B Status
The B1/B2 visitor visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business, pleasure or medical treatment. The purpose of the visit should be short term, and applicants should have residence outside the United States.
To obtain a B1/B2 visa, applicants will need to should show strong evidence to prove that their intention is remain in the U.S. for a specific, limited period of time and they have other binding ties which will insure their return home. Persons planning to travel to the U.S. for a different purpose such as students or temporary workers must apply for a different visa in the appropriate category.
Visitors from specified countries may be able to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a U.S. visa on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Information in this section has been adapted from Ohio State University and is used with their permission. (April 2009)