Business or Tourists Visas

Anyone who enters the United States must either qualify for the Visa Waiver Program or have a visa to present to Customs and Border Protection upon arrival in the United States. A visa is not a guarantee of entry. The Customs and Border Protections officials have the authority to deny entry to the United States. It is wise to follow all the rules regarding entry and to be respectful and cooperative when dealing with the Customs and Border Protections officials.

To encourage tourism and ease the entry process into the United States, the United States has created the visa waiver program (discussed earlier). The Visa Waiver Program allows people traveling to the United States for business or pleasure and who plan to stay less than 90 days to travel without a visa. As mentioned earlier, the non-immigrant will have to submit biometric information at the port of entry.

B-1 and B-2 Visas
Any traveler who does not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, either because he is from a country which is not on the list of participating countries, or because he wishes to stay longer than 90 days, must apply for a B-1 or B2 visa depending on the purpose of the trip.

A B-1 visa is for travelers whose general purpose is related to business or his work such as:

•Meet business associates
•Attend a specific professional convention or conference
•Negotiate a business contract
A B-2 visa is for travelers whose purpose is generally social or recreational such as:

•Tourism
•Amusement
•Visit friends or relatives
•Relax
•Medical treatment

Non-immigrant visas for business and travel are fairly common and easy to process. The United States recognizes the value of foreign visitors to the economy and the culture. Travelers to the United States who do not pose a threat to the welfare of the people of the U.S. will be welcomed.