---
title: "What is B1 and B2 visa?"  
description: "What is B1 and B2 visa?"  
author: "Rahul Roi"  
published: 2022-10-03  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/98439/what-is-b1-and-b2-visa  
category: "usa history"  
tags: ["usa"]  
reading_time: 3 minutes  

---

# What is B1 and B2 visa?

What is B1 and B2 visa?

## Answers

### Answer by Subhamay Ganai

There are two types of business visas available to foreign nationals who wish to enter the United States for business purposes: the B-1 visa and the B-2 visa.

**-** The B-1 visa is for foreign nationals who are coming to the [**United States**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/98119/can-india-depend-on-united-states-of-america-usa) for **business activities** such as **attending business meetings, negotiating contracts, or consulting with clients.**

**-** The B-2 visa is for foreign nationals who are coming to the United States for **pleasure activities** such as **sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or attending cultural events.**

Both the B-1 and B-2 visas allow foreign nationals to enter the United States for a temporary stay. The length of stay allowed on a B-1 or B-2 visa depends on the purpose of the trip, but is typically up to **six months**. Extensions of stay may be granted in some cases.

[**Foreign nationals**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_national) who wish to enter the United States for business purposes must obtain a B-1 visa from a U.S. consulate or embassy before traveling. Foreign nationals who wish to enter the United States for pleasure purposes must obtain a B-2 visa from a U.S. consulate or embassy before traveling.

## Applying process

The process for applying for a B-1 or B-2 visa is the same as for other U.S. visas. Foreign nationals must submit a completed visa application, along with required supporting documents, to a U.S. consulate or embassy. Applicants may be required to attend an interview, although this is not always the case.

Once the [**visa**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/72247/what-is-passport-and-visa) is issued, the foreign national may enter the United States. Upon arrival, the foreign national will be required to present the visa to a Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry. The officer will then determine whether the foreign national is admissible to the United States and how long he or she may stay.

![What is B1 and B2 visa?](https://answers.mindstick.com/questionanswer/74d09d92-5712-453e-b1cb-99de156c2e2d/images/ee9f0b9c-6ab2-4650-a731-8defb75e258d.png)

The B-1 and B-2 visas are nonimmigrant visas, which means that they allow foreign nationals to enter the United States for a temporary stay. Foreign nationals who hold these visas are not permitted to permanently live or work in the United States. If you are a foreign national who is interested in entering the United States for business or pleasure, you should consult with an experienced immigration attorney to determine whether a B-1 or B-2 visa is right for you.


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Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/98439/what-is-b1-and-b2-visa

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