Frequently Asked Questions - B-2 Visa
- CBP requirements for a B-2 visitor
- CBP and 180-day admission period for B-2 visitor
- B-2 to B-1
- B2 visa and change of status
- B2 visa to green card
- B-2 Visa Multiple destination
- B-2 Visa
- B1/B2 Category
- Return to America on a B-2 visa
- I have been revoked to seattle with visa B1/B2
- Applying for B1/B2
- How to apply for visitors visa?
- B Visa renewal
- Visitor, Tourist, B-2 visa extensions and multiple extensions
- Loss of H-1B Job and Opting for B-2 Visa
- Unemployment Benefits While On B-2
- Covid-19/Coronavirus applying for B-2 status
- Covid Coronavirus Converting to B-1 B-2 status
- B-1/B-2 visitors visa extension
- Covid Coronavirus Extension of B-1-B2 (tourist visas or business visas)
- Applying for tourist, visitors, B-1, B-2 to maintain status
- Tourist/Visitors visa for people with special needs or challenges
- Issues Related to Tourist Visa/Business Visa (B-1-B-2) Extensions
- Options to Stay in the USA After Expiration of H-1B
- Period of Maximum Stay Allowed for Tourist Visa Entrants
- Travel Outside The USA When A Case Is Pending
- Staying in the United States Based Upon Medical Need of Child, B-2 or Humanitarian Parole
- Changing Status from Tourist or Business Visa (B1 or B2) Within the United States
- Fraud or misrepresentation findings in visa or petition, what should you do?
- Doing business in the USA on a B-1/B-2 visa
- Does the H-1 60 days grace period apply when one quits a job?
- Entering the USA on B-1/B-2 visa to get married
- I-485 Rejected and B-2 Expiring
- Enter USA while Green Card is Pending on B-1, B-2/H-1 Visa
- No Requirement of Possessing Fund for Visitor's Visa
- How to Enter The USA to Start A Business And Then Continue
CBP requirements for a B-2 visitor
While previous presence in the U.S. is a relevant factor in determining whether an alien maintains a residence abroad that he or she has no intention of abandoning, isn't it true that inspecting CBP officers should not focus solely on the amount of time an individual has previously spent in the United States to determine eligibility for admission as a visitor?
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) indicates that all nonimmigrant applicants seeking admission as B-2 visitors are required to satisfy the inspecting CBP Officer that they are entitled to the admission and classification that they seek, including proving that they maintain a foreign residence abroad that they have no intention of abandoning.
CBP and 180-day admission period for B-2 visitor
1. If an alien is otherwise admissible as a B-2 visitor for pleasure, isn't it true that a CBP officer should not limit the admission of that alien to 180 days in a twelve-month period?
2. Assuming an individual is otherwise eligible for admission, isn't it true that eligibility for admission as a visitor is determined by the nature and expected duration of the intended activity in the U.S.?
3. What is the training that is given to CBP officers to reinforce that B-2 visitors may lawfully be admitted for an aggregate period in excess of 180 days in a twelve-month period?
1. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) indicates that, if an alien applicant is otherwise admissible as a B-2 visitor, and passport validity requirements are met, the applicant can be issued more than one 180-day admission period in a 12-month period.
B-2 to B-1
I am an IT professional who has come to the US for medical treatment on a B2. I am getting better. Since I like to constantly upgrade my skills, I found some training programs that I could attend as they are more frequent in the US than in Canada. Can I attend them on a B2? I mean I have a B1/B2 visa, but the officer marked it as B2 on the stamp on my passport at the POE. Second - I also have got an offer for a one day lecture to some technology professionals for which I might get paid. How would the folks know I worked for a day if while exiting the country there is no checking?
I believe you can take training on B-2 as long as your main purpose of stay in USA is is still medical treatment. Getting paid may be a bad idea.
B2 visa and change of status
I am currently in the U.S. with B2 visa. Can a company that intents to hire me, apply for a work permit on my behalf and change my status while I am in the U.S.?
You can, but it is almost never a good idea to convert from a B to a longer term visa. Please discuss the consequences with your lawyers.
B2 visa to green card
I am a US citizen can I apply for green card for her while she is in US and can she stay here while the application is in process?
The answer to both your questions is - yes. But you MUST speak with a lawyer to understand all the nuances of her case.
B-2 Visa Multiple destination
My grandmother has a B2 visa to visit Guam. After her two week stay, she wants to visit her other daughter in California but she will have to go back to Philippines for a day because its cheaper to travel from Phil. to Cali. Can she still use the same B2 visa. When will she have to surrender her I-94? After the California trip?
As long as the visa is valid and permits multiple entries (not all visas do), I see no problem.
B-2 Visa
I am US citizen trying to bring my friend from Pakistan to visit me in America , how hard is the process for him to visit, as we have never offical met in person, but are connected online. I hear you have to have proof that we actually have met, like pictures?. Is this hopeless? Would it be better for me to meet him out of the country?
Getting a B-2 visa for a single person tends to be very difficult. If you meet him once, you can get him here on a Fiance (K-1) visa. That is much better if you want to get married.
B1/B2 Category
I have already applied for the draw for the Diversity Lottery Visa for which I am eligible.If at all I dont get selected and want to make a B1/B2 application thereafter will I have to mention in the application form that I have been denied such a chance for lottery before and if I choose not to do so can the consulate people find out that this person has made such an application before.Please advise for the correct approach.
Return to America on a B-2 visa
I want to know how long I have to spend in my country before I can return back to America,I left there on october 27 and I have a B-2visa.
I cannot give you a hard and fast rule, but generally speaking, CBP wants you to spend more time outside than inside USA each year.
I have been revoked to seattle with visa B1/B2
Last november 11, 2009 I went to seattle for vaccation. I detained: 1-one returned ticket for may 3, 2010; 2-one electronic ticket for one mission on geneva from december 1st to 7, 2009; 3- 3books for my online MBA courses; 4- one visa B1 & B2 for 10 years issue on july 2007, 5- a letter for my employer. But when I arrive to airport the immagration office say that I came to work or study, but not for vaccation. They put me in Jail ARROUND 1 MONTH and they revoked me.
I want to know the way to make my complaint and ask to review my case. I am an international worker since 1999.
You will need a consultation with a lawyer. It appears you were formally denied admission and excluded from entering USA. The one-month detention sounds strange. Anyhow, get a lawyer, this is not a simple matter.
Applying for B1/B2
Have a pending I-130 with priority date of 26 OCt 2002 In the F2B category, now my cousin wish for me to visit her in MARYLAND, My parents and siblings live in the states and I have been denied B2 Visa befor in 2002 , but I have also travelled to the US before as a child first in 1987 and 1992 with my father. QUESTION is I have 5 Years working experience in a bank, I have travelled to the UK,FRANCE,ITALY AND SPAIN regularly on holidays in the last 3 years. What are my chances of getting a visitors visa? If my chances are not bright, I might as well forget about applying for a visitors visa.
Your chances are slim, but it is impossible to predict.
How to apply for visitors visa?
My mother in law would like to visit me and her grand daughter and i would like to get her a visitor visa what do i need to get that and how do i get one?
She needs to contact the US consulate closest to where she lives. Normally, they will be able to tell her what she needs to bring and what the procedure is. This information should also be available on consular web site. Most consulates also respond to e-mail enquiries.
B Visa renewal
I came back from states in 2003. I had mulitiple b1/b2 visa that was expired in 2006. Now, if I apply again so what are the chances? Can i get multiple visa again?
I see no reason why not.
Visitor, Tourist, B-2 visa extensions and multiple extensions
My Mother-in-law arrived in the USA on Feb 19th, 2020 on visitor visa (B2), her initial plan was to stay till Aug 11th 2020 but due to covid-19 and travel ban we have applied extension for another 6 months - Feb 4th, 2021 on June 19th, 2020. Her case status is still under processing("Case Was Received") even though she is getting close to the end of first extension. Since she is over 62 and belongs to high-risk traveler category(with pre-existing conditions), we would like to extend her stay for another 6 months, mostly till June 2021. Her authorized stay(I-94) expired on 8/18/2020
1) Can we apply the second extension for another 6 months while her first extension is in processing, if yes, what is the process?
2) Can she stay in the US even after Feb 4th (first application requested end-date) while the application is being processed, will this be considered overstay?
3) What happens if my mother in law leaves before biometrics appointment?
4) if rejected, how soon do we have to leave the US and will the stay from I-94 is considered as overstay?
5) Staying beyond 1 yr has any impact on future visits?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Visitor, Tourist, B-2 visa extensions and multiple extensions
Video Transcript:
This FAQ has become such a problem for people. Answering to the question:
1. Yes, you can.
2. Yes, she can.
Loss of H-1B Job and Opting for B-2 Visa
1) I lost my job almost 6 months ago. I was on H1B with I-140 approved. I filed for a change of status to B2 (not approved yet). Now I have to extend again since I wasn't able to find a job and cannot move out of the USA right now.
How long/many times can one extend a B2 under the given circumstances?
2) If for whatever reason say the original B2 petition filed in July gets denied do I get illegal presence for all these months from July? How long(days/weeks) does a person has to leave the country in this case?
3) Any suggestion on what steps to take if USCIS does not approve COS from B2 (pending) to H1b but processes as consular processing. I am a Canadian resident but I heard only emergency visa appointments are available.
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Loss of H-1B Job and Opting for B-2 Visa
Video Transcript
1. Until the B-2 is denied you could try to keep getting it extended.
2. No, as long as a timely filed B-2 was pending you have no unlawful presence.
Unemployment Benefits While On B-2
My question is on unemployment benefits-is it illegal to collect unemployment benefits while on a B2 visa. I was on H1B and my 60 days are over so I moved to B2 (pending).
I received unemployment benefits for the 60 days grace period which is legal.
However, the question is how about after 60 days? I stay in California and EDD said they will look at my case and make a decision if I continue to get benefits after 60 days. My only concern is I don't want to collect benefits now that may cause issues later for GC.
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Unemployment benefits while on B-2
Video Transcript
The extended unemployment benefits were for all US workers. They were not just for green card holders or US citizens. As far as I know this should not be a problem.
Covid-19/Coronavirus applying for B-2 status
I came to the US on H1b in 2010. My i140 got approved in Dec 2013. I joined a new employer on 21 Feb 2020. My H1B got approved till 20 Feb 2023, But I did not receive any receipt notice for my wife and my elder son H4. My employer told me that he applied for an H4 visa for my dependents.
Unfortunately, I got laid off due to COVID-19 and my employer notified USCIS on 8th June 2020 to revoke my visa. My priority is to find a new job. But in case I do not find any job I would like to move out of the USA, I do not want to accrue unlawful days. But, due to the COVID-19 situation in India, I am scared to travel to India.
My wife called USCIS and was asked to email USCIS on mailto:lockboxSupport@uscis.dhs.gov">lockboxSupport@uscis.dhs.gov to notify her of the receipt number of my wife and son. But she has not received any response.
I want to stay in the USA until the COVID-19 situation becomes normal. As per the Document COVID Coronavirus Converting to B-1 B-2 status.pdf on your website, I can apply for a change of status to B1/B2?
Covid Coronavirus Converting to B-1 B-2 status
My employer has applied for my H1 B extinction and got an RFE ,based on RFE responded but I got denial USCIS site 03-20-2020. But my employer still did not received denial notice. How many days I can stay in the USA after denial. (my I-94 has expired Jan-25-2020)
B-1/B-2 visitors visa extension
My father is having a B1/B2 visa till 2025. He came to visit me on Feb 12, 202. He has stamped (I-94)till August 4, 2020. Due to this COVID-19 situation, I would like to extend his stay in the USA on B1/B2. He visited the USA multiple time from 1987 to 2020.
Covid Coronavirus Extension of B-1-B2 (tourist visas or business visas)
My parents are here in US on B1/B2 visitor visa and their I-94 expires on June 5th. With the current Covid Situation, I feel it's risky to send older parents back to India. I would like to know if I can apply for extension of stay based on this situation? USCIS will consider this kind of pandemic situation in to account for extension? If I can apply extension how soon I should do and how long I can extend ( can do 6 months)?
Applying for tourist, visitors, B-1, B-2 to maintain status
Spoken to the current employer's attorney on Tourist visa , they replied its not a correct path moreover it takes much proofs to tell USCIS i was on H1b working for employer and then changing to visitors and then after certain period of time when i find a project, changing it back (i.e applying) to h1 makes this case more complex.
Tourist/Visitors visa for people with special needs or challenges
I am planning to sponsor Visitor Visa for my sister,she was diagnosed with Down syndrome when she was 1 year and she is now 45 yrs old.
Considering her condition, i would like to know what additional documentation is required for visitor Visa B1/B2 apart from I130, letters to consulate & bank statements.
Issues Related to Tourist Visa/Business Visa (B-1-B-2) Extensions
My father recently renewed his B2 Tourist Visa - and was given the 10-YR Multiple entry visa. He is currently visiting USA and his current I 94 expires in end of May 2019. Due to some medical issues - we were contemplating about requesting a 2 to 3 months extension for his stay - if possible. Would you necessarily have to provide an evidence in the form of a return ticket (about 3 months hence from end of May 2019) - to prove that he indeed intends to go back
Options to Stay in the USA After Expiration of H-1B
1. I am currently in H1-B more than 10 years in the USA and I have approved I-140 priority date Mar 2011 - EB2. My current employment is getting over in 3 weeks. And my current H1-B and I-94 expires in mid-August 2019. My question is if I am not able to find another job within my H1-B and I-94 expires on Mid August 2019. What are the options available for me to legally stay in the USA after my H1-B and I-94 expires? I have own house. Is there an exceptional case we can file GC EAD?
2. Without a job how many days i can stay in USA before my I-94 expires using I-140?
Period of Maximum Stay Allowed for Tourist Visa Entrants
I am a US citizen. My parents (father 72 y and mother 65y) have a valid multiple entry visit visa to USA issued in 2012 and valid till 2022. They used to make short visits to USA every year till 2016 with duration of stay averaging around 55 days each year. After my father’s retirement in April 2017 they have settled down in India.
During their visit in June 2017 they stayed here for just under 6 months (174 days). They visited this year as well for about 173 days, arriving in SFO in June 2018. Upon their arrival at SFO, the CBP officer cautioned that the 6 month stay is not acceptable each time they visit, perhaps they will be given only 1 month stay during their next visit and that they should apply for green card if they wish to stay longer.
Based on your expertise, we would appreciate if you could let us know whether there is a possibility that the CBP officer would have placed an adverse remark/ comment on their system and would enforce a short stay of 1-2 months during their next visit (tentatively in June 2019). Being aged, they are more comfortable with making 6 months visits on multiple entry visa rather than staying for longer periods in USA to keep Green Card valid.
Travel Outside The USA When A Case Is Pending
1. I moved from client A to client B in June. My employer filed an amendment for me now. I have my current H-1B till September 2020 when I'm with client A but my visa stamping expired last year. Can I travel while my H-1B amendment is pending?
2. As my visa got expired, I have to get it stamped again. For that, should I have to go for interview again or can I do it by Dropbox?
3. What will be the case if my amendment is still pending. What will be the case If my amendment is approved by then.
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Travel outside the USA when a case is pending
Video Transcript
1. Yes, you can travel.
2. I don't know the exact local rules, but you have to go for visa stamping.
3. You should not go until the amendment is actually approved. More...
Staying in the United States Based Upon Medical Need of Child, B-2 or Humanitarian Parole
Currently I am in India, my H1-B got denied and left US. My wife is in US on the basis of change of status from H4 to B2 on humanitarian grounds due my daughter's chronic medical condition. Her B2 is still under process and if approves then good till 24th Feb'18.
Since It is uncertain I will get another employer who can sponsor h1b immediately,
Is there any provision for US born, parent can stay due to her undergoing intensive treatment?
Can we apply for humanitarian parole?
Changing Status from Tourist or Business Visa (B1 or B2) Within the United States
Right now I'm in USA on B1 visa. I came last week 1st Oct 2017. Got the stamp for 6 months (i94 expires on Mar 31, 2018). This is the 3rd time I'm traveling to the US on B1. Below are the previous trip details.
Aug 02 2014 To Sep 28 2014, May 03 2015 To Jun 15 2015,3) Oct 1 2017 To till date (Nov 11 2017). Now my company wants to file L-1B petition for me. The employer is ready to file an application for L-1B in the USA if it is legitimate.
1) Now I'm already in the US, so Is there a process to get my L-1B without going back to my country (India)? Is B-1 to L-1B is a complex process? Is there any complication(s) if I put my petition in USA?
2) What will be the time frame to get L-1B?
Fraud or misrepresentation findings in visa or petition, what should you do?
1. I am on H-1B visa valid till sep 2018 , I came to India in November 2016 and applied for stamping of my visa here in New Delhi consulate , they kept my passport and some documents and told me it's in admin processing and will contact the client, as I was not working for that client during that time so they have rejected my visa after 3 months in January 2017 , the section they given for rejection is 212 (a) (6)(c)(i) which prohibits the issuance of visa for for fraud or willfully misinterpretation of fact. I check My USCIS online status of my H-1B says that my visa has been sent to the department of state. Will I be ever able to enter the USA ?
2.How to remove this Fraud charges on me?
3. I have a B1-B2 for 10 years in the year 2011, but that passport got lost in the USA, I got new passport from Indian consulate there and then I was traveling in H1-B mostly,
So never bothered to inform and re-stamp my b1b2 visa from the consulate in India. How can I get my duplicate B-1/B-2 re-issued
Video Transcript
1. Yes, if you can get a 212(d)(3) waiver for a limited time or limited purposes.
Doing business in the USA on a B-1/B-2 visa
1. Am I allowed to travel to the USA as a B-1 business visitor? How many times in a year and for how long can I stay in the US for my business trip?
2. What kind of paperwork would I be asked to show at the port of entry?
3. B-1/B-2 visa stamp is valid until 2026; Do I need to renew it every time before travelling to the US by going to the US consulate or any other office?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Doing business in the USA on a B-1/B-2 visa
Video Transcript
1. B-1/B-2 are mixed used visas. You can do pretty much everything on these visas. <br>
Does the H-1 60 days grace period apply when one quits a job?
1. Does the new 60 day grace period for H-1Bs apply to one after quitting their job ? Or is it only applied to situations only in the cases where the employer terminates the job?
2. I am on H-1B and plan to quit my job and move back to India, I would need 3-4 weeks to wrap up things here after quitting the job. I am trying to see if I can use this 60 day grace period.
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Does the H-1 60 days grace period apply when one quits a job?
Video Transcript
1. According to the regulations what my best guess is it was reserved for those circumstances where you had no choice but to be out of status, but if you quit voluntarily I don't think you can claim the 60 day grace period.
Entering the USA on B-1/B-2 visa to get married
My brother in law has got Green Card on November 2013 from Parents based. He will be getting engaged this year April 2017 in the USA with a girl who is Indian Citizen. She has B1/B2 visitor visa. So I have couple questions. If she comes to the USA and gets married here in the USA and my brother in law will fill petitioned for F2A category (on Green Card based) then will she face any issues in future while coming to the USA on B1/B2 visa?
I-485 Rejected and B-2 Expiring
My wife's I-485 got rejected because of priority date not current. My application was delivered early by FedEx(Sep 29). Her priority date is Sep 2014 so as per Oct 2015 guidelines I believe she has the eligibility to apply.
Can I re-apply same documents, and also do I need to apply for her Visa extension too because it will expire in 1 week from now. Will she be considered in status with her I-485 receipt number and in process of re submission?
An untimely filing based denial does not invalidate the documents, and, a pending 485 keeps her in authorized period of stay. Nevertheless, I advise people to keep their status (like H-1, H-4) current, anyway. By the way, a B-2 to AOS application is FULL of potential problems. Make sure you consult a lawyer.
Enter USA while Green Card is Pending on B-1, B-2/H-1 Visa
I am US citizen and planning to sponsor green card for my sibling. My sibling has already visited US in B-1/B-2 visa few times and holds that visa for another few years.
I know that this kind of application takes 10+ years to approve. From this context in mind, I have few questions -
1) Can my sibling enter United States on the same B-1/B-2 visa after I apply immigration application?
2) Can my sibling apply for renewal or new B-1/B-2/H-1 visa while application is being processed?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baprYGs8IzQ&t=782
FAQ Transcription
No Requirement of Possessing Fund for Visitor's Visa
I am an Indian studying in New Zealand. I have finished my first semester. During my 3 month semester break, from New Zealand I would like to apply for a B-2 visa(visit for pleasure) to the US to attend my best friends wedding as I am her bridesmaid. My query about the funds that I need to show
1. How much do I have to show
2. How old should the funds be
For visitors visa, there is no requirement of possessing funds. The consulates can require, if they so choose, that you demonstrate your ability to support yourself during the visit, but there is no hard and fast rule on this. Your most likely hurdle will be the need to prove that you will come back and not stay in the US illegally.
How to Enter The USA to Start A Business And Then Continue
I am planning to start an IT company in USA which is registered in India. Currently I am planning to travel on B1/B2 visa for my company set up. Can I transfer my visa status from B1/B2 to L1 if required within USA? What are the possible chances of success? Kindly you please suggest me the best way.
There are several issues that should be examined before you can make an informed decision.
1. B visa or ESTA does not allow you to “work:”