B1/B2 Visa for the United States

Get your B1/B2 visa before registering with EVUS

The B1/B2 visa is a visitor visa that allows foreign nationals to travel to the United States for business (B1) or tourism (B2). It’s the visa required before registering with EVUS (Electronic Visa Update System).

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the B1/B2 visa, including how it works with EVUS.

What Is a B1/B2 Visa?

The B1/B2 visa is a temporary, nonimmigrant visa for travelers visiting the U.S. for short stays. The 2 types are:

  • B1 Visa: For business-related trips (meetings, negotiations, events).
  • B2 Visa: For tourism, medical visits, or social travel.

Clarifications:

Can I work with a B1/B2 Visa?

No, you cannot work in the U.S. with a B1/B2 Visa. This visa is strictly for temporary business or tourism purposes.

Engaging in paid employment, freelance work, or any activity that generates income in the U.S is prohibited. If you intend to work, you must apply for a specific work visa.

Can I study with a B1/B2 Visa?

You cannot enroll in a full-time academic program with a B1/B2 Visa. However, short recreational or informal study courses are allowed if they’re not for credit toward a degree.

For longer or accredited programs, you’ll need a Student Visa.

How long can I stay in the U.S. with a B1/B2 Visa?

The B1/B2 visa is usually valid for up to 10 years. It allows multiple entries into the U.S., with each visit lasting up to 6 months.

Note: The final validity and length of stay of a B1/B2 visa depends on your country of residence. This will be confirmed at the border by an immigration officer.

Understanding validity and length of stay

The visa validity (shown on the visa stamp) determines how long you’re allowed to enter the United States. For example, over a 10-year period with multiple entries.

The authorized stay, indicated on your Form I-94, specifies how long you can remain in the country for that specific trip (usually up to 6 months).

Even if your visa is still valid, you must leave the U.S. before the date shown on your I-94. Staying beyond this date counts as an overstay

B1/B2 Visa and EVUS

EVUS is an online system used to update biographical and travel information linked to your visa.

Travelers holding a People’s Republic of China passport and a valid 10-year B1/B2 visa must register with EVUS before traveling to the United States.

Note: The EVUS requirement includes visitors from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.

Without an approved EVUS registration, a valid B1/B2 visa holder cannot board a flight to the U.S.

In short:

  • The B1/B2 visa is your entry authorization.
  • The EVUS is your travel update requirement.

Both must be valid to enter the United States.

Required Documents for a B1/B2 Visa

To begin the application process for your B1/B2 visa, you’ll need:

  • Valid passport
  • Current email address
  • Credit or debit card for payment

You’ll also need to prepare additional documents for your embassy interview (see below).

B1/B2 Visa Application Process

  1. Fill in the form: Complete the DS-160 form online. Our version has been streamlined to speed up the process and help you avoid errors.
  2. Pay the processing fee: Once you’ve paid our processing fee (159 USD), we’ll create an official payment voucher to pay the B1/B2 visa application fee (185 USD).
  3. Check your appointment date: We’ll automatically schedule your U.S. embassy or consulate interview for you. If your location also requires a VAC appointment*, we’ll schedule that too.
  4. Attend your interview: Attend your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Find out more about this step below.
  5. Collect your passport and visa: Collect your passport with the approved visa attached.

Note: Some countries require applicants to attend an appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Our team will schedule this at the same time as your embassy appointment.

Interview process

The B1/B2 Visa interview is a key part of the application process. It takes place in a U.S. embassy or consulate.

During the interview, you’ll be asked about:

  • Purpose and duration of your trip
  • Your travel history and any previous U.S. visas
  • Your employment, financial situation, and family ties in your home country

You should bring:

  • Interview appointment letter
  • Proof of employment or business
  • Valid passport and DS-160 confirmation page
  • Financial statements or recent bank records
  • Letter of invitation (if applicable)

Answer clearly and honestly. The officer will decide whether to approve, deny, or request more information about your application.

What happens if my B1/B2 Visa application is denied?

If your B1/B2 Visa is denied, it means you didn’t meet U.S. entry requirements.

The most common reasons are weak ties to your home country, missing documents, or past visa issues.

When denied:

  • You’ll receive a written notice explaining the reason.
  • You may reapply anytime, but should first resolve the issue that led to the denial.
  • If the refusal involves fraud or misrepresentation, you could face a permanent entry ban.

To increase your chances of visa approval, ensure you follow all requirements clearly.

Benefits of Applying With USA Visa Update

Applying for a U.S. visa can be complex. Our service simplifies every step of the process for you.

Our streamlined B1/B2 visa application service includes:

  • User-friendly version of the DS-160 form with handy tooltips.
  • No session timeouts: your progress is saved automatically.
  • Step-by-step instructions for paying the MRV fee.
  • Automatic appointment scheduling for you.
  • Personalized interview preparation guide sent by email.
  • Continuous agent support, including application updates and interview reminders.

We take care of the details so you can focus on your trip.

Entering the U.S. With a B1/B2 Visa and EVUS

Before your trip, make sure you have both a valid B1/B2 visa and a current EVUS registration. Airlines will verify both documents when you check in for your flight.

Upon arrival in the United States, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review your documents and verify your entry.

Having your B1/B2 visa and EVUS up to date ensures smooth entry into the U.S. and avoids delays at the border.

Note: A valid visa and EVUS does not guarantee entry into the United States. The final decision lies with U.S. immigration authorities.

How to Correctly Follow the B1/B2 Terms

Using a B1/B2 Visa for activities outside its permitted scope, such as working, studying full-time, or staying in the U.S. beyond the authorized period, can have serious consequences.

The B1/B2 Visa is designed for temporary business trips and tourism only, not for employment or residency.

Misusing a B1/B2 visa can lead to:

  • Deportation and possible detention.
  • Immediate visa cancellation or entry denial at the border.
  • Long-term or even permanent ban from entering the U.S.

To avoid these penalties, travelers should always comply with the terms of their visa.