B-1 and B-2 Visitor Visa Lawyer

Immigration » B-1 and B-2 visitor visas

The B-1 visa is for temporary business visits, and the B-2 visa is for tourism, family visits and medical treatment. Both are for short stays only. A visitor visa does not allow you to work for a U.S. employer or to live in the United States permanently.

Visitor visa decisions are made by consular officers, and no one can guarantee approval. Careful preparation helps you present your plans, your ties to your home country and your finances clearly and consistently.

What each visitor visa allows

B-1 business visitors may attend meetings and conferences, negotiate contracts, consult with business associates and inspect equipment, but may not do productive work for a U.S. employer.
B-2 visitors may travel for tourism, to visit family and friends, or to receive medical treatment.

How the process works

Complete the online DS-160 visa application.
Pay the visa fees and schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Attend the interview with supporting documents showing the purpose of your trip, your finances and your ties abroad.
At the port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection decides whether to admit you and records the authorized stay on your I-94.

Recent changes to know about

Visitor visa requirements have changed recently. Applicants from certain countries may be required to post a visa bond before a visa is issued, additional fees apply, and interview scheduling and processing rules vary by consulate. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may be able to travel with ESTA instead of a visa. We check the current rules for your nationality and consulate before you apply.

Problems we help with

Section 214(b) denials, where the officer was not convinced you are a genuine temporary visitor. There is no appeal, but a new application with new facts may succeed.
Letters of invitation and supporting documents for family visits
Business visitor letters and documents for B-1 trips
Extension of stay on Form I-539 for visitors who need more time, filed before the I-94 expires
Change of status from visitor, where timing can raise “preconceived intent” concerns
Overstays and unlawful presence, including the three-year and ten-year bars
Prior visa denials or immigration violations that must be disclosed on the DS-160

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay?

CBP decides at entry and records the authorized stay on your I-94, often up to six months. Visa validity and the length of your authorized stay are different things.

Can I attend meetings or sign contracts on a B-1?

Business visitors may attend meetings, negotiate and consult with associates, but may not work for a U.S. employer or be paid by one. When in doubt, ask us first.

Can I get a green card after visiting?

Entering as a visitor while planning to stay permanently can be treated as misrepresentation. Talk to us about the right legal path before you travel.

My visa was denied. Can I reapply?

Yes. A refusal does not bar you from applying again, but repeating the same application with the same evidence usually produces the same result.

How we work with clients nationwide

We represent clients in all 50 states because immigration law is federal. Every client receives access to our secure client portal, where you can message our firm 24/7, upload documents and follow your case from anywhere. The Law Office of Elena Vlady, PLLC is based in Austin, Texas.

B-1/B-2 visitor visas guide

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This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration rules, fees and processing times change often. Last updated: November 2026.

Last updated:

November 12, 2026