evidence of your trip’s purpose, your intent to return home, and your ability to cover the trip’s costs.
Step 5
Attend your interview. A consular officer will determine whether you qualify. Digital fingerprint scans are typically taken at this time.
Key Things to Know
- There is no guarantee a visa will be issued — don’t book travel until you have one.
- Visa applicants must demonstrate ties to their home country (employment, family, assets) — a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support from a US host is not a required or determining factor.
- A valid US visa in an expired passport remains valid; travel with both the old and new passport together.
- Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need a visitor visa for tourism or short business trips.
How We Help
We help clients prepare a complete, well-documented DS-160 application, assemble supporting evidence of ties to their home country, and get interview-ready — reducing the risk of a 214(b) refusal.