(201) 330-8883 Learn more about the B-1 and B-2 visitor visas below, as well as the ESTA visa waiver program, which allows for travel to the U.S. without a visitor visa if you are eligible.
Contact a New Jersey B1/B2 visa lawyer to schedule a consultation. We’re backed by proven success since 1987. Se habla Español.
What Is a Visitor Visa?
Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas—they are for foreign citizens who want to enter the United States for a temporary stay. Whether for recreational traveling purposes or otherwise, a visitor visa may be a smart choice for someone seeking entry into the country for a brief period of time. Types of visitor visas include B-1 visa, B-2 visa, or a combination of both purposes B-1/B-2 visa. An attorney in New Jersey could determine which visitor visa a person needs.
What is the Difference Between B-1 and B-2?
B-1 visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for citizens of foreign countries. Generally, those entering the country for business is categorized as a B-1 visa, while pleasure or tourist activities is categorized as B-2. These visas are frequently used by foreign nationals who wish to engage in legitimate business activities such as conventions, conferences, and permissible activities.
How to Apply for B-1 Visa
To qualify as a nonimmigrant visitor for business, the person applying must intend to keep their foreign residence abroad, show that they have sufficient means of support during their stay, and establish that he or she intend to leave the United States at the end of the temporary stay.
Benefits and Limitations of B-1
Visas are typically issued for six months, and extensions can be granted in six-month increments, although most are no longer than 3 months. A business visitor will generally be granted only a period of entry necessary to conduct business such as research, litigation, consulting, and commercial transactions. The business visa is ideal for U.S. companies desiring to bring overseas workers to the United States for brief periods and to assist with important projects.
The B-1 visa comes with the following allowances and limitations:
- The B-1 Visa holder cannot work in the U.S.
- The visit should be associated with international trade
- The visit should benefit the company abroad
- Employee cannot be paid by a U.S. entity
- Work in the U.S. cannot be controlled by the U.S. entity
Have questions about the application process or need more information about B-1? Call (201) 330-8883 to speak with a visitor visa attorney in NJ today!
What is a B-2 Visa and How Do You Qualify?
While the majority of these are for tourism, travel, major sporting events, and visiting friends and family, this is also the visa you might pursue if you were seeking to enter the United States for medical purposes. If several members of your family are planning on visiting, each must submit a separate visitor visa application. The B-2 visas are usually granted for six months, even if the period of your stay is actually going to be less than that. Employment is not allowed in the visitor visa category.
In order to get a visitor visa, you must have:
- A valid passport that does not expire for at least six months past the time you are planning on leaving after your visit.
- You are required to provide a current photo of yourself, and only a specific format and size is acceptable.
A New Jersey lawyer could ensure you have all the documents for a B-2 visa.
B-2 Visa Application Process
During the application process, you’re going to be asked for information in addition to your required documentation.
You must include proof that:
- Your stay is for a limited duration of time
- You intend to depart at the expiration of stay
- You are maintaining a foreign residence that you intend to return to
- You maintain ties to your home country
- You have adequate financial resources to support yourself during this time
- You will engage in legitimate visitor activities. If visiting friends and relatives, you will need letters of invitation from them noting the same.
Applying for a B-2 Tourist / Visitor Visa
After the application is submitted, you will be required to attend a visa interview, which is most often held at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. In some situations, it is possible to change visa categories from within the U.S. such as a student visa to a visitor or a J-1 (without 2 year home country requirement) to visitor visa.
The laws for immigration visas are complex and confusing. In order to ensure you will be able to travel legally as a visitor to the United States, it is very important to seek out a New Jersey visitor visa attorney who can help you through the immigration process.
What is the ESTA Visa Waiver Program?
Certain individuals may be able to travel to the United States without a visitor visa. By using the ESTA visa waiver program, individuals may enter the U.S. for a 90-day period.
If you are admitted to the country under ESTA, you may also be able to take short trips to other parts of the continent, including Canada, Mexico, and nearby islands. However, there are several restrictions to how you’re able to travel. Not everyone may be eligible to use a visa waiver, and a lawyer in New Jersey could help determine eligibility.
About the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Application
When applying to the VWP, keep in mind that the waiver does not exempt individuals from other requirements for travel to the U.S. You must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and you must still meet the requirements of a B-class visitor visa for tourism or business.
We can help individuals through the application process and ensure all of the travel eligibility requirements are satisfied. A VWP may exempt someone from needing a visa, but it does not exempt them from international travel guidelines.
VWP Restrictions of Travel Purposes
Since you must meet the requirements of a B-class visitor visa when using the VWP, you may not engage in all kinds of travel purposes. Under the VWP program, you may not travel for study on credit, work in foreign information media, permanent residency, or employment.
Remember that this is in terms of the purpose of your travel—you may still be able to apply for permanent residency and a visa status change once you are in the United States, but the purpose of your travelling may not be only to apply for permanent residency. For example, if you enter the country on a VWP and later decide to marry a U.S. citizen, you may apply for permanent residency without having to leave. However, before you do you should speak to a B-1/B-2 visa lawyer in New Jersey.
Contact a New Jersey Visitor Visa Attorney to Learn More!
We can work with you to obtain and prepare the proper documentation to apply for the visa you need. The Law Offices of Lloyd E. Bennett, Esq., P.C. offers the knowledge and experience to address all aspects of business and family-related immigration law. Because immigration law is federal law, our office is able to provide reasonably priced legal services to clients located anywhere in the United States. Our firm has successfully assisted hundreds of businesses, firms, and individuals by simplifying the complex immigration process. Our clients include Fortune 500 corporations, major foreign multi-national companies, local corporations, and hundreds of satisfied individuals and families. Reach out to a New Jersey B1/B2 visa lawyer today!
Getting a visitor visa takes time and preparation. We can ensure the process is handled quickly and effectively. Schedule a case consultation today!