VISITORS - B-1 & B-2 VISAS

HELP WITH VISAS FOR TEMPORARY VISITS

If you wish to enter the United States for a brief visit or business meeting, you must either obtain a B1 or B2 visitor visa, or be a citizen of a visa waiver country. If you are entering the United States for business temporarily, the B1 visa is for you. Those wishing to enter the United States for vacation or a family visit must obtain a B2 visa.

At the Raleigh law offices of Gardner Gordon we routinely help people obtain both kinds of visas. All B1 and B2 visas must be applied for and obtained from a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.

B1 & B2 Requirements

To obtain a B1 or B2 visa to enter the United States you must prove to the consular officer that you do not intend to stay in the U.S. long term but are only visiting temporarily. Acceptable proof includes documents that show that you are entering for business, pleasure or medical treatment, itineraries showing your return trip within a short period of time (days, weeks, or a few months) or some other proof that you have a residence outside of the U.S., and financial and family ties to your home country.

It is best to apply for your B1 or B2 visas in your home country, although it is possible to apply while you are in a different country. The U.S. Department of State website contains more information and lists the countries which participate in the visa waiver program and can be found here.