B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism)
For people visiting the US temporarily for business (B-1) or tourism, pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).
The B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism) is a US visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~US$185 (MRV application fee)) and processing time (~2 weeks to several months depending on consulate wait times), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism) is for
For people visiting the US temporarily for business (B-1) or tourism, pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).
No direct path to a green card; a separate immigrant petition would be required.
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism) - eligibility criteria
- Have a residence abroad you do not intend to abandon
- Visit for a temporary, specific purpose (business, tourism, medical)
- Show sufficient funds to cover the trip
- Demonstrate strong ties to your home country
- Intend to depart the US at the end of the visit
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism) (United States) is ~US$185 (MRV application fee), with an indicative processing time of ~2 weeks to several months depending on consulate wait times. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
| Type | Short stay |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a US embassy or consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | Usually up to 6 months per entry (visa valid up to 10 years for many nationalities) |
| Work rights | No employment in the US (B-1 allows limited business activities only) |
| Study rights | No course study (short recreational classes only) |
| Government fee | ~US$185 (MRV application fee) |
| Processing time | ~2 weeks to several months depending on consulate wait times |
| Route to PR | No direct path to a green card; a separate immigrant petition would be required. |
Pathway & next steps
No direct path to a green card; a separate immigrant petition would be required.
Many applicants also compare ESTA/VWP · Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), F-1 · F-1 Academic Student Visa, K-1 · K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which US route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism) pitfalls we fix
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism) - frequently asked questions
How much does the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism) cost?
The B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism) government fee is ~US$185 (MRV application fee). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) before applying.
How long does the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2 weeks to several months depending on consulate wait times. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism) lead to permanent residence?
No direct path to a green card; a separate immigrant petition would be required.
Can I work on the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism)?
Work rights: No employment in the US (B-1 allows limited business activities only).
Who can apply for the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism)?
For people visiting the US temporarily for business (B-1) or tourism, pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United States government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) - official United States immigration authority