If you are a citizen of a country which does not fall under the Visa Waiver Program or if you plan to stay longer than 90 days for general business or holiday purposes, you should apply for a B1 (business), B2 (tourist), or B1/B2 visa.
Persons planning to travel to the United States for a different purpose, such as students, temporary workers, crewmen, journalists, etc., must apply for a different type of visa in the appropriate category.
Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The presumption in the law is that every visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating, among other things, that: they have a residence outside the United States which they do not intend to abandon, as well as other binding obligations which will ensure their return abroad at the conclusion of the visit.
Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly classifiable as visitors under U.S. law. Evidence which shows the purpose of the trip, intent to depart the United States, and arrangements made to cover the costs of the trip may be provided. It is impossible to specify the exact form the evidence should take since each applicant's circumstances vary greatly.
Examples of documentation for business trips to the United States may include:
a letter from the business firm indicating the purpose of the trip, the bearer's intended length of stay, the latest salary statement(s), the firm's intent to pay for the travel costs and to keep him/her on the payroll, etc.
proof of business ownership
if you attend a conference, an invitation letter from the conference organizer
Examples of documentation for persons traveling to the United States for pleasure, may include:
proof of ties to the home country: marriage certificate, registration papers, salary statements, work contract, property documents, student card, school attestation, bank statements, etc.
letters from relatives or friends in the United States whom the applicant plans to visit
confirmation of participation in a planned tour
in case of medical treatment, statements from a doctor.
Temporary visitors coming to the United States for business or tourism need different visas than other visitors. Visitor Visas - Business and Pleasure
• For general information on how to apply for a visa, click here.
• For ALL types of non-immigrant visas, the EVAF (Electronic Visa Application Form) visa application form DS-156 must be used.
• Download application form DS-156 electronic visa application form
