Overview
What you need to know
The B-1/B-2 is a temporary nonimmigrant visitor visa; B-1 covers business activities such as consulting with associates, attending conferences, or settling an estate, while B-2 covers tourism, vacation, visiting family, and medical treatment. You apply online with form DS-160, pay the fee, and generally attend an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate. Processing varies widely by location and season — commonly around 2–6 weeks once the interview is completed — though interview wait times can be much longer.
Visa types
Which visa do you need?
B1/B2 Tourist & Business
The standard US visitor visa. B1 covers business activities; B2 covers tourism and visiting family. Usually issued together as a combined B1/B2.
Max stay
Typically 6 months (determined by CBP at entry)
Validity
Usually 10 years for most nationalities
Requirements
What you need to prepare
Documents Viselia prepares with you
- 1Completed DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application
- 2Cover letter outlining purpose of visit and ties to home country
- 3Travel itinerary including planned activities and accommodation
- 4Invitation letter from US-based host (if visiting family or friends)
Documents you bring to the embassy
- 1Original valid passport
- 2
Additional requirements
Other things to keep in mind
Valid passport
Valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay, unless a country-specific agreement applies.
Nonimmigrant intent
Demonstrate the trip is temporary and that you intend to return home.
Ties to home country
Show binding ties (job, family, property) that compel your return.
Sufficient funds
Prove you can cover the costs of your trip.
Permissible purpose
Your visit must fit B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism/medical) activities — not work or long-term study.
Processing & fees
What to expect
Typical processing time
14–42 days
Approximately 2–6 weeks. Varies by consulate and season. Interview wait times can be significantly longer at some posts. Check travel.state.gov for current estimates.
Embassy application fee
$185
Non-refundable MRV fee for B1/B2 Tourist/Business visa. Paid directly to the US Embassy — not charged by Viselia.
How it works
Your application journey
- 1
Share your details
Tell us your travel plans and upload your documents through your secure Viselia dashboard.
- 2
We prepare your application
Our experts complete your forms, review your documents, and build a submission-ready file.
- 3
Review & submit
You review everything, then we guide you through booking your appointment and submitting to the embassy or consulate.
- 4
Track to decision
Track your application status in your dashboard right through to your visa decision.
Have your file prepared properly
One specialist handles your file. You approve before anything is finalised.
Government fee: $185
Paid directly to the embassy or consulate — this fee is not charged by Viselia.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
After the interview, processing is commonly around 2–6 weeks, but interview appointment wait times vary greatly by consulate and can be much longer.
The MRV (application) fee for a B-1/B-2 is USD 185 and is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Paid directly to the US Embassy — not charged by Viselia. Viselia's service fee is separate.
No — there is no guarantee you will be issued a visa; a consular officer decides at your interview. Viselia maximises your chances through accurate forms and interview preparation.
That your visit is temporary, that you have funds and strong ties to your home country, and that you will return.