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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

14-180 days

Application Fee

435 USD

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$51,000
Quality of Life
186/200
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 eligible 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.

Fee Breakdown

MRV (nonimmigrant visa application) fee
185 USD
Visa Integrity and Border Security Fee
250 USD
Reciprocity/issuance fee
—

Processing Tracks

Standard (interview required)2 weeks – 6 months
Interview Waiver (renewal, eligible applicants)1 week – 2 months

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.
Processing14-56 days
View Visa Details
H-1B — Specialty Occupation Worker
United States flagUnited States

H-1B — Specialty Occupation Worker

Validity3 to 6 years
Processing15 days
View Visa Details
E-1 — Treaty Trader
United States flagUnited States

E-1 — Treaty Trader

Validity2 years
Processing14-84 days
View Visa Details
E-2 — Treaty Investor
United States flagUnited States

E-2 — Treaty Investor

Validity2 years
Processing14-120 days
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY 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)

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

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 eligible 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 (33)

Last verified May 30, 2026
Application StepsComplete 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 Tous-f-1; us-h-1b; us-e-1; us-e-2travel.state.gov
Categoriesbusiness; touristtravel.state.gov
Codeus-b-1-b-2travel.state.gov
Criminal PolicyCrimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs) and drug convictions are grounds for ineligibility under IN…travel.state.gov
Dual Intentfalsetravel.state.gov
Fee BreakdownMRV (nonimmigrant visa application) fee: 185 USD; Visa Integrity and Border Security Fee: 250 USD; {…travel.state.gov

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