The difference between US visa b1 and b2

The B1 visa is designed for business travel and allows the holder to enter the United States for short-term business activities, such as attending business meetings, negotiating contracts, inspecting the business environment, etc. The B2 visa is for non-business purposes such as tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or medical treatment.

1. B1 Visa: Business Travel

The B1 visa is designed for those who plan to conduct short-term business activities in the United States. These activities may include attending business meetings, seminars or exhibitions, conducting business negotiations or signing contracts, inspecting the business environment or market, and receiving short-term training. B1 visa holders are not allowed to engage in any gainful employment while in the United States, and their activities must be business-related.

2. B2 Visa: Tourism

The B2 visa is suitable for those who plan to travel, visit relatives and friends, or seek medical services in the United States. People holding a B2 visa can travel freely within the United States to visit places of interest, experience local culture, or reunite with relatives and friends. They may also receive short-term medical treatment in the United States but may not engage in any form of professional activity within the United States.

3. Visa application and approval

Whether applying for a B1 visa or a B2 visa, the applicant needs to submit the corresponding application form and provide sufficient materials to prove the purpose of his visit and financial capacity. In addition, applicants are required to undergo an interview to further verify the purpose and background of their visit. During the visa approval process, the U.S. consulate or embassy will comprehensively consider factors such as the applicant's personal situation, purpose of visit, and financial status.

4. Visa validity and stay period

The validity period of B1 and B2 visas and the period of stay allowed in the United States vary depending on personal circumstances and the approval of the visa officer. Generally speaking, the validity period of a visa can range from a few months to a few years, and the length of stay in the United States is usually up to 6 months per entry. If you need to extend your stay, you need to apply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service before your visa expires.

In summary:

The main difference between US visa B1 and B2 is the purpose of visit and the scope of activities allowed. The B1 visa is suitable for business travel, allowing the holder to conduct short-term business activities in the United States; while the B2 visa is suitable for non-business purposes such as sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, or medical treatment. When applying for a visa, applicants need to choose the appropriate visa type based on their purpose of visit and prepare corresponding materials and certificates. The validity period and stay period of the visa vary depending on personal circumstances and the visa officer's approval. Applicants must abide by relevant regulations to ensure legal stay.

Legal basis:

"U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act"

Section 101 provides:

A visa referred to in this Act, Refers to a document issued by a consular officer to a foreigner allowing him or her to enter or stay in the United States.

Article 214:

Category B non-immigrant visas are mainly applicable to foreigners temporarily visiting the United States, including B-1 business visas and B-2 tourist visas. B-1 visa holders are not allowed to engage in gainful employment in the United States; B-2 visa holders can engage in activities such as sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends in the United States.