Each year millions of visitors come to the United States on B1/B2 visas. The B2 visa, the tourist visa, allows a visitor to come to the U. S. for pleasure. The B1 visa allows a visitor to come to the U. S. on business. Both the B1 and B2 visas permit only temporary visits to the U. S., where the visitor has nonimmigrant intent.

Applying for a visitor’s visa

To get a B1/B2 visa, a visitor should apply through the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Each applicant should submit to the embassy or consulate a completed and signed DS-156 form, two 2x2 passport photographs, the appropriate application fee, a valid passport and supporting documents. An interview by a consular officer will be required. If the applicant is a male between the ages of 16 and 45 he will have to fill out the DS-157 form.

The nonimmigrant intent requirement

The most common reason for denial of an application for a visitors visa is the failure to prove nonimmigrant intent, therefore every application must be accompanied by supporting documentation that clearly indicates the applicant’s intent to return home after their visit to the United States. The documents should show the applicant’s ties to his or her home country, absence of ties to the U.S., adequate financial arrangements for the trip and specific travel plans.

Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate

Anyone anticipating a visit to the United States should contact their local U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible. The embassy and consulate have available the DS-156 and DS-157 forms and specific information on the amount of and how to pay fees, how to get an appointment for an interview, local visa application procedures and the status of a pending visa application.