Tourist Visas
Category “B1/B2” Visa:
The B-1 visa is intended for foreign nationals:
• for participating in business meetings or conferences;
• for conducting trade, holding negotiations, and signing contracts;
• for acting as a representative of their company to monitor contract
performance or participate in other types of business activities;
• for conducting business on behalf of a foreign (non-American) entrepreneur;
• for fulfilling contractual obligations of a foreign company, for example,
installation, startup, and commissioning of foreign equipment;
• accompanying a foreign national entering the United States on a B-2 visa as their/ his/her personal service staff, for example, domestic servant or personal cook of the B-2 visa holder;
• as a consultant invited by an American firm. (It is important to clarify here that you must be an employee of a foreign company and are not permitted to work as an independent consultant).
The main condition for issuing a “B-1” visa is that your labor must be compensated from foreign sources. You cannot receive any remuneration from American companies while in the United States. For example, a person entering the United States on a “B-1” visa is paid by a foreign (non-American) entrepreneur for conducting business related to international trade or entrepreneurship (trade intermediation, contract negotiations, order acceptance). The American side may reimburse the cost of tickets as well as pay for hotel accommodation and meals.
You will be able to obtain this visa if you can confirm that the purpose of your visit falls within the above-listed activities. However, there is at least one serious restriction on issuing a “B-1” visa. In the mid-1980s, the International Union of Operating Engineers successfully lobbied for a ban on foreign construction workers obtaining a “B-1” visa, even in cases where their wages are paid from sources outside the United States. Foreign companies performing construction in the United States are required to use American workers.
To obtain a “B-1” visa, it is necessary to apply to a U.S. embassy with documents confirming the need for this visa. Such documents may include an invitation letter from your American partners, as well as samples of business correspondence between your company and American partners, clearly showing that you intend to engage precisely in the activities listed above.
A “B-1” visa is usually issued for up to six months and may be extended for an additional six months. If you entered the United States on this visa and wish to extend your stay in the country, you must provide a letter from your foreign (non-American) employer confirming that you receive your salary outside the United States.
Category “B-2” Visa
A “B-2” visa is issued in cases where a person is traveling to America as a tourist, for medical treatment, or to visit relatives. This visa usually allows a stay in the United States of up to six months. The main restriction of this visa is the prohibition on employment in America. However, a foreigner with a “B-2” visa has the right to look for a place of study in America and then change their legal status of stay in the United States. It should be noted that changing from a “B-2” visa to an “F-1” visa is a fairly common practice.
In order to expect a positive decision when applying for a “B-2” visa, you should provide strong evidence of your intention to return home. It is important to submit proof that you have sufficient funds to travel to the other side of the world without significant harm to your personal (family) budget. A good piece of evidence can be a bank statement showing an impressive amount of money in the account. Other important documents may include a return ticket and a letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and that your job will be held for you during your absence.
Be prepared for the consular officer to meticulously inquire about various details of your personal and family life that will help them form an opinion about your social and financial status. Their goal is to determine, based on this information, whether you have provided sufficient evidence of “strong ties to your home country.” If they believe there are not enough such ties, a denial of the “B-2” visa will follow immediately. Therefore, you should prepare very carefully and attentively for this interview. The main thing you need to understand is that the higher and stronger the social and material position you present, the more favorable the prognosis for obtaining the visa. An obvious “plus” can be the fact that you have traveled to other countries, stayed there for a short time, and always returned home on time. Very important are details proving that you have serious incentives to return home this time as well, for example, your spouse and/or children remaining in your home country.