If you travel to the United States for business or leisure, you should know the difference between visa R B1/B2 and other visas. These are nonimmigrant visas for those who want to enter and stay in the United States temporarily for business (B1) or tourism (B2). However, an R B1/B2 visa combines business and tourism visas.
At Law Office of William Jang, PLLC, we know that visa application can be intimidating. Our skilled and knowledgeable Austin immigration attorneys can help with your visa application needs.
What Is an R B1/B2 Visa?
The visa R B1/B2 is a temporary visa for business and tourism. The “R” used during the application or shown as the visa type on passports means “regular” instead of a diplomatic, residence, work, or other visa type.
Permitted activities for a business B1 visa are:
- Consulting with business colleagues
- Attending an education, professional, or business conference or convention
- Negotiating a contract
- Settling an estate
For a tourism B2 visa, the following activities are allowed:
- Tourism or vacation
- Visiting family or friends
- Getting medical treatment
- Participation in musicals, sports, or similar events or contests by unpaid amateurs
- Participation in social events for service or fraternal organizations
- Enrollment in a brief recreational course of study (not for education credits)
What Documentation Is Required for an R B1/B2 Visa?
In addition to an interview, specific documentation is required to obtain an R B1/B2 visa, including:
- Passport with six months validity beyond your stay period
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Passport size photograph
- Application payment receipt
Authorities may ask you to provide additional information aside from these requirements. For example, you may need to provide the required documents related to:
- The reason for your trip
- Your intent to leave the United States after your trip
- Your ability to pay for your trip
Providing evidence related to your employment or family ties in the United States may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and intent to return to your home country.
What Can I Expect at the Interview?
A consular officer will interview you to determine if you qualify for a visitor visa. You must demonstrate that you meet the legal requirements to receive a visa. You must provide an ink-free digital fingerprint scan for the application process. Although the location may affect it, officials usually take them during the interview.
After the visa interview, the consular officer may decide that your application needs additional administrative processing. However, if approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (depending on your nationality) and arrange for the return of your passport and visa.
How Long Will It Take to Process My B1/B2 Application?
The processing time varies widely and depends on many factors, including the country of origin of the application, the embassy or consulate handling the application, and the number of applications being processed. Generally, it can take up to 30 days to review the application and schedule the interview. The wait time to get an appointment for a visa could be just a few days or several weeks or months. Finally, once the interview is complete, the visa processing time may range from 30-90 days.
How Long Is a Visa R B1/B2 Valid?
A U.S. R B1/B2 visa expires ten years from the issue date. You can enter the United States multiple times as long as it is still valid. A foreign citizen can stay up to 180 days for each entry.
Can I Work with a Visa R B1/B2?
No, a person with a visitor visa B1/B2 cannot accept employment or work in the United States.
Is My Visa Still Valid if My Passport Expires?
Yes, a valid U.S. visa remains valid even with an expired passport. A visa is valid through its expiration date unless otherwise canceled or revoked. Be sure to keep your valid visa from your expired passport, as you may use it, and a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.
Contact a Texas Immigration Attorney
If you need help entering the United States or staying in the country, contact an Austin immigration lawyer from the Law Office of William Jang, PLLC. We understand that immigration laws can be complex and confusing, and we want to streamline the process for you and answer all your questions along the way. Call us today at (512) 323-2333 or contact us online to get started.
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