United 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 $935

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

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).

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.

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Cost Breakdown

MRV (nonimmigrant visa application) feeUSD $185

Reciprocity/issuance fee—

Expedited Interview Appointment Fee (Optional Pilot)USD $750

TotalUSD $935

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 grant

6 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United 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

United States

H-1B — Specialty Occupation Worker

Validity3 to 6 years

Processing2 weeks – 9 months

View Visa Details

United States

E-1 — Treaty Trader

Validity2 years

Processing2 weeks – 3 months

View Visa Details

United 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)