B visa category is reserved for foreign nationals who wish to enter the U.S. temporarily for business (B1) and for pleasure or medical treatment (B2). To determine whether you should apply for B1 or B2, consider the nature of your planned trip. If it is recreational, such as visiting family members, tourism, amusement, or receiving medical treatment, a B2 visa would be more appropriate. If the purpose of your travel is to attend business meetings or scientific conferences, negotiate a contract, settle an estate, etc., you should apply for a B1 visa.

Who is eligible for a B1 or B2 visa?

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a visitor visa applicant is presumed to have immigrant intent. To qualify for a visitor visa, an applicant must prove to the consulate officer that s/he is not an intending immigrant, by demonstrating all of the following:

• Their planned stay in the U.S. is temporary;
• They have sufficient funds to cover all expenses;
• They have strong social and economic ties to their foreign residence and do not intend to abandon it;

Document checklist for a B-1 or B-2 visa

To apply for a B visa, you need to make a visa interview appointment with a U.S. embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction over your permanent residence. You may be able to apply for a B visa at a third country, but it is often more difficult.

Generally you will need the following documents:

• Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application; (Note: The online DS-160 application has replaced the old DS-156, DS-157, DS-158, and DS-3032 forms)
• Visa application and processing fees;
• A valid passport with a validity date at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
• Passport-style photos;
• An invitation letter from your relative or business partner in the U.S. to demonstrate the purpose of your trip;
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the trip and living expenses in the U.S.;
• Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, signed and notarized if a third party, such as your adult son or daughter, will provide financial support for your visit;
• Travel arrangement, such as round-trip tickets, if available;
• Evidence of home ownership (or for other real estate properties) in your home country;
• Monthly bank statements and balance verification letters;