U.S. Visitor Visa Guide
How to Apply for a B1/B2 Visitor Visa
Follow the B1/B2 visitor visa process from checking whether you need a visa through the DS-160, application fee, interview, and final decision.
Temporary Travel
What Is a B1/B2 Visitor Visa?
A B1/B2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for temporary travel to the United States. B-1 generally covers permitted temporary business activities. B-2 generally covers tourism, visiting family or friends, and certain medical visits.
Some travelers may qualify to visit under the Visa Waiver Program instead of applying for a visitor visa. Eligibility depends on nationality and other requirements, including approved ESTA authorization.
A visitor visa is not an immigration visa
If you are serious about bringing your partner to live permanently in the United States, the fiancé visa or spouse visa is the correct path to consider. Review the K-1 Fiancé Visa guide, the Spouse Visa guide, or compare both choices in the Fiancé Visa vs. Spouse Visa guide.
Video Guide
How to Apply for a B1/B2 Visitor Visa to the USA
Fred Wahl, The VisaCoach, explains the seven application steps and why couples should use the immigration path that matches their real goal.
View Full Video Transcript
How to Apply for a B1/B2 Visitor Visa to the USA
This is Fred Wahl, The VisaCoach
Today's topic is:
How to Apply for a B1/B2 Visitor Visa to the United States.
If you're planning a temporary trip to the United States for tourism, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, or certain business activities, you may need a B1/B2 Visitor Visa.
In this video I'll explain the basic application process…
…the documents you'll need…
…what to expect at your interview…
…and one very important point that many couples misunderstand when they're planning a future together in America.
Let's begin.
Step 1 Determine Whether You Need a Visa
Before applying, check whether your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program.
Citizens of participating countries may be able to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visitor visa.
If your country is not part of that program, you'll need to apply for a B1/B2 Visitor Visa.
Step 2 Complete Form DS-160
The first official step is completing the online Form DS-160.
This application asks for information about your identity, travel plans, employment history, education, and previous travel.
Take your time and answer every question truthfully and accurately.
Once completed, print the confirmation page.
You'll need it for your interview.
Step 3 Pay the Visa Fee
Next, pay the visitor visa application fee.
The fee is currently 185 U.S. dollars, although payment methods vary depending on the country where you apply.
Keep your payment receipt.
You'll usually need it when scheduling your interview.
Step 4 Schedule Your Interview
You'll then schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate serving your country.
Appointment availability varies greatly.
Some locations have appointments available within days.
Others may have waiting periods of several months.
If your travel plans are time-sensitive, apply as early as possible.
Step 5 Prepare for the Interview
Bring your passport…
your DS-160 confirmation page…
your appointment confirmation…
your fee receipt…
and any documents supporting your application.
You may also wish to bring evidence demonstrating strong ties to your home country.
Examples include employment, business ownership, family responsibilities, property ownership, or ongoing education.
The consular officer wants to be satisfied that you'll return home after your temporary visit.
Step 6 Attend the Interview
During the interview, the officer may ask questions such as:
Why are you traveling to the United States?
How long will you stay?
Who is paying for your trip?
Where will you stay?
What do you do for work?
Why will you return home afterward?
Answer honestly and directly.
Short, truthful answers are usually the best approach.
Step 7 Wait for the Decision
After your interview, your application may be:
Approved…
Denied…
or placed into administrative processing for additional review.
If approved, your visa will be placed into your passport.
Always verify that the information printed on your visa is correct before leaving the embassy or consulate.
An Important Warning for Couples
Now I'd like to address a common misunderstanding.
Many couples believe they can use a visitor visa as the first step toward immigrating to the United States.
That is not what a B1/B2 Visitor Visa is designed for.
A visitor visa is intended for temporary visits.
If your real intention is to permanently live together in the United States, you should carefully consider the proper immigration process instead.
If you're engaged to a U.S. citizen, the K-1 Fiancé Visa may be the appropriate option.
If you're already married, the CR-1 or IR-1 Spouse Visa is often the better path.
Choosing the correct visa from the beginning can help avoid delays, misunderstandings, and unnecessary complications.
Need Help Choosing the Right Visa?
If you're unsure whether you should pursue a Visitor Visa, a Fiancé Visa, or a Spouse Visa…
visit VisaCoach.com.
You'll find detailed guides explaining each option…
including the advantages…
processing times…
costs…
and which visa may be the best fit for your situation.
This is Fred Wahl, The VisaCoach.
Helping couples successfully navigate the U.S. immigration process from beginning to end.
A visitor visa is for a temporary stay. If your goal is to live in the
United States with your fiancé or spouse, click the video to learn
the proper immigration pathway designed for couples who intend to
build their lives together in the United States.
Application Process
Seven Steps to Apply for a B1/B2 Visitor Visa
1. Determine Whether You Need a Visa
Check whether your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program. Eligible travelers may be able to visit for tourism or business for up to 90 days with approved ESTA authorization. If you are not eligible, you will normally need a B1/B2 visitor visa.
2. Complete Form DS-160
Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. The form asks about your identity, travel plans, work, education, family, previous travel, and other background information.
Answer every question accurately. After submitting the form, save and print the DS-160 confirmation page for your interview.
3. Pay the Visitor Visa Application Fee
The standard nonimmigrant visa application fee for a B visitor visa is currently $185. Payment instructions vary by country and embassy. Keep the receipt when local procedures require one.
4. Schedule Your Interview
Follow the instructions of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply. Appointment availability can vary substantially by location, so begin early and review the local post’s procedures.
5. Prepare for the Interview
Bring your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation, fee receipt when required, and any other documents requested by the embassy or consulate.
You may also bring truthful evidence that explains the purpose of your trip, how it will be paid for, and why you will return home. Examples may include employment, business ownership, education, family responsibilities, finances, or property.
6. Attend the Interview
The consular officer may ask why you are traveling, how long you will stay, where you will stay, who is paying, what you do for work, and why you will return home. Answer honestly, clearly, and directly.
7. Wait for the Decision
After the interview, the application may be approved, refused, or placed into administrative processing. Processing time varies by case and location. Avoid making nonrefundable travel plans until your visa has been issued and your passport returned.
Interview Preparation
Documents and Information to Prepare
Usually Required
- A passport valid for travel to the United States
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Interview appointment confirmation
- Application-fee receipt, when required
- A visa photograph if the online upload did not succeed
May Help Explain Your Trip
- Your proposed itinerary and reason for travel
- Evidence of funds or trip sponsorship
- Employment, business, or school commitments
- Family responsibilities outside the United States
- Other evidence of a temporary visit and planned return
Each embassy may have different local instructions. Review the specific requirements for the embassy or consulate handling your application.
Consular Interview
Common B1/B2 Visa Interview Questions
Questions About the Visit
- Why do you want to travel to the United States?
- How long will you stay?
- Where will you stay?
- Who will pay for the trip?
Questions About Returning Home
- What do you do for work or school?
- What family responsibilities do you have?
- Have you traveled internationally before?
- Why will you return after the visit?
Never provide false information, hide a relationship, or submit fabricated evidence. There is no single document that guarantees approval.
After Approval
A Visa Does Not Guarantee Admission
A visitor visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission. U.S. Customs and Border Protection makes the final decision about entry and the authorized period of stay.
The visa expiration date is not the date by which you must leave the United States. After admission, check your I-94 record and comply with the authorized departure date.
Important for Couples
Use the Visa Designed for Your Real Purpose
A genuine temporary visit to a boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancé, or spouse is not automatically prohibited. However, the applicant must still qualify as a temporary visitor, disclose material facts truthfully, and intend to leave after the authorized stay.
A B1/B2 visa should not be used as a substitute for the proper immigration process. Entering as a visitor with a concealed plan to remain permanently can create serious immigration problems.
K-1 Fiancé Visa
For an eligible foreign fiancé or fiancée of a U.S. citizen who plans to enter the United States, marry within 90 days, and then apply for permanent residence.
Explore the Fiancé Visa Guide
CR-1 or IR-1 Spouse Visa
For a legally married couple pursuing permanent immigration through a marriage-based immigrant visa.
Explore the Spouse Visa Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
B1/B2 Visitor Visa FAQ
How much is the B1/B2 visitor visa application fee?
The standard B visitor visa application fee is currently $185. Depending on nationality, an additional visa issuance or reciprocity fee may apply.
Does a B1/B2 visa guarantee entry into the United States?
No. A visa permits travel to a port of entry and a request for admission. U.S. Customs and Border Protection makes the final admission decision.
Can I visit my fiancé or romantic partner on a B2 visa?
A legitimate temporary visit may be possible, but the applicant must qualify as a temporary visitor, answer all questions truthfully, and intend to depart after the authorized stay.
Should I use a visitor visa to move permanently to the United States?
No. A visitor visa is not intended for permanent immigration. Engaged couples should review the K-1 fiancé visa, while married couples should review the CR-1 or IR-1 spouse visa process.
How long does B1/B2 visa processing take?
Interview wait times and post-interview processing vary by embassy, season, and individual case. Administrative processing can add additional time.
Related Visitor Visa Resources
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Visit the Resource Hub
B2 Visitor Visa Tips
Review practical preparation tips before completing your application and attending the interview.
Read the Tips
The Worst Visitor Visa Mistake
Learn why inaccurate information or a concealed immigration plan can damage a visitor visa application.
Avoid This Mistake
Can a Visitor Visa Affect a Future Partner Visa?
Understand how past applications, statements, travel, or overstays may affect a later fiancé or spouse visa case.
Read the Guide
Planning a Life Together?
Choose the Visa That Matches Your Goal
If your goal is permanent immigration rather than a temporary visit, begin by comparing the fiancé and spouse visa paths.
