How to apply for B1 B2 Visa USA

If you’re not Canadian or from countries in Visa Waiver Program, the easiest way to get travel authorization to visit the U.S. is with B1 B2 Visa USA. These two Visa types are temporary documents for non-immigrants, and the holder can travel for numerous reasons except for student travel covered by F-1 visas.

What are the main differences between B1 and B2 Visa

Both US B1 Visa and American B2 Visa allow temporary access to the U.S. The main difference is in the purpose of the visit. B-1 Visa covers business reasons, while B-2 Visa is for tourism.

If we dig a bit deeper, you can ask for a U.S. business Visa (B1) for business-like meetings, negotiations, attending conferences, or settling family estates.

Travellers who want to visit family, go on vacation, receive medical treatment, or attend events like concerts or classes can apply for B-2 Visa.

Non-valid reasons for B1-B2 Visas

There are countless reasons people want to go to the U.S., but if you wish to temporary B1 B2 Visa USA, you will have to prove that the purpose of the travel is tourism or business.

For people who plan to study or get a long-term job in the U.S., this is not the correct document.

Crewmembers on transport vessels and planes, professional performers, and media persons also can’t ask for B1/B2 visas.

What do you need for B1 and B2 Visa

Unlike ESTA permits issued for visitors from VWP countries, B1 and B2 Visa have more complicated and lengthier application processes. The main B2 Visa requirements for applicants include proof that travel is temporary in nature. They also must have sufficient funds to cover all costs of the journey.

In communication with the American administration, applicants must prove there is no intent of staying permanently in the U.S.

Similar to ESTA, you need a passport with an expiration date six months after the planned return. In addition, with your application, you will have to add digital photography that meets specific requirements.

If you already visited the United States, you would have to provide documentation about the previous five trips.

It would help your application probability if you can provide evidence about ties to your home country like homeownership, job, or family.

Advantages and disadvantages of B visas

Unlike ESTA, B1 and B2 types of U.S. visas have a rather complicated application process. You will have to prove the travel is only temporary, ties with the home country, and that your trip is business or tourism-related.

You will have to follow the online non-immigrant application process and fill out the DS-160 form. There is a fee of $160, and in the end, you’ll have to schedule a meeting with personnel in the U.S. embassy or consulate.

The downside of B1 and B2 Visas is in a lengthy process, much higher fee than with ESTA application process.

On the plus side, most applicants get approval, and you can visit the U.S. for up to 180 days. Also, there is no limitation on the number of trips to the U.S. with U.S. B1 B2 Visa USA. Another critical difference between ESTA and B1 and B2 Visa is in the validity; the latter lasts up to 15 years, while with ESTA, you can travel to the U.S. in the next two years.

What is Visa Waiver Program?

American government access foreign partnership and relations on several factors. There is an easier and quicker way to get the travel authorization, but it is only for people in Visa Waiver Program. Currently, 39 countries are part of the program, with Poland being the latest addition. Countries like most European Union, in the eyes of the U.S., have low-security risks, and their citizens have the opportunity to travel with ESTA.

ESTA application is a straightforward online procedure with a fee of $78. However, you will have to fill out personal and travel information. In addition, since 2020, you must disclose social media information. Finally, you will give the point of contact, accommodation information, and emergency contact in a detailed questionnaire.

While you can leave the point of contact and accommodation info as Unknown, it will help with the approval if you list those details. Emergency contact, however, is obligatory, and it doesn’t have to be from the U.S.

American administration takes 72 hours to process your application, which means it is advised to apply at least four days before the airplane or ship trip to the U.S. If you have to leave urgently, there is a slight chance ESTA will be approved sooner, but you can’t count on that.

You can check ESTA status at any time. However, you will have to know the ESTA application number, password, and personal information to log in and check. If you’re wondering - What is the ESTA application number? , it is a unique number assigned to your ESTA application.

Many travellers ask, is there a free ESTA application? Shortly, no! All ESTA travel applications have a $78 fee, including all family members and small children.

ESTA permit lets you stay up to 90 days in America, and in the two-year of travel authorization validity, there is no limit on how many times you can visit the U.S.

What if your ESTA gets rejected?

For Electronic System of Travel Authorization, the purpose of your travel must be either business, tourism, or transit. So, if you are wondering - How to get U.S. transit Visa? ESTA is the easiest way if you’re coming from VWP countries.

If you’re coming from another country, you must apply for U.S. Transit Visa, which is a lengthy and more expensive process. You will have to file the DS-160 form, pay a $160 fee, and arrange an interview.

If your ESTA gets rejected, you can still apply for B1, B2, or C1 transit Visas. Bear in mind, the process is longer, and it could take months. The best solution would be to carefully fulfil the ESTA application to have an easy and quick way of getting to the U.S.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work the other way around. If you get rejected for U.S. Visa, or if you had previous transgressions like staying too long in the country, you won’t be able to apply for ESTA.

The current situation with U.S. travel

Whatever type of document you have, ESTA or any type of Visa, there are currently travelling restrictions imposed by Custom and Border protection because of the COVID-19 pandemic. All application processes are opened, and you can apply, but you will have to follow the travel pages and find new, relevant information.

For now, you can’t enter the U.S. if you have been in the European Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Brazil, South Africa, India, Iran, and China; during the 14 days before coming to the U.S., you will be denied the entry. Fully vaccinated people don’t have to make the Covid test.

FAQ

Things to know about B1 and B2 Visa

B1 and B2 Visas are temporary documents for business and tourism purposes.

What are the requirements to get B1 and B2 Visa?

B1 and B2 Visas are issued for people conducting business, taking a vacation, or visiting relatives in the U.S. It would help if you had a valid passport with an expiration date six months from the planned return date, a digital photo, and a $160 fee.

How long does B1 and B2 Visa last?

You usually have 10 to 15 years to visit the U.S. with B1 and B2 Visa. There is no limit on how many times you can travel, and the maximum stay is 180 days in one visit.

What is the easiest way to get U.S. Transit Visa?

The easiest way to get a transit Visa is via the ESTA program, but it is only for people from Visa Waiver Program countries. Other visitors must apply for U.S. Transit Visa, fill DS-160 Form, pay a $160 fee, and arrange an interview with the U.S. embassy personnel.

How long ESTA lasts?

ESTA is valid for 24 months, and you can travel an unlimited number of times with a maximum stay of 90 days.

Summary

For people that got rejected by ESTA, or travellers from countries outside of the Visa Waiver Program, the easiest way to get travel authorization is with B1 B2 Visa USA. You have to fill DS-160 form, pay a $160 fee, and arrange an interview meeting in the U.S. Embassy.

ESTA has a much faster and easier application process, lasts for two years, and can be in the U.S. for 90 days. On the other hand, B1 and B2 Visas are granted for a period of 10 or even 15 years, with a maximum stay of 10 days.

B1 U.S. visa is for business trips, and the B-2 Visa is mainly for tourism purposes and visiting family.