B-1 & B-2 Visas

Book Consultation

Written by:

Janie Sapon, Esq.

Last Updated: August 7, 2026

Reading time: Estimated 3 minutes

Table of Contents

B-1 and B-2 visas are non-immigrant visas that allow temporary visitors to enter the U.S. for business (B-1), tourism, pleasure, or medical treatment (B-2).

To obtain a B-1 or B-2 visa, you must first file the appropriate forms with the USCIS.

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B-1 and B-2 visas are non-immigrant visas that allow temporary visitors to enter the U.S. for business (B-1), tourism, pleasure, or medical treatment (B-2).

These visas are typically issued for short durations and do not confer the right to work or study in the U.S. B-1 visas are for individuals participating in business activities such as conferences, consultations, or contract negotiations, while B-2 visas are for tourists, visitors visiting friends or relatives, or individuals seeking medical treatment.

APPLICATION PROCESS

01 Submit a DS-160 Application

Complete the online non-immigrant visa application form DS-160, providing accurate and detailed information about the purpose of the visit and personal background.

02 Schedule Visa Interview

Schedule a visa interview appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, paying the required visa application fee beforehand.

03 Attend the Visa Interview

Attend the visa interview, bringing all required documentation, such as a valid passport, the confirmation page of the DS-160 application, the appointment confirmation, and, most importantly, supporting documents demonstrating the purpose of the visit and ties to the home country.

TYPICAL TIMELINE

Application Timelines

The typical timeline for a B-1/B-2 visa application can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors such as the applicant’s nationality, the workload of the embassy or consulate, and whether additional processing or administrative processing is required.

Schedule a Visa Interview

After submitting the online visa application (DS-160) and scheduling a visa interview, applicants usually wait a few days to a few weeks for an available interview slot. Post-COVID, many consulates have experienced significant delays, and interview wait times have increased in some locations to as much as more than a year from the time the interview is requested.

Post-Interview Processing

The processing time for visa approval can vary following the visa interview; some applicants may receive their visas shortly after the interview, while others may need to wait several weeks for administrative processing or additional review.

Consult with an expert immigration lawyer to ensure successful approval.

Working with immigration and employment experts can open doors for additional opportunities. Our team’s extensive expertise allows us to combine legal and creative strategies to ensure successful immigration.

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VIEW MORE VISA TYPES >

Additional Resources

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

B-1/B-2 Visitor Information

Client Reviews

    
 
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Muy buen servicio, siempre aclarando mis dudas, guiándonos paso a paso a mi esposa y a mi, muy buen equipo de trabajo, gracias por su apoyo en un inicio con las visas y ahora con la residencia. Los recomiendo mucho al equipo de Sapon Immigration
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Miss Kathleen did a great job!! Process was quick and very smooth. My wife and I are super thankful and appreciate all the quick responses. Will definitely be back for any help and will refer to friends and family that need a hand.
  
 
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   Priscilla L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm forever grateful to the incredible team at Sapon Immigration, who have supported me every step of the way in my citizenship journey. From Janie Sapon, the founder, to Kathleen, who guided me through the final stages, they have gone above and beyond to ensure my success. Their attentiveness, care, and open communication make them a team you can definitely trust!!!
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sapon Immigration is incredibly professional and efficient. Through Sapon Immigration my wife was able to obtain her K1 visa for us to be married in the US. Kathleen was very helpful every step of the way and I would recommend their services to anyone who asks!