United States Visitor Visa Guide
A B-1/B-2 visitor visa is used for temporary travel to the United States for permitted business activities, tourism, visits to family or friends, or medical treatment. The application normally involves Form DS-160, payment of the visa application fee, appointment scheduling, supporting documents and a consular interview unless a limited interview-waiver rule applies.
B-1 classification is generally for permitted temporary business activities such as consulting with business associates, attending professional or business conventions, negotiating contracts and certain other activities that do not amount to ordinary U.S. employment.
B-2 classification generally covers tourism, vacations, visits to family or friends, medical treatment and other qualifying temporary visitor activities.
Many applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visa. The classification does not authorize unrestricted employment, long-term residence or ordinary degree study in the United States.
Citizens or nationals of participating Visa Waiver Program countries may be eligible to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without first obtaining a B visa, provided they meet all VWP requirements and obtain an approved ESTA before travel.
Each B-1/B-2 applicant must generally complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. The form is submitted electronically through the Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
If information must be corrected after submission, follow the current DS-160 and embassy/consulate instructions. In some situations a new DS-160 may be required. The confirmation page-not a printout of the entire application-is normally the document needed for the visa process.
The current non-refundable application processing fee for a B-1, B-2 or combined B1/B2 visitor visa is US$185. Local payment procedures and the amount payable in local currency depend on the embassy, consulate and authorized appointment system.
An additional visa issuance or reciprocity fee may apply after approval for some nationalities. Applicants should check the Department of State's reciprocity schedule for their nationality.
After completing the DS-160 and following the required fee-payment procedure, use the appointment instructions for the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply. Procedures vary by country and post.
As of 15 July 2026, the Department of State instructs nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule in their country of nationality or residence, subject to specified exceptions and designated processing arrangements. Applicants applying outside their nationality or residence may face significantly longer waits and may find it more difficult to establish visa eligibility.
Some locations separately collect fingerprints and photographs through an applicant service center or similar facility; others handle biometrics as part of the consular process. Follow the current local instructions rather than assuming that every applicant must schedule two separate appointments.
The Department of State identifies the following as core visitor-visa application documents:
A consular officer may request evidence relating to the purpose of the trip, the applicant's intention to leave the United States after the temporary visit, and the ability to pay the costs of the trip. Depending on the case, useful evidence can relate to employment, finances, family or other ties, business purpose, itinerary or medical treatment.
An invitation letter or Affidavit of Support is not required for every visitor-visa application and is not, by itself, a factor that determines whether the applicant qualifies.
Unless an interview waiver applies, the applicant must appear before a consular officer. During the interview, the officer evaluates the application under U.S. immigration law, including whether the applicant qualifies for the temporary visitor classification and whether any ground of visa ineligibility applies.
Applicants should answer questions truthfully and consistently with the DS-160 and supporting evidence. Fingerprints are generally taken as part of the visa process, subject to applicable exceptions.
Under Department of State policy effective 1 October 2025, all nonimmigrant visa applicants-including applicants under age 14 and over age 79-generally require an in-person interview unless they fall within a listed exception.
A consular officer may waive the interview for certain applicants renewing a B-1, B-2 or B1/B2 visa when:
Interview waiver is discretionary. A consular officer may require an in-person interview in any case.
After the interview, the application may be approved, refused, or require additional administrative processing or documents. Follow the instructions given by the consular section.
If the visa is issued, verify the information printed on the visa when the passport is returned. The visa's validity period determines when it may be used to seek entry; it does not determine how long a traveler may remain in the United States.
Visa procedures, interview rules, appointment systems, fees and processing arrangements can change. Always verify the latest requirements on the U.S. Department of State website and the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply before paying fees or scheduling travel. This page provides general information and is not a substitute for case-specific immigration advice.