B1 vs B2 visa: What’s the difference?

Posted on March 29, 2024 | Last Updated on April 4, 2024

Planning on travelling to the US and not sure whether it’s the B1 or B2 visa you need to apply for?

Navigating the world of US visas can be tricky, especially when it comes to distinguishing between the B1 and B2 visas.

These visas have different purposes, catering to individuals who have different intentions for their visit to the US.

In this article, we’ll explain the B1 and B2 visas, including who can apply, what activities are allowed, and how long they’re valid.

By the end, you’ll know which visa best fits your needs, whether you’re travelling for business or tourist purposes to the US.

What is a B1 visa?

The B1 visitor visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to foreign nationals who wish to enter the US temporarily for business purposes.

Note that a non-immigrant is a temporary visitor for either tourism, education, or work, intending to return home afterwards.

This visa allows individuals to engage in a variety of business-related activities such as attending:

• Meetings
• Conferences
• Negotiations

However, it does not permit you to work or receive payment from a US source during your stay.

The B1 visa is typically granted for a specific period, and you must demonstrate your intent to return to your home country after completing your business activities in the US.

Who is eligible for the US B1 visa?

Unless you are a citizen of a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (in which case you could apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization), you may be eligible to apply for the B1 visa.

Eligibility criteria includes:

• The primary purpose of your visit must be for business purposes
• You need to provide proof that you intend to return home after your visit by demonstrating strong ties to your home country, such as family, employment, or property ownership
• You have to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay
• Have no intention to work, only to attend meetings, conferences, and other business-related activities
• Being in good health and not having a criminal record

Read also:
US B1 Visitor Visa – What Is It & How To Apply?

What is the US B1 visa used for? When should I apply for it?

As mentioned above, the B1 visa is used for short business trips to the US.

You should apply for it if you’d like to travel to the US for the following reasons:

• Attending meetings, conferences, or events related to your profession or industry
• Negotiating contracts or deals
• Consulting with business associates
• Training or seminars
• Market research or exploring business opportunities

How much does the B1 visa cost?

When applying with Visa First, the B1 Visa cost starts at €450.

How can you apply for a US B1 Visa with Visa First?

You can apply for your B1 visa with Visa First through the following steps:

• Send us an email at info@visafirst.com or call us at +353 1 878 3329 to apply for this visa
• We’ll get started on the application with you and guide you through the process
• You’ll need to pay the required fees
• Our team will take it from there and we’ll inform you of any updates

Apply for your B1 visa today!

What is a B2 visa?

The USA B2 visa is for temporary visitors who wish to enter the USA for tourism, pleasure, or visiting friends and relatives.

It’s commonly referred to as a tourist visa.

The same as the B1 visa, the B2 visa is typically granted for a short duration, usually up to six months.

With a B2 visa, you will also be prohibited from engaging in any form of employment or business activities while you’re in the US.

What is the B2 visa used for?

The B2 visa is primarily used for tourism, pleasure, or visiting friends and relatives, which is the main difference between a B1 and B2 visa.

Here are some common purposes for which you might apply for a B2 visa:

• Travelling to the USA to visit popular tourist destinations, landmarks, and attractions
• Visiting friends and relatives who are residents of the US
• Attending social events, cultural festivals, or ceremonies
• Participating in amateur sports competitions or musical events as a performer or spectator
• Enrolling in short-term courses, workshops, or seminars that are recreational or avocational

Who is eligible for a B2 visa?

Similar to the B1 visa, if you are a citizen from a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program you will most likely be applying for an ESTA and not the B2 visa.

If you are not from a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you may be eligible for the B2 visa.

To be eligible for the B2 visa, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• You must demonstrate that your purpose for visiting the US is for tourism, pleasure, visiting friends and relatives, or other tourist-related activities
• You must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay, including accommodation, transportation, and other daily expenses. You may also need to provide evidence such as bank statements
• You must have strong ties to your home country, such as family, employment, property, or other significant commitments, to demonstrate your intention to return home after your visit
• You must have a clean criminal record and be in good health

How long does it take for these visas to be processed?

Since both the B1 and the B2 visas are visitor nonimmigrant visas, they have some things in common, such as the processing time.

After the application has been submitted, either visa can take several weeks to be processed.

Note that the processing time for these visas can vary depending on various factors such as the workload of the embassy and the individual circumstances of the applicant.

How long is the B1/B2 visa valid for?

Once either the B1 or B2 visa is granted, it’s valid for 10 years.

Note that during those 10 years, you can enter the US multiple times.

However, the duration of stay allowed on each visit will be determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry and is typically limited to a maximum of six months.

Can I enter multiple times on a B1/B2 visa?

The B1 and B2 visas are multiple entry visas, meaning you can enter the US multiple times during the validity period of your visa.

However, it’s up to the immigration officers at the port of entry to decide whether or not you can enter based on whether they think your reasons for wanting to come to the US match the visa type.

What’s the difference between a B1 and B2 visa?

The main difference between a B1 and B2 visa is the purpose of the visa.

The B1 visa is used for business purposes, whereas the B2 visa is used for tourism purposes.

Apart from the purpose of the visas, the other aspects of the visas are the same, such as:

• Both visas are valid for 10 years and you can stay for a maximum of six months
• You cannot take up employment on either visa while in the US
• You must have a clear criminal record and be in good health to be eligible
• You cannot bring dependents with you on this visa, they will need to have their own visa
• Both visas typically take a couple of weeks to be processed

Are B1 and B2 visas issued together?

In some cases, the B1 and B2 visas are issued together which means that you can engage in both business and tourism-related activities during your visit.

Ready to apply for your B1 visa with Visa First?

At Visa First, we can make the process of obtaining a visa easier by taking the stress out of your hands and taking care of the paperwork for you.

With our new software, the process of applying for your visa is easier than ever.

You can start by checking your eligibility and creating an online account with us.

Why choose Visa First?

• We have been providing visas for our customers worldwide for over 20 years
• Our dedicated visa agents will assist you every step of the way once your application is submitted
• We can increase your chances of a successful outcome by thoroughly checking your application is filled out correctly

Start your B1 visa application today!