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B-1/B-2 — Combined Business & Tourism
VisasUnited StatesB-1/B-2 — Combined Business & Tourism
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

B-1/B-2 — Combined Business & Tourism

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 day – 6 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

USD $1,185

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Combined visa for both business and tourism/personal travel purposes.

The US B-1/B-2 combined visitor visa covers both business and tourism travel under a single document. Holders may consult business associates, attend conferences, negotiate contracts, or travel for vacation, medical treatment, or family visits — but may not work or receive US-source income.

The visa itself can be valid up to 10 years with multiple entries for qualifying nationalities, but each admission is capped at 6 months. No PR pathway exists and dual intent is not permitted, so applicants must show strong ties abroad. The application fee is $185 MRV plus a $250 Visa Integrity Fee upon issuance.

This visa is ideal for professionals and tourists outside the Visa Waiver Program who need repeated US access for short-term business or leisure travel.

United States

Curious about life in the United States?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

MRV (nonimmigrant visa application) feeUSD $185
Visa Integrity and Border Security FeeUSD $250
Reciprocity/issuance fee—
Expedited Interview Appointment Fee (Optional Pilot)USD $750
TotalUSD $1,185

Processing Time

Standard (interview required)2 weeks – 6 months
Interview Waiver (renewal, eligible applicants)1 week – 2 months
Expedited Pilot (optional fee-based)1–10 days

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant6 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

F-1 — Student Visa
United States flagUnited States

F-1 — Student Visa

ValidityAdmitted for 'Duration of Status' (D/S), which covers the length of the academic program plus a 60-day grace period.
Processing2 weeks – 2 months
View Visa Details
H-1B — Specialty Occupation Worker
United States flagUnited States

H-1B — Specialty Occupation Worker

Validity3 to 6 years
Processing2 weeks – 9 months
View Visa Details
E-1 — Treaty Trader
United States flagUnited States

E-1 — Treaty Trader

Validity2 years
Processing2 weeks – 3 months
View Visa Details
E-2 — Treaty Investor
United States flagUnited States

E-2 — Treaty Investor

Validity2 years
Processing2 weeks – 4 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay

Completed DS-160 online application

Photo meeting official U.S. requirements

Fee payment receipt

Evidence of trip purpose

Evidence of intent to return home (ties to home country)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)

DS-160 online application confirmation page

Official photo meeting U.S. requirements

Fee payment receipt

Supporting documents for trip purpose

Evidence of ties to home country (proof of intent to return)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Covers both business (B-1) and tourism (B-2) activities under one visa
  • Multiple-entry visa with up to 10-year validity for qualifying nationalities
  • Broad range of permitted activities: conferences, tourism, medical treatment, family visits, amateur performances
  • Status changes possible via USCIS while inside the U.S.

Worth Knowing

  • No employment or paid work permitted
  • No enrollment in degree-granting academic programs
  • No paid performances
  • Overstaying the authorized period cancels the visa
  • Birth tourism explicitly prohibited
  • Visa issuance is never guaranteed
  • Reciprocity fees may apply depending on applicant's nationality
  • Chinese citizens holding 10-year B visas must update EVUS every 2 years ($30 fee)

Application Process

1

Complete Form DS-160 online

2

Pay the $185 MRV application fee

3

Schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate

4

Attend the interview (fingerprints collected at appointment)

Application Forms

Go to application portal
DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Fill online

Verified Claims (35)

Last verified Jul 2, 2026
Application Steps
Complete Form DS-160 online; Pay the $185 MRV application fee; Schedule an interview at a U.S. Embas…
travel.state.gov
Blockers
—
travel.state.gov
Can Convert To
us-f-1; us-h-1b; us-e-1; us-e-2
travel.state.gov
Categories
business; tourist
travel.state.gov
Code
us-b-1-b-2
travel.state.gov
Criminal Policy
Crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs) and drug convictions are grounds for ineligibility under IN…
travel.state.gov
Dual Intent
false
travel.state.gov
Fee Breakdown
MRV (nonimmigrant visa application) fee: 185 USD; Visa Integrity and Border Security Fee: 250 USD; {…
federalregister.gov
Apply Now Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

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