If you are planning on travelling from a foreign country to the United States for either business or pleasure, then the chances are pretty high that you will need to acquire a B1 or B2 visitor visa.
Will Your Trip to the US Require a Visitor Visa?
The B1 visa is primarily used for business purposes only. In the event that you are a professor who is scheduled to participate in a conference, convention or seminar then you would need to apply for the B1 visa. If you are a professional who needs to consult with business associates in the United States then you too will need a B1 visa.
A B2 visa is open to people who wish to tour the United States, meet with family of participate in a social organization’s conference. Eligibility of the B1 visa includes the following:
- You will be consulting with your American business associates
- You will be working on some sort of scientific, educational, professional business ventures which also included conferences and seminars.
- You are working on independent research
- You are involved in a mandatory and unpaid medical internships
More than likely if you are planning an adventure in the United States and you are from another country, you might consider planning your trip properly.
Waiver of Visitor Visa Requirement
There is an option for you to have the B1 or B2 visa waiver, however you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements. Let’s say that you have decided to take a six month, fantastic voyage to the United States. Furthermore, let’s assume that you want to do a wild west tour, a New England tour, and a Rocky Mountain tour. In order to be eligible to waive the B1 B2 visa, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- You will need to be a visitor from one of the approved countries that is determined by the Department of Homeland Security
- You will need to meet all passport requirements including but not limited to: those passports that were issued between 10/25/05 – 10/25/06 are required to have a digital photograph and must be machine readable
- If your passport was issued pre 10/26/05 then it must be machine readable
- If your passport was issued post 10/25/06 by many of the countries in eastern Europe, then you will need to make sure that it is an e-passport only
Getting Help
For additional information on tourist visas contact the Department of Homeland Security or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. You can also contact an experienced immigration law attorney who can provide you with information on where to get a visa and on how to apply.
