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What are the different types of visa for travelling to the United States?

There are three types of B visa: B-1, B-2 and B-1 / B-2.

B-1 visa for business travel

The B1 visa is the one you need to apply for if you want to come to the United States for professional reasons.

With this type of visa, you can :

  • Carry out market research.
  • Investing or finalising investments.
  • Prospecting, negotiating contracts, representing a company, taking orders, etc.
  • Attend conferences, seminars, meetings, exhibitions and conventions.
  • Meet with associates if you are employed by a US subsidiary or parent company.

However, a B-1 Visa does not allow you to :

  • Carry out a professional activity on American soil. To do this, you need an H1B work visa..
  • Collect money from an American entity during the stay.

B-2 visa for tourist and medical travel

A B-2 visa is required if you plan to visit the United States as a tourist or attend an event. It is also required if you are travelling for medical reasons, and you should ask if you wish to visit relatives in the country.

With this type of visa, you can :

  • Sightseeing: visiting monuments, exploring sites, etc.
  • Visit your friends and family.
  • Attend and take part in cultural events (sports or music) as an amateur.
  • Receive medical care.

However, a B-2 Visa will not allow you to :

  • Carry out a professional activity on American soil.
  • To receive remuneration from an American entity for the duration of the stay.

Note that it is possible to combine B1 and B2 visas into a single visa, depending on the circumstances and reasons for the beneficiary's trip. It also allows you to combine the advantages offered by the two documents.