Services
Tourist Visas, B-2 Visas & ESTA
Table of Contents
Temporary Pleasure
B-2 Visa
Eligibility
B-2 visas – Also known as tourist visas, or visitor visas, they are especially given to people who want to briefly visit the US for non-business purposes. A wide range of activities is permitted under B-2 visas, including but not limited to vacations, visits with friends and family, tourism, and medical care. Under the B-2 visa, amateur entertainers and athletes who do not frequently get paid for competing in events and/or competitions may also be permitted into the country. Additionally, B-2 visa holders could be permitted to take a few short-term classes, but they will not earn any kind of academic credit or acknowledgment for them. For instance, while on vacation in the United States, B-2 visa holders might take part in amateur culinary or painting lessons.
Requirements and/or materials
Documentation and written justifications of the anticipated tourist activities are required by USCIS and/or The United States Consulate.
Included in these documents should be:
Documentation and written justifications of the anticipated tourist activities are required by USCIS and/or The United States Consulate.
Included in these documents should be:
- A list of certain tourist activities;
- Proof of the visa holder’s ability to sustain themselves while in the United States;
- Ties to their country of origin; and
- A desire to leave the country once the stay is over.
No business-related activities, employment of any type, or academic study are permitted for B-2 visa holders. An applicant cannot have any plans to work in or immigrate to the US.
Through ESTA, citizens of nations participating in the Visa Waiver Program are permitted to visit the United States for up to 90 days for tourism or business (in some circumstances without needing a work permit). The Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA, is a computerized program that decides whether or not travelers are eligible to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA application gathers biographical data and responses to questions about eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program. Although ESTA requests can be made at any time before departure, it is advised that passengers submit their requests as soon as they start making travel arrangements or before booking their flights. For further information about the ESTA program, kindly get in touch with our lawyers.
Validity / Extensions
In most cases, the B-2 visa is issued for 10 years. The visa holder will be permitted a stay of up to 6 months at their United States entry point for each arrival. An extension of stay, which may be granted for up to an extra six months, may be requested and approved by USCIS. Such an application will be reviewed by USCIS which calls for more details and proof of the applicant’s reasons for wanting to stay, their plans for continuing their support of oneself, as well as a return airline ticket. There is a necessity for a biometric check as of April 2019.
Family Members
Each member of the family needs a separate B-2 visa. For those over 80 and younger than 13 years old, interviews are often not required.
Jurisdiction
The US Consulate is where B-2 applications are submitted. To begin working on your application, contact our lawyers.
Temporary Business
B-1 Visa
Eligibility
Temporary visitor’s visas for business travel are known as B-1 visas. They are given to those who wish to engage in commercial or expert business activity. This might be speaking with clients or working with colleagues, attending conferences, seminars, or conventions, taking part in legal processes, and other acceptable activities. This visa is frequently used by foreign businesses to transfer staff to the US for specific commercial purposes. With this visa, other business people and professionals can travel to the US to further their existing and future ventures and investments.
Materials and/or Requirements:
The USCIS will demand written justifications for the goals and functions of the anticipated restricted business operations, as well as supporting evidence. These papers ought to contain:
- A specific plan with a set departure date;
- Documentation proving the anticipated activities are work-related from the host organizations or people, if relevant;
- Proof of sufficient funding for the visit and activities;
- Evidence that the visa holder will go back to their home nation when the planned activities are done.
Candidates must not have any intentions of working in or immigrating to the US. Receiving educational services, money, or any other type of remuneration from a business or person based in the United States is not acceptable.
Please note: B-1 visas do not cover all forms of business travel. It is possible that some business or employment-related activities are not permitted with a B-1 visa alone and call for the acquisition of work authorization or the appropriate employment visa.
Through ESTA, citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program are allowed to travel to the United States for up to 90 days for business or tourism (in some circumstances without needing a work permit). The Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA, is a computerized program that decides whether or not travelers are eligible to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA application gathers biographical data and responses to questions about eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program. Although ESTA requests can be made at any time before departure, it is advised that passengers submit their requests as soon as they start making travel arrangements or before booking their flights. For further information about the ESTA program, kindly get in touch with our lawyers.
Validity / Extensions
Typically, this visa is issued for 10 years. The bearer of the visa will be permitted a stay of six months with each entrance into the country. One alternative is to ask the USCIS for a stay extension, which can be approved for up to another six months. A revised timetable with activities planned and the visitor’s new departure date will be required along with extra information and proof as to why the applicant wants to stay and how they will continue to sustain themselves. Such an application will be subject to USCIS assessment.
Keep in mind that every case is different. Please make an appointment with one of our immigration lawyers to determine if you are eligible for this visa.
Family Members
Any family members traveling with you must apply for their B-2 visa.
Jurisdiction
Through the US Consulate, a B-1 application is submitted. To begin your application, get in touch with our attorneys.
PleaseĀ make an appointment with one of our immigration lawyers to determine if you are eligible for this visa — fill out the Book an Appointment form.