Are you planning to travel to the US and confused about whether to apply for a B1 visa or a B2 visa? The B1/B2 visa is a type of US visitor visa. There is a difference between B1 and B2 visas based on the purpose of travel. The blog will cover the exact difference between B1 and B2 visa and how to apply for them.
What is B1/B2 visa from India
The B1/B2 visa, known as the US visitor visa, allows Indians to visit the United States temporarily for business or tourism. It is non immigrant type of US visa.
Indians can get a B1/B2 visa from US consulates/embassies in India. You have to fill out the non-immigrant B1/B2 visa application form (DS160) online. You need to visit the nearest US consulate or embassy to attend the interview. The B1 and B2 visas mainly differ in purpose and permitted activities.
What is the difference between B1 and B2 visa
B1 visa is issued for short-term business-related activities, while B2 visa is for tourism purposes. Following are the activities for which you can apply for B1/B2 visa:
Apply for B1 visa for activities:
- Participating in a convention, exhibition, or business meeting
- Taking part in a non-professional sporting event
- Contract negotiation and signing
- Professional consulting
- Purchasing office supplies
- Estate administration
Apply for B2 visa for activities:
- Attend a reunion (family, class, etc.)
- Attending a wedding or other cultural events
- Seeking medical attention
- Visiting relatives and/or friends
- Sightseeing
- Leisure activities
Activities not allowed on B1/B2 visa
There are certain restrictions and limitations on permitted activities under B1/B2 visa for the USA. Following activities are not allowed on B1 and B2 visa:
- Enrolling as a full- or part-time student
- Paid work or receiving compensation
- Press or journalism activities
- Any form of employment
- Serving as a crewmember on an aircraft or ship
Documents required for B1/B2 visa
Following documents are required to apply for B/B2 visa from India:
- Completed online DS160 application
- Original passport with validity for more than 6 months.
- Application fee payment receipt
- Recent color photograph of size 51 x 51 mm
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient bank balance
- Travel insurance
- Confirmed return ticket to India
- Proof of returning: ties with your home country, like family, job, or property deed, to show that you will return to India
- Payslips of the last 3 months of your job.
- Invitation letter from company with travel purpose and job designation (B1 visa)
B1/B2 visa cost from India
Indians need to pay USA B1/B2 visa application fee before attending the interview. After making payment you get the option to book appointment.
| Visa Type | Fee |
| Business (B-1) | 185 USD |
| Tourist (B-2) | 185 USD |
How to get B1/B2 visa from India
The application process for B1 and B2 visas is the same. Following are the steps to get B1/B2 visa from India:
- Visit the official portal of the USA visa application center
- Select your location and Click on “Start Application”
- Enter your personal details and upload your photo
- Enter the following details:
- US travel history.
- address and phone number.
- passport details.
- educational details and work details.
- Complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa form
- Print the online filled form
- Pay visa application fees
- Book an appointment for interview at the US embassy or consulate
- Attend the visa interview
- Submit all the documents, photo and visa form
- Give your biometrics
- Receive your USA B1/B2 Visa after approval
How long are B2 and B1 visa valid
| Visa Type | Stay Period | Validity |
| Business (B-1) | 6 months | 10 years |
| Tourist (B-2) | 6 months | 10 years |
FAQ’s
Who is eligible for a B1 visa from India?
Indians want to travel to the US for short-term business activities are eligible for B1 visa.
What is the validity of B1 visa for Indians?
B1 visa validity is 10 years with multiple entries for Indians.
Who can apply for B2 visa from India?
Indians can apply for a B2 visa for tourism, family visits, or medical reasons.
How long does B1/B2 visa processing take in India?
B1/B2 visa processing takes 30-45 days in India.
What is the maximum stay allowed on a B1/B2 visa?
B1/B2 visa allows stay for upto 6 months per visit in US.
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