B-1/B-2 visitor visa: tourist and business visa steps

Who this is for

People visiting for tourism, vacation, family or friends, or medical treatment.
Business travelers attending meetings, conferences or negotiations, or consulting with associates.
Travelers who are not from a Visa Waiver Program country, or who are not eligible for ESTA.
Applicants who can show strong ties abroad and enough money for the trip.
People who will not work for a U.S. employer or study for credit during the visit.

Forms involved

Form	Official name	What it does
DS-160	Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application	Completed online by each traveler before the interview.
I-94	Arrival/Departure Record	Created electronically by CBP at entry; it shows how long you may stay.
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Filed with USCIS before the I-94 date if you need to extend or change status.

Step by step

Complete the DS-160Fill out the online application honestly and upload a photo that meets State Department rules.
Pay the fee and schedule an interviewPay the visa application fee and book an appointment, generally at the embassy or consulate in your country of nationality or residence.
Prepare your documentsGather proof of your trip purpose, finances and ties to home, such as a job, family, property or studies.
Attend the interviewThe officer asks about your plans and checks that you intend to return home. Some renewals may qualify to skip the interview.
Enter the U.S. and check your I-94A visa lets you ask for admission; the CBP officer decides how long you may stay. Check your I-94 online for the exact departure date.
Leave on time or extend before expiryDepart by your I-94 date or file Form I-539 with USCIS before it expires if you have a valid reason to stay longer.

Documents usually requested

Valid passport
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa application fee receipt
Photo meeting State Department requirements
Proof of trip purpose, such as an invitation letter, conference registration or medical appointment
Bank statements or proof that someone will pay for the trip
Proof of ties abroad, such as an employment letter, school enrollment or property records
Travel history and prior U.S. visas

How long it takes

Timing mainly depends on interview wait times at your embassy or consulate, which vary widely, and on any extra administrative processing. Extension requests filed with USCIS follow USCIS processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.

Government filing fees

The visa application fee is paid to the State Department, a 2025 law added a separate visa integrity fee for many visas, and Form I-539 carries a USCIS fee. Fees change, so check the State Department fee page and uscis.gov/g-1055.

Working and traveling while you wait

Working for a U.S. employer or being paid by a U.S. source is generally not allowed in B-1 or B-2 status. Visitors from certain countries may be asked to post a visa bond and must then use specific airports to enter and leave.

Common mistakes to avoid

Working, even informally, while on a visitor visa.
Enrolling in a full course of study instead of changing to student status first.
Staying past the I-94 date, which can void the visa and lead to future bars.
Giving answers at the interview that don't match the DS-160.
Confusing the visa expiration date with the I-94 date that controls your stay.

How MyUSVisa helps

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Frequently asked questions

What can I do on a B-1/B-2 visa?

You can do tourism, visit family and friends, get medical treatment, attend business meetings and conferences, and negotiate contracts. You generally cannot work for a U.S. employer, give paid performances, study for credit or give birth in the U.S. mainly to obtain citizenship for the child.

How long can I stay on a tourist visa?

The CBP officer at the port of entry decides how long you may stay and records it on your I-94. Your visa's expiration date does not set your stay; the I-94 date does.

What happens if I overstay my visitor visa?

Overstaying generally cancels your visa and can make it much harder to get future visas. Longer overstays can trigger multi-year bars to returning to the U.S., so an attorney should review any overstay.

Do I need to prove I will return home?

Yes, visitor visa applicants are presumed to intend to immigrate unless they show otherwise. Officers look at things like your job, family, home, finances and travel history.

What is the visa bond for visitors?

A visa bond is a refundable bond some B-1/B-2 applicants from listed countries may be told to post before their visa is issued. The State Department made the program permanent in 2026 and keeps the country list on travel.state.gov.

Can I change from a visitor visa to a student visa?

In some cases yes, by filing Form I-539 with USCIS before your I-94 expires, but you cannot start classes until it is approved. Many people find it simpler to apply for a student visa abroad; an attorney can compare options.

Official sources

Last reviewed: October 2026
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Immigration rules, forms and fees change often — always check the official sources above. MyUSVisa is not a law firm and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency; legal advice comes only from the licensed attorney you choose.