The B1/B2 is the single visa category that covers both US business trips (B1) and tourism, family visits, and medical treatment (B2) — most applicants apply for the combined B1/B2 and consular officers decide the exact classification. It’s also the category most often refused, not because the paperwork is complicated but because the legal test behind it is about your intent, not your documents. This guide covers the mechanics end to end: fees, the DS-160 form, what happens at the interview, and the “ties to home country” test that decides most outcomes.
Who the B1/B2 is for
- B1 (business): attending meetings, negotiating contracts, consulting with business associates, attending a conference or training — not taking up paid employment in the US.
- B2 (tourism/visit/medical): vacation, visiting family, medical treatment, or participating in social events. B2 does not permit any form of paid work in the US.
Most consulates issue a combined B1/B2 visa regardless of which you apply for, valid for multiple entries (commonly 10 years for many nationalities, though validity is set by reciprocity agreements and varies by country — check the fees and reciprocity tables for your country).
The fee: $185, non-refundable regardless of outcome
The MRV (machine-readable visa) application fee for B1/B2 is $185, per the US Department of State’s fee schedule. This fee is paid before your interview and is non-refundable even if your visa is refused — budget for the possibility of a 214(b) denial rather than assuming the fee guarantees an outcome. Some nationalities also pay a separate visa issuance (“reciprocity”) fee after approval, set by what your country charges US citizens for the equivalent visa.
Step by step: DS-160, fee, interview
- Complete Form DS-160 — the online, non-immigrant visa application used for essentially every US visa category, per the official DS-160 page. You’ll upload a photo meeting the US visa photo specification and answer questions on your travel purpose, funding, and background. Print the confirmation page — you need the barcode for your interview.
- Pay the $185 fee and schedule your interview at the US embassy or consulate in the country where you live (some applicants may qualify for an interview waiver — check your specific consulate’s current policy, as waiver eligibility changes and varies by post).
- Attend the interview. Bring your DS-160 confirmation, passport, fee receipt, and any documents supporting your ties and purpose — invitation letters, employment verification, income or property evidence, and (for medical trips) hospital documentation. Interviews are typically short — a few minutes — and the officer’s core question is always the same: will you return home when your authorized stay ends?
The real test: 214(b) and “ties to home country”
Most B1/B2 refusals cite Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which presumes every applicant intends to immigrate unless they prove otherwise. There’s no fixed document checklist that satisfies this — officers weigh the totality of your circumstances:
- Stable employment or business you’re clearly returning to
- Family, property, or financial ties that anchor you at home
- A credible, specific reason for the trip and a realistic return date
- Financial capacity to cover the trip without needing to work in the US
A 214(b) refusal is not permanent and carries no formal appeal — you can reapply anytime, ideally after your circumstances or evidence of ties have measurably strengthened. See our 214(b) refusal guide and what to do after a refusal for how to rebuild an application that was denied.
Processing time
Interview wait times (time to get an appointment) vary widely by consulate and season — check the Global Visa Wait Times tool for your specific post. Once interviewed, most B1/B2 decisions are issued the same day, though a minority go into administrative processing, which can add weeks. See our US visa processing times guide for typical ranges by category.
FAQ
Can I work on a B1/B2 visa? No. B1 covers limited business activities (meetings, negotiations) with no US-based employment or payment from a US source; B2 permits no work at all.
Can I extend my stay inside the US? A B1/B2 admission typically allows up to six months; extensions are possible in limited circumstances but are not guaranteed and should be filed well before your authorized stay expires.
Does a prior 214(b) refusal hurt future applications? It’s recorded, but a well-documented reapplication with materially stronger ties is routinely approved. Officers look at your current circumstances, not just your history.
This guide is preparation information, not legal advice — always confirm requirements on your specific consulate’s website before applying. If you want a structured way to check your eligibility, screen your documents, and rehearse likely interview questions before you go, join the VisaMet waitlist.