NOTE: The citizens of the new countries of Curacao, Bonaire, St Eustatius, Saba, and St Maarten (the former Netherlands Antilles) are not eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program if they are applying for admission with passports from these countries.

To obtain a B1 visitor visa, you must first complete the online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160) and pay the application fee. You will also need to schedule an interview with a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

During the interview, you will need to demonstrate that you have a specific business purpose for your visit to the United States, such as attending meetings or conferences, negotiating contracts, or conducting market research. You may be asked to provide documentation such as a letter from your employer or a business invitation letter from a U.S. company.

If approved, you will receive a B1 visitor visa that allows you to enter the United States for up to six months for business purposes. It is important to note that a B1 visa does not allow you to work in the United States or engage in any other unauthorized activities.

Important Reminder: If you intend to modify your status while in the United States, such as applying for an E2 visa, it is essential to avoid entering the country under a B2 status, as this is generally not appropriate for such purposes. Doing so may jeopardize your ability to obtain the desired status or conduct the intended business activities. Contact Exodium before making your travel plans to ensure you secure the required documents and avoid complications. Improper planning has resulted in unsuccessful status change applications in numerous Canadian cases.

B1/B2 Combination Visa

The B1/B2 combination visa, also known as the B1/B2 visa, is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States temporarily for business (B1) and tourism or pleasure (B2) purposes. This visa is commonly issued for a maximum period of six months, although extensions may be granted in certain circumstances.
To obtain a B1/B2 combination visa, you must first complete the online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160) and pay the application fee. You will also need to schedule an interview with a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
During the interview, you will need to demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country and that you intend to return after your visit to the United States. You may be asked to provide documentation such as proof of employment, a letter from your employer indicating the purpose of your trip, and evidence of financial support.
If approved, you will receive a B1/B2 combination visa that allows you to enter the United States for up to six months for business and/or tourism or pleasure purposes. It is important to note that a B1/B2 visa does not allow you to work in the United States or engage in any other unauthorized activities.

What Is Not Permitted

Lexicon

B-1 visitor visa or status: A non-immigrant visa classification allowing foreigners to enter the United States temporarily for business purposes.

B-2 visitor visa or status: A non-immigrant visa classification for tourists, visiting friends or relatives, or seeking medical treatment in the United States.

Deportation: The formal removal of a foreign national from the United States, typically due to violations of immigration laws or other criminal activity.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA): An online system used by citizens of VWP countries to obtain authorization to travel to the United States without a visa.

Evidence of financial support: Documentation demonstrating an individual’s financial resources to cover their expenses while visiting the United States, such as bank statements or proof of income.

Interview: A mandatory in-person appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate during which a consular officer evaluates a visa applicant’s eligibility for a specific visa classification.

Permanent residency: The immigration status that allows a foreign national to live and work in the United States indefinitely, often referred to as having a Green Card.

Port of entry: The location where a person arrives in a country and is subject to immigration and customs inspection.

Proof of employment: Documentation demonstrating an individual’s employment status, such as a letter from their employer or recent pay stubs.

Unauthorized activities: Activities not permitted under a specific visa classification, such as working without authorization or enrolling in a course of study without a student visa.

Visa terms: The conditions and rules that apply to a specific visa classification, which must be followed by visa holders during their stay in the United States.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP): A program that allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.