# What is a B Visa?

The **B Visa** is a temporary, non-immigrant Visa that allows the holder to travel to the United States for either business or tourism purposes. B Visa holders are allowed to **stay in the U.S. for up to 6 months at a time**. After that period, the individual has to either leave the U.S. or file for an extension. It is a great option for those hoping to travel to the U.S. to participate in an accelerator program, fundraise, hire new people, or attend a conference or training.

## Classifications of B Visa

The classification will depend on the purpose of the trip and will ultimately be determined by the officer at the U.S. port of entry.

### B1 Business

Intended for attending conferences, interviews, and negotiating contracts. There should be no payment or credit given to the attendee, as it could be interpreted as unlawful employment.

### B2 Tourism

Intended for tourism, vacations, visiting relatives, or receiving medical treatment.

## Who is eligible for a B Visa?

To be eligible for a **B Visa,** the candidate must demonstrate that the purpose of their trip is temporary, and that they have strong ties with their home country and have no intent to remain in the U.S. permanently.

If you are a citizen of one of the [41 countries](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html) participating in the [**Visa Waiver Program (commonly known as ESTA)**](https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-visitors-for-business/wb-temporary-business-visitor-under-visa-waiver-program), then you can travel to the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a Visa. Please remember that the **ESTA** cannot be extended and you need to leave the U.S. after 90 days.

## Can I be employed in the U.S. under a B-1/B-2 Visa?

No, a B Visa does not allow any type of employment for a U.S. based company. If you want to work or earn a salary from a company based in the U.S. then you must apply for a [work Visa](http://www.passright.com/o-1visa/).

## What type of documents are required to apply for a B-1/B-2 Visa?

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States.

- **Form DS-160** and Visa fee.
- Proof of ability to cover your expenses while in the United States.
- Documents showing the purpose of your trip to the U.S.
- Evidence that you'll return to your home country.
- Employer letter if applying for a **B-1 Visa**.

## How do I apply for a B Visa?

You can apply for a **B Visa** online and schedule a consulate interview. Wait times for **B Visa** interviews vary from country to country. There are several steps to apply for a Visa.

1. **Complete the Online Visa Application**  
   You will need to complete the online **DS-160** Visa application and print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.

2. **Schedule an Interview**  
   Interviews are generally required for Visa applicants, with certain limited exceptions. Consular officers can require an interview of any Visa applicant.

3. **Appointment Wait Time**  
   Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and Visa category, so you should apply for your Visa as soon as possible. You can check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant Visa interview appointment, at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, [here](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html).

4. **Gather Required Documentation**  
   Gather and prepare all required documents. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified, including evidence of the purpose of your trip, your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or your ability to pay all costs of the trip.

## Extending Your Stay

If you want to extend your stay in the United States, you must [file a request](https://www.uscis.gov/i-539) with the **U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)** before your authorized stay expires. If you remain in the United States longer than authorized, you may be barred from returning and/or you may be removed (deported) from the United States.

To be eligible for a **B-1/B-2 Visa** extension, you must demonstrate that the purpose behind the extension of the trip is temporary, and that you have strong ties with your home country, and have no intent to remain in the U.S. permanently.