Am I eligible for a B1/B2 visitor visa?
Eligibility comes down to a genuine temporary purpose, strong ties outside the United States that will compel you to leave at the end of your stay, and the ability to pay for the trip — start with the question closest to your situation.
Is B-1 or B-2 the right visa for my trip?
B-1 covers a temporary business trip and B-2 covers tourism and visiting, and many travellers receive a combined B1/B2 visa. Read the complete visitor visa guide
What can I — and can I not — do on a visitor visa?
Business meetings, conferences, tourism and visiting family are permitted; study, employment and permanent residence need a different visa. Read the complete visitor visa guide
What do I need to show to qualify?
A genuine temporary purpose, strong ties — such as your job, your home and your relationships with family and friends — and the ability to pay all costs of the trip. Read the complete visitor visa guide
Can my parents come to visit me in the USA?
Yes — visiting friends or relatives is a permitted B-2 purpose, and the legal test for parents is the same as for every visitor. Read the parents visiting children guide
Can retired parents show strong ties without a job?
Yes — a job is only one example of a tie; a settled home, family at home, and a pension or other regular income are ties too. Read the parents visiting children guide
Can I study or take a job on B1/B2?
No — study and employment require different visa categories and cannot be done on a visitor visa. Read the complete visitor visa guide
I have a pending immigrant petition — can I still get a visitor visa?
Every visitor application is looked at individually, on the applicant's circumstances, travel plans, financial resources and ties. A dedicated guide is in preparation.
Can I use a visitor visa to look for work?
Employment in the United States needs a different visa category, and your activities on any trip must fit the permitted visitor purposes. A dedicated guide is in preparation.
Official sources
Guides on this page are verified against official sources before publication. Official starting point: U.S. Department of State — Visitor Visa.
General educational information, not individualized legal advice. Follow the official instructions for the embassy or consulate where you apply, and consult a qualified U.S. immigration attorney for case-specific questions.
General information based on official sources — not a confirmation for your case. Always check the linked official page.