Visitor Visas

Temporary Pleasure
B-2 Visa

Eligibility
B-2 visas – Visitor visas for pleasure, aka tourist visas, are specifically granted to those who wish to visit the United States temporarily for non-business activities. B-2 visas allow for a broad range of activities including but not limited to vacations, visits to friends and family, tourism, and medical treatments. Amateur performers and amateur athletes, who do not regularly receive payment for their participation in events and/or contests, may also be admitted into the United States under the B-2 visa. Furthermore, B-2 visa holders may be allowed to participate in some short-term classes, for which the visa holders will not receive any type of academic credit or recognition. For example, B-2 visa holders may participate in an amateur cooking or art classes while on vacation in the United States.
Requirements and/or materials

USCIS and / or The United States Consulate require documentation and written explanations of the nature of the intended touristic activities.

These documents should include:

  • A clear list of touristic activities;
  • Evidence of how the visa-holder will support him or herself while in the United States;
  • Ties to their home country; and
  • Intent to depart the US upon completion of the visit.

Holders of the B-2 visa are not to engage in any business-related activity, employment of any kind, or academic study. An applicant must not intend to work in or immigrate to the United States.

Citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program may travel in the United States for up to 90 days for tourism or business (in certain cases not requiring work authorization) through ESTA. ESTA, The Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions for the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, though it is recommended that travelers apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets. Please contact our lawyers for more information on the ESTA program.

Validity / Extensions
The B-2 visa is normally granted for ten years. With each entry into the United States, the visa holder will be granted a stay of up to six months at their United States port of entry. There is an option to request that USCIS grant an extension of stay, which can be granted for up to an additional six months. Such an application will be subject to review by USCIS and requires additional information and evidence as to why the applicant wants to stay, how they will continue to support themselves, activities planned, and a flight ticket back. As of April 2019 there is a requirement for a biometric check.
Family Members

Each family member requires his or her own B-2 visa. Interviews are generally waived for children under 13 and adults over 80.

Jurisdiction

The B-2 is applied for through the US Consulate. Contact our attorneys to get started on your application.

Temporary Business
B-1 Visa

Eligibility

B-1 visas are temporary visitor’s visas for business purposes. They are granted to individuals who want to participate in commercial or professional business activities. This can include consulting with clients and/or colleagues, participating in conferences, seminars, or conventions, participating in contractual negotiations, proceedings, and other qualifying activities. Overseas companies often use this visa to send their employees for certain business activities in the US. Other professionals and entrepreneurs can come to the US with this visa in order to advance their current and future projects, and investments.

Requirements and/or Materials:

The USCIS will require documentation and written explanations of the purposes and functions of the intended limited business activities. These documents should include:

  • A clear timeline, providing a fixed departure date;
  • Documentation from host organizations or individuals (if applicable) establishing the intended activities are business related;
  • Proof of enough funds to support the visit and activities;
  • Evidence the visa-holder will return to their country of residence once the intended activities conclude.

Applicants must not intend to work in or to immigrate to the United States. There should be no receipt of educational services, payment or any form of compensation from a United States company or individual for any service.

Please note: B-1 visas do not encompass all business-related activities. Some business or employment related activities may not be allowed with only a B-1 visa, and instead require the obtainment of work authorization or a proper employment visa.

Citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program may travel in the United States for up to 90 days for tourism or business (in certain cases not requiring work authorization) through ESTA. ESTA, The Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions for the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, though it is recommended that travelers apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets. Please contact our lawyers for more information on the ESTA program.

Validity / Extensions

This visa is normally granted for ten years. With each entry into the United States, the visa holder will be granted a stay of six months. There is an option to request the USCIS grant an extension of stay, which can be granted for up to an additional six months. Such an application will be subject to review by USCIS and require additional information and evidence as to why the applicant wants to stay, how they will continue to support themselves, and a new timeline including activities planned and the visitor’s new departure date.

Remember that each case is unique. To find out whether you qualify for this visa, please contact our immigration attorneys directly and set up an appointment.

Family Members

Any family members joining you will have to apply for his or her individual B-2 visa.

Jurisdiction

The B-1 is applied for through the US Consulate. Contact our attorneys to get started on your application.

CONTACT

Tel: 646.820.0662
Fax: 888.820.3250
Email: info@atashlaw.com

Location

1350 Avenue of the Americas 3rd Floor,
New York NY 10019

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