Although, the B2 visa does have an exception. Those on a B2 visa must be coming for one of the reasons previously discussed and must not engage in employment while in the United States. and they will return to their home country upon termination of their visa. the domestic worker must have worked for his/her employer for at least a year, Here, the B visa holder can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Individuals employed and paid by a foreign employer, may be eligible to provide services or receive training in the United States while on a B visa.Īdditionally, personal employees such as housekeepers, maids, gardeners, or other caretakers may be eligible to work in the United States while on a B1 visa.
B1 visa holders cannot perform hands-on work in the United States nor receive money from a US company in exchange for work. The purpose of your visit is consistent with the visa requirements.įor a B visa, you must prove that your actions in the United States will not violate any of the visa conditions.
Our office can help you determine if a visitor visa is the most appropriate visa for your situation. To obtain a visitor visa, you must support your reasons for coming to the United States.Īgain, some of the acceptable reasons for the B1 include: completing business transactions, consulting with associates, conducting research, attending conferences, negotiating contracts, and observing American business practices.įor the B2 visa, some acceptable reasons include: visiting tourist attractions in the United States, visiting friends or family, receiving medical treatment, participating in social events, participating in amateur competitions, or enrolling in a course of study not for credit. You have a valid reason to visit the United States. To be granted a visitor visa, you must show evidence that: If any of these apply to you, please communicate with our office so we can find the appropriate visa for you. You are not eligible for a B visa if you are coming to the US to: study, work, be part of a paid performance, as a crew member on a ship or aircraft, for work in foreign press or other information media, or as a permanent resident of the United States. For example, citizens of Canada as and Bermuda, who will be in the US for less than 180 days, do not require a visa. You must also have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). There are 38 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program:Īdditionally, the VWP is only for people who plan on staying in the US for less than 90 days. This program is managed through ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Keep in mind that some individuals are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you are not a permanent resident or do not have a valid visa, you may need to apply for a B visa. You can receive multiple visitor visas over your lifetime.One application can permit multiple visits the US for an extensive period of time (up to 10 years).You can apply at your nearest consulate.
You do not need a pre-approved visa petition from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).Visitor visas have many benefits, which include: Our office can help you to determine which visa is the most appropriate for you. or enrolling in a course of study not for credit. visiting tourist attractions in the United States, This could include, but is not limited to: If you have a B2 visa in the United States, you may engage in tourism. Note that this work must not involve any gainful employment in the United States. With a B1 visa, you can perform activities related to your employment in the United States. Visitor visas allow for stays in the United States of up to 6 months.
Those visiting for tourism are categorized as B-2. Those visiting for business purposes are categorized as B-1. What documents are required for the visitor visa?ī visas (or visitor visas) are for foreign nationals who wish to visit the United States. What are the benefits of a visitor visa?Ħ. If you have any questions, please email me directly at My team of US immigration lawyers and I would be happy to help. In this guide, I will discuss what you need to know about the visitor visa. It is a special visa for foreign nationals who wish to visit the United States. The B visa is also known as the tourist or visitor visa.