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Combined Visa for Business or Pleasure (B1/B2 visa)
Under the Visa Waiver Program Australians and nationals of 26 other countries, including the UK and New Zealand, can travel to the U.S. for tourism or business stays of less than 90 days without obtaining a visa if certain requirements are met.
If you do not meet the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program, you may be eligible for a visitor
visa which is a non-immigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) and for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). As examples, if the purpose of your planned travel is recreational in nature, including tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment, and activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature, then a visitor visa (B-2) would be the appropriate type of visa for your travel. As additional examples, if the purpose for your planned travel is to consult with business associates, travel for a scientific, educational, professional or business convention, or conference on specific dates, settle an estate, or negotiate a contract, then a business (B-1) visitor visa would be the appropriate type of visa for your travel.
Changes introduced shortly after September 11, 2001 involve extensive and ongoing review of visa issuing practices as they relate to our national security. Visa applications are now subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. So it is important to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel departure date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a business related (B-1) visitor visa?
Generally, the travel appropriate for a business (B-1) visitor visa includes travel to:
- Consult with business associates;
- Attend a scientific, educational, professional or business convention, or a conference on specific dates;
- Settle an estate;
- Negotiate a contract;
- Participate in short-term training.
What is a visitor related (B-2) visa?
Generally, the travel appropriate for a visitor (B-2) visitor visa includes travel for:
- Tourism or Family Visits
- Medical Reasons (see below for further details)
- Participation in Social Events
- Armed Forces Dependents
- Dependents of Crewmen
- Short Course of Study
- Amateur Entertainers and Athletes
Business/Visitor Visas
A temporary visitor for business or pleasure must establish that he or she:
- Has a residence abroad which he or she does not intend to abandon
- Is coming to the United States for a definite temporary period
- Will depart upon the conclusion of the visit
- Has permission to enter a foreign area after his or her stay in U.S.
- Has access to sufficient funds to cover expenses of the visit and return passage
Fees
There are two parts to the non-immigrant visa fee: the application fee and the issuance fee.
Additional Documentation Needed - When Seeking to Travel for Medical Treatment
Persons desiring to travel to the U.S. for medical treatment should be prepared to present the following, in addition to any other documentation the consular officer may require:
- Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason the applicant requires treatment in the United States.
- Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, expressing a willingness to treat this specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors' fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
- Statement of financial responsibility from the individuals or organization which will pay for the patient's transportation, medical and living expenses. The individuals guaranteeing payment of these expenses must provide proof of ability to do so, often in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns.
If a visa applicant has specific questions about qualifications for a visa, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where he/she will apply for the visa.
Further Information
Please see our telephone information page for general advice on visas (charges apply).
Last update: Wednesday, 22 October 2008 GMT+1000
