Non-Immigrant Visas

B-1 and B-2 Visas: Business and Tourist Visas

When applying for a business or tourist visa, applicants are applying for a nonimmigrant visa. Before a nonimmigrant visa may be issued, an applicant must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that he/she is not an intending immigrant. Applicants can do this by showing evidence of their own personal family, economic, property, and/or other social ties to a country outside the United States. No relative, employer, or friend can "guarantee" an applicant's return in place of such evidence. Regardless of who is sponsoring the trip, the consular officer must look at the individual situation and decide whether the applicant meets the requirements on his/her own merits. Please note that consular officers adjudicate visas on the basis of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This law states that "Whenever any person makes application for a visa...the burden of proof shall be upon such person to establish that he is eligible." U.S. immigration law requires consular officers to deny an applicant's application if he or she fails to present convincing evidence that he or she is not an intending immigrant.

Tourist applicants should bring evidence of prior travel, financial status, family ties, etc.

Business applicants should bring evidence of their prior business experience, travel, and financial information as well as evidence of contacts in the United States.

Note: By signing the visa application form you are certifying that all the information contained in it is true and correct. If you misrepresent any facts, you could be barred from entering the United States. Please double-check that all your answers are accurate and that every question is answered completely. Please inquire with the staff in the Consular Section if you do not understand any of the questions on the application form.