relatives or friends, people traveling to the US for non-international business conferences, health-related travel, short student visits, and performance artists. Sometimes students can obtain a B-2 visa, but if they do they may have trouble getting it changed to a student visa down the road. The country of origin can make the application process easy or difficult as well. Certain countries have more limitations than others.

In order to show that they do not intend to immigrant, those applying for a B-2 visa need to show that they are coming to the US for a specified amount of time. They cannot work while they are in the US and must maintain their residence in their home country.

Limitations of the B-2 Pleasure Visitor Visa

There are certain points consular officers are instructed to consider when granting a US tourist visa.

Does the person have adequate money to make the trip?
Are ties between the visitor and their friends or relatives credible?
Are the visitor's plans realistic, specific and will they fill the entire time spent in the United States?
Does the individual have a reason to return abroad such as employment, family, social, or cultural ties?

The main reason for these tourist visa requirements is to make sure the person returns home at the end of the trip. The government wants to avoid people using B-2 visas as a way to enter the country illegally. A tourist visa is usually not issued for longer than a period of six-months.

Application for B-1 and B-2 Visas

The business and tourist visa application process is completed at a US consulate office. Prospective applicants need to go to the website for their consulate and read the applicable instructions. (Visit travel.state.gov to find links to most US consulates.) Applicants are usually required to apply in person at the consulate in their home countries. (A few consulates accept applications by mail, provided the applicant can appear for an interview.) The business visa application form is usually accompanied by a detailed letter of explanation, an itinerary, and proof that the employee's company is paying for the trip.

When submitting a B-2 visa form, the applicant should have round-trip plane tickets or evidence of sufficient available funds as well as proof of hotel reservations, car rentals, domestic flights, and other arrangements to give credibility to their plans. The applicant needs to be able to demonstrate his or her employment outside of the US. In addition to this supporting documentation, you will be required to present your passport, photos, and to pay an application fee.

Keep in mind that after the September 11 terrorist attacks, the tourist or business visa form application process for visitors from Arab and Muslim countries involves stricter security checks. If you want to visit from such countries, plan well ahead to allow plenty of time for your application to be approved. Males from these countries now have to undergo a twenty-day waiting period.

Gaining a business or tourist visa to the US can be easy or challenging, depending on your country of origin. Go to the website for your US consulate to find out what specific steps you need to take to apply for a visa. Above all, carefully fill out your tourist or business visa application form. Mistakes early in the game can greatly delay your travel plans.

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