You may love your home country and have no intention of moving away at any point. However, you may have your reasons for wanting to partake in an extended visit to the United States. Depending on how long you wish to stay, and why, this may require more than just booking your roundtrip flight. That is, you may have to petition for a B-1 or B-2 visa with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For this, please continue reading to learn more about the B-1 and B-2 visa types and how an experienced family immigration lawyer in Milwaukee, WI, at Sesini Law Group, S.C., can help you apply for either one.
What is the B-1 or B-2 visa offered by the USCIS?
Simply put, the B-1 or B-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visitor visa intended for individuals who wish to temporarily enter the United States for business or tourism, respectively. Notably, it is also possible for an individual to obtain this visa type for a combination of both purposes (i.e., a B-1/B-2 visa). These B visas are generally valid for up to 10 years from the issue date. However, visa holders may only stay in the U.S. for up to 180 days at once, with an option to return after that time.
Without further ado, eligible reasons for travel under these visitor visas are as follows:
- Travel under the B-1 visa:
- Taking a professional examination or getting a professional license that is only available in the U.S.
- Attending a meeting, negotiation, or discussion with business associates in the U.S.
- Attending a professional, educational, scientific, or business convention in the U.S.
- Applying for jobs and attending interviews for U.S.-based employers.
- Settling inherited property and assets in the U.S.
- Travel under the B-2 visa:
- Participating in music or sports contests in the U.S. without receiving pay.
- Taking an educational course for less than 18 hours per week in the U.S.
- Sightseeing famous landmarks and exploring notable cities in the U.S.
- Attending concerts, festivals, and other social gatherings in the U.S.
- Visiting friends and family members who reside in the U.S.
Who is eligible to apply for and obtain a visitor visa?
In addition to having legitimate reasons for wanting a B-1 or B-2 visa, you must meet its other eligibility criteria. For one, in your Form Ds-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, you must demonstrate your ability to sufficiently support yourself financially during your entire intended stay.
Also, you must prove your strong ties to your home country, to indicate your intention to return after your 180-day visit or sooner. This may be accomplished through proof of employment, property ownership, dependents living in your primary residence, and more. Last but not least, you must share your valid passport from your home country, to establish that your return home will happen seamlessly.
If you need legal advisement urgently, please do not miss another opportunity to schedule an initial consultation with a skilled family immigration lawyer in Milwaukee, WI, from Sesini Law Group, S.C. Contact our firm today.