Visa Focus Friday: The B-1/B-2 Visa – Short-Term Travel for Business and Pleasure

This week, we are spotlighting the B-1/B-2 visa, the most commonly issued nonimmigrant visa for individuals traveling to the United States temporarily for business, tourism, or medical treatment. Whether visiting family, attending a professional conference, or seeking specialized healthcare, the B-1/B-2 visa is the standard pathway for short-term visits.

What Is the B-1/B-2 Visa?

The B-1/B-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visitor visa that permits foreign nationals to enter the United States temporarily for:

• Business purposes (B-1)
• Tourism or medical treatment (B-2)

The two categories are frequently combined into a single B-1/B-2 visa, allowing for both business and personal travel during a single visit.

Who Qualifies for a B-1/B-2 Visa?

To qualify for a B-1/B-2 visa, applicants must demonstrate to a U.S. consular officer that they:

• Intend to remain in the U.S. for a specific, limited period
• Have funds to cover expenses while in the country
• Maintain a residence outside the United States that they do not intend to abandon
• Are otherwise admissible under U.S. immigration law

Permitted Activities Under Each Category

B-1 (Business)

Permissible business-related activities include:

• Consulting with business associates
• Attending professional, scientific, or educational conventions or conferences
• Settling an estate
• Negotiating a contract
• Participating in short-term training (without payment from a U.S. source)

Note: The B-1 visa does not allow employment or productive work for a U.S. entity.

B-2 (Tourism or Medical)

Permitted activities include:

• Tourism or vacation
• Visiting friends or relatives
• Receiving medical treatment
• Attending social or family functions
• Participating in amateur musical, sports, or similar events (if not paid)

What the B-1/B-2 Visa Does Not Allow

• Working or being employed by a U.S. employer
• Enrolling in academic programs or full-time courses of study
• Long-term stays or repeated entries without a clear temporary purpose

Engaging in unauthorized activities while on a B-1/B-2 visa can result in future visa denials or removal proceedings.

Duration of Stay

Most B-1/B-2 visa holders are admitted to the United States for up to 6 months. Extensions may be possible by filing Form I-539, but travelers must avoid overstaying, as it can affect future immigration eligibility.

Visa Validity vs. Period of Stay

It is important to distinguish between:

• The visa validity period (how long the visa is valid to seek entry), and
• The authorized period of stay (determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry)

A visa may be valid for 1 year or even 10 years, but each entry is granted only for a limited stay, typically noted on Form I-94.

New Challenges: Visa Bond Requirement for Some B-1/B-2 Applicants

Under a recent temporary final rule, the U.S. government is implementing a visa bond pilot program targeting certain countries.

B-1/B-2 visa applicants from designated countries—those with high overstay rates, deficient vetting systems, or citizenship-by-investment programs without residency requirements—may now be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance.

Key details:

• Visas under this program will be valid for a maximum of three months, for single entry only.
• The allowed stay in the United States will be capped at 30 days.
• Visa holders will receive a full refund of the bond if they either depart on time or properly file for an extension or change of status.

While the intent is to "deter overstays," the bond requirement could present financial and logistical barriers for otherwise eligible travelers—especially those from lower-income regions or with urgent travel needs.

If your country is included on the designated list (yet to be formally released), you should consult an immigration attorney before proceeding with a B-1/B-2 application.

Why the B-1/B-2 Visa Matters

The B-1/B-2 visa plays a crucial role in connecting families, businesses, and cultures. It allows global mobility for millions of people each year—enabling everything from tourism to international collaboration and medical access.
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At Stommes Immigration, we assist clients in preparing strong, credible B-1/B-2 applications, including documentation of visit purpose, ties to the home country, and financial sufficiency.
Contact us at [email protected] for strategic visa support tailored to your travel plans—especially if you may be subject to bond requirements or other new restrictions.



If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help.  At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
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The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.  To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].