The Business and Tourist (B-1/B-2) visa is granted to people wanting to come to the U.S. for a temporary stay, for traveling or business purposes. However, such visa does not allow the individual to pursue studies or employment in the U.S.
The B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa is to be obtained through a U.S. Consulate, which means that the applicant will have to apply for the actual visa from abroad, through the U.S. Embassy of his/her country of residence.
More accurately, the B-1 Visa allows people to engage in business activities of a commercial or professional nature in the United States, including, but not limited to:
The B-2 Visa, on the other hand, allows people seeking entry in the U.S. for the following purposes:
In most cases, the applicants file for a combination of business and pleasure purposes, and will be delivered a “B-1/B-2 Visa” that does not show which ones of the reasons prevail.
These non-immigrants must satisfy to the U.S. consular officer that they wish to enter the U.S. for a temporary period and for the specific purpose designed by their visa. The B-1/B-2 Visa holders need to prove that they are coming to the U.S. for a temporary period, therefore that they maintain ties to their home country (financial, employment, family, etc…) and intend to leave and return home following their visit.
The B-1/B-2 Visa will be granted for a maximum period of 10 years, but each stay cannot exceed 6 months, unless asking for an extension of stay, thereby allowing the individual a stay of up to one year, upon demonstration that this period is necessary for pursuing the intended tourism or business.