Non immigrant foreign national visitors to US, whose visit will involve legitimate activities such as touring, visiting family members, obtaining health care, or conducting business for overseas employers may apply for the B Visa.
Duration and extensions of stay or entry
In general, a B-1 visa holder is permitted to stay not more than 1 year, and extensions may be for no longer than 6 month increments at a time. - Generally, a B-2 visa holder is automatically permitted to stay for 6 months. - A nonimmigrant who is present in the US while his immigrant visa is pending must show that he will return home when his visa expires to await a decision on the pending visa. Visitors may not use a B Visa to enter the US intending to later change to immigrant status.
Benefits do not transfer to family members, so each family member must individually apply and obtain a B Visa. Citizens of a list of 35 countries, who will visit the US for up to 90 days, do not need to obtain B visas prior to visiting. B visa holders may not extend their stay or change their status during their visit.
Duration and extensions of stay or entry
In general, a B-1 visa holder is permitted to stay not more than 1 year, and extensions may be for no longer than 6 month increments at a time. - Generally, a B-2 visa holder is automatically permitted to stay for 6 months. - A nonimmigrant who is present in the US while his immigrant visa is pending must show that he will return home when his visa expires to await a decision on the pending visa. Visitors may not use a B Visa to enter the US intending to later change to immigrant status.
Benefits do not transfer to family members, so each family member must individually apply and obtain a B Visa. Citizens of a list of 35 countries, who will visit the US for up to 90 days, do not need to obtain B visas prior to visiting. B visa holders may not extend their stay or change their status during their visit.