IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING TRAVEL FROM ABROAD

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to travel to the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1 visa), for tourism (B-2 visa), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2 visa).

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a B-1 visa:

• Consult with business associates

• Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference

• Settle an estate

• Negotiate a contract

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a B-2 visa:

• Tourism

• Vacation (holiday)

• Visit with friends or relatives

• Medical treatment

• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations

• Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating

• Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:

• Study

• Employment

• Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience

• Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft

• Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media

• Permanent residence in the United States

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.