How to Apply for American Tourist or Business Visa Online

Did you know you can apply for American tourist or business visa online? The B-1/B-2 visitor visa (Tourist Business Visa) is essential for individuals traveling to the United States on a temporary basis for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).

Generally, the B-1 visa is for travelers consulting with business associates, attending scientific, educational related, professional or business conventions/conferences, settling an estate or negotiating contracts.

The B-2 visa is for travel that is recreational in nature, including tourism, visits with friends or relatives, medical treatment and activities of a fraternal, social or service nature. Usually, the B-1 and B-2 visas are combined and issued as one visa: the B-1/B-2.

Qualifications For a B-1/B-2 Visa

If you apply for a Tourist Business Visa (B-1/B-2 visa), it is mandatory for you to prove to a consular officer that you qualify for a U.S. visa according to the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The Section 214(b) of the INA believes that every B-1/B-2 applicant is an anticipating immigrant. You must meet up with this legal presumption by showing:

• That the purpose of your trip to the U .S. is for a temporary visit, such as business, pleasure, or medical treatment
• That you plan to remain in the U.S. for a specific, limited period of time
• Evidence of funds to cover your expenses while in the United States
• That you have a residence outside the U.S., as well as other binding social or economic ties, that will ensure your return abroad at the end of your visit.

Please Note: Citizens of certain countries may not require Business Visa, if the trip is less than 90 days. This is known as the visa waiver program.

How to Apply for B1 Visa

• Get a digital photograph of each applicant: Digital images of the applicant are required for some visa categories, while photos are required for other visa categories. The acceptance of your digital image or photo is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

• Complete Business visa application Form DS160: Business visa application (Form DS160) must be completed online, over the internet. After successfully completing the application, you will receive a confirmation with a 10-digit bar-code. Take a printout of this page. This will be needed for setting up your visa interview appointment.

• Pay the Business Visa application fee: The fee can be paid either electronically as a bank transfer or in cash at designated bank branches throughout the country. In order to ensure the proper amount is paid and activated in a timely manner, first create a profile at US visa Service website and choose the Schedule Appointment option. On the payment confirmation screen you will be presented with payment options and further details of how to initiate payment. The fee is good for a year from the date of payment. You must take an appointment within a year for your visa interview.

• Take Appointments for Visa Interview: After you pay the fees, you will have to schedule 2 appointments as part of the visitor visa process. The two-part appointment process consists of an appointment with one of the five Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) to give Biometrics information that includes fingerprinting and photograph , and second an appointment with the Consulate or Embassy for a personal visa interview. Take online visa appointment at official website for US visa appointment.

• Visitor Visa  Fingerprinting At Visa Application Center (VAC): After taking appointment with the consulate or embassy for personal interview, schedule the fingerprinting appointment at least a day or two before the interview at the consulate. Earlier, the fingerprints were taken during the personal interview. But under the new rules you are required to give the Biometrics information at the VAC appointment. This measure has been introduced to reduce congestion at the US consular facilities and to speed up the applicant processing. Schedule the visa interview appointment at the Consulate or Embassy prior to the VAC appointment.

• Go for Visa Interview at Designated US Consulate: On the day and time of your appointment for interview, go to the consulate where your interview is scheduled. Carry all mandatory and supporting documents and originals.