Qualified B1 B2 Visa Attorney for Business and Tourism Visitor Applications

Every B-1 and B-2 visa applicant carries the burden of proving they will leave the U.S. when their visit ends. The presumption runs the other way. Our B-1/B-2 visa attorney team prepares applications that clearly present the case before the consular interview begins.
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Our Approach

The B-1 and B-2 Application Starts With a Presumption Working Against You

Consular officers reviewing B-1 and B-2 applications are required by law to presume that every applicant intends to immigrate permanently, until the evidence proves otherwise. This is not a formality. It is a legal standard established under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act that places the full burden of proof on the applicant. Vague documentation or an unconvincing case for home country ties is enough to result in denial. That denial goes on record and can complicate future U.S. visa applications.

The B-1 visa covers temporary entry for business purposes, including professional meetings and conferences. The B-2 covers personal visits, including tourism and medical treatment. Both are issued by the U.S. Department of State and may be combined into a single B-1/B-2 visa. When approved, the visa is valid for up to 10 years. Each entry permits a stay of up to 6 months. Our immigration law office works with applicants to build the evidence package a consular officer needs. Our B-1/B-2 visa lawyers prepare both the documentation and the applicant for the interview.

Eligibility

B-1 and B-2 Visitor Visas: Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for a temporary business visa or tourist visa depends on demonstrating more than a reason to visit. Each of the following criteria must be addressed clearly before the consular interview.
  1. Purpose of Visit: The visit must fall within the permitted scope of the visa — B-1 for business activities, B-2 for tourism or medical treatment.
  2. Duration of Stay: Evidence of specific travel dates and a defined return plan is required to establish the temporary nature of the visit.
  3. Home Country Ties: Employment and family obligations in the home country serve as evidence of genuine intent to return.
  4. Financial Resources: Bank statements or financial records must demonstrate the ability to fund the trip without working in the US.
  5. No Immigrant Intent: The applicant must clearly establish no intention to remain permanently or seek employment in the U.S.
  6. Admissibility: Applicants must have no criminal history or prior immigration violations that would affect admissibility under U.S. law.
  7. No Employment Authorization: B-1 and B-2 holders cannot work for a U.S. employer or receive payment from a U.S. source during their visit.
Documentation

B-1 and B-2 Visa Application: Required Documents

An incomplete or poorly evidenced application is one of the most common causes of B-1 and B-2 refusals. Our attorneys guide applicants through the full documentation process before the consular interview.
Required for all applicants
  • Valid passport with at least six months validity beyond the intended stay.
  • Completed Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application), submitted online before the interview.
  • Visa application fee receipt confirming payment to the U.S. Department of State.
  • Passport sized photographs meeting U.S. Department of State specifications.
  • Evidence of financial resources sufficient to cover all travel expenses in the US.
Additional documents depending on visa type and circumstances
  • Travel itinerary confirming specific dates and a clear return plan.
  • Letter stating the purpose of the visit, particularly important for B-1 business applicants.
  • Invitation letter from a U.S. contact, family member or business host, where applicable.
  • Documentation of scheduled business meetings or medical appointments where relevant.
  • Evidence of home country ties, such as employment records or property documents.
  • Marriage certificate or other civil documents, where applicable as supporting evidence.
Benefits

B-1 and B-2 Visa: The Benefits

The B-1 and B-2 visas offer more than temporary access to the U.S. Both carry significant practical advantages for business professionals and personal visitors alike.

Multiple entry permitted throughout the visa validity period

No employer or sponsor required to obtain either visa category

Valid for up to 10 years, subject to country reciprocity

Each entry permits a stay of up to six months in the US

Stay extension available via Form I-539 from within the US

Travel to any destination within the U.S. is unrestricted during the permitted stay

Spouses and dependent children may each apply for their own B-2 visas

B-1 holders may attend business meetings without work authorization

B-2 covers tourism and medical visits to the US

FAQ

What B-1 and B-2 Visa Applicants Ask Most

How long can I stay in the U.S. on a B-1 or B-2 visa?

The length of authorized stay is determined by a CBP officer at the port of entry, not by the visa itself. In most cases, visitors are admitted for up to 6 months, or for a shorter period, based on the stated purpose of the visit. The date recorded on the I-94 is the actual departure deadline — not the visa expiration date.

Do B-1 and B-2 visas permit employment in the U.S.?

No. Neither visa authorizes any form of employment in the U.S. B-1 holders may attend business meetings or sign contracts, but cannot receive payment from a US source for services performed. Working without authorization violates the visa terms and can result in revocation and deportation, with lasting consequences for future US visa applications.

Is an in-person interview required for B-1 and B-2 applications?

In most cases, yes. Applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 are generally required to attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. Some exceptions apply for renewal applications within a specific period. Our B-1/B-2 visa attorney team prepares each applicant for the questions they are likely to face during the interview.

What is the difference between visa validity and the authorized period of stay?

These two things are frequently confused. Visa validity refers to the period during which the visa can be used to request entry to the U.S. which is up to 10 years for most nationalities. The authorized duration of stay is determined by a CBP officer at the port of entry and recorded on the I-94. Staying beyond the I-94 deadline, even if the visa has not expired, is considered an overstay and carries serious immigration consequences.

Can I extend my B-1 or B-2 stay while in the U.S.?

Yes, but only before the authorized stay period expires. Extension requests are filed using Form I-539 and must be submitted before the I-94 expiry date. Approval is not guaranteed. Remaining in the US after the I-94 expires without an approved extension constitutes an overstay.

Your U.S. Visit Starts Right

Connect with our B-1/B-2 visa lawyers for a clear application strategy covering documentation and interview preparation.
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