How to Apply for a B1/B2 Visitor Visa
A B1/B2 visitor visa is for temporary travel to the United States for business, tourism, visiting family, or medical treatment. It is not an immigration visa.
Important: A visitor visa is not for immigration. If your real goal is to bring your partner to the USA so you can live together permanently, the correct path is usually a Fiancé Visa or Spouse Visa, not a B1/B2 visitor visa.
Trying to use a visitor visa as a shortcut for immigration can create serious problems at the visa interview, at the airport, or later in the immigration process.
B1/B2 Visitor Visa Application Steps
If you are a foreign national planning to visit the United States temporarily for business or pleasure, you may need to apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa. Here are the usual steps:
- Determine if you need a visa. Citizens of certain countries may be eligible to visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. Check whether you are eligible through the U.S. Department of State or your local U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Complete the online application form. Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form, Form DS-160. Read the instructions carefully before you begin.
- Pay the application fee. Pay the non-refundable visa application fee. As of the current Department of State fee schedule, the B visitor visa application processing fee is $185. Always confirm the current fee before paying.
- Schedule an appointment. Schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. Appointment wait times vary by location, so plan ahead.
- Attend the visa interview. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt if required, and supporting documents. These may include evidence of your travel purpose, your ability to pay for the trip, and your strong ties to your home country.
- Wait for a decision. After your interview, you will be notified whether your visa application is approved, denied, or requires further administrative processing. Processing times vary by embassy or consulate.
If your application is approved, the B1/B2 visitor visa will be placed in your passport. Check the visa carefully before leaving the embassy or consulate to make sure the information is correct.
Planning to Bring Your Partner to the USA?
If you are in a serious relationship with someone overseas, the visitor visa is often the wrong tool. A visitor visa is for a temporary visit. A fiancé or spouse visa is designed for couples who intend to build a permanent life together in the United States.
Fiancé Visa
For engaged couples who plan to marry in the United States after the foreign fiancé arrives.
Spouse Visa
For couples who are already married and want the foreign spouse to immigrate to the United States.
Fiancé vs Spouse Visa
Compare the two paths before deciding whether to marry first or apply as an engaged couple.
Do Not Guess Which Visa Path Fits Your Relationship
The right path depends on whether you are already married, where you plan to marry, your timeline, your partner’s children, and your long-term immigration goals.
Choose the Correct Immigration Strategy Before You Apply
If your goal is a short temporary visit, a B1/B2 visitor visa may be appropriate. If your goal is to bring your partner to the United States permanently, review the fiancé and spouse visa options before making a mistake that could delay your future together.
VisaCoach provides immigration petition preparation guidance and support. VisaCoach is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
