Visiting the USA

Basically, there are four types of non immigrant visaslimited to 90 days. Such non immigrants will be issued a
for visitors to the U.S. B-1 visa is issued to visitors whoseparate Form I-94 which has the terms of the
want to enter the U.S. for a temporary period toperson's stay
engage in genuine business activities, such as meetings,Visa applicants should demonstrate that the purpose
conferences, negotiating contracts and consultations.of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or
B-1 visa holders will not be able to work in the Unitedmedical treatment. Also that they plan to remain in the
States and cannot be paid from a U.S. company. IfUS for a specific and limited period. They should also
you wish to work in the US, you have to go throughprove that they have a residence outside the U.S. and
the work visa process and get one.other binding ties which will ensure that the applicant will
B-2 visitor visa:return abroad at the end of the visit.
On the other hand, a B-2 visa is a tourist visitor visaThe tourist visitor visa process:
that is issued to visitors who want to enter the U.S. forTourist visitor visa applicants should generally apply at
a temporary period for tourism purposes or to visitthe American Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction
their families or friends and also for medical treatment.over their place of permanent residence. Though
Additionally, in certain instances, persons accompanyingapplicants can apply at any U.S. consular office abroad,
a spouse or partner who holds another visa status init will be quite difficult to qualify for the visa outside the
the US will be issued a B-2 visa. The third type is thecountry of permanent residence.
WB, waiver for business and WT, waiver for a tourist.Keep the required documents ready and complete the
A B-1/B-2 visa is valid for six months as reflected onnecessary application forms. You can contact the US
the Form I-94 and can be extended once the visaEmbassy or Consular office in your country to know
holder is lands in the U.S. They can also file anthe filing procedures. The procedures differ depending
application to change their status to another nonon the country from which you are applying. You might
immigrant or immigrant status if they are eligible.be required to fix an appointment in some US
Non immigrants under the WB and WT categoriesembassies whereas others may accept walk-ins.
enter the US under a visa waiver program and areYou should also demonstrate that you are properly
exempt from a visa. They are not required to applyclassifiable as visitors under U.S. law. You have to
for a visa at a U.S. Consulate before entering the U.S.provide evidence that shows the purpose of the trip
Only citizens of certain countries are eligible under theand the proposed intent to depart the United States.
WB and WT categories. However, WB and WT nonYou should also prove that you have adequate
immigrants cannot extend their stay in the U.S. orfinance to to cover the costs of the trip.
change their status to another non immigrant orYou can extend B-1/B-2 status after you enter the
immigrant category. An immediate relative of a USU.S. on a valid non immigrant visa. In such a case, you
citizen being an exemption to this rule. Their stay ishave to file Form I-539 with the USCIS.