Guide
The B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
The B visa is for temporary visits for business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2) — with no U.S. employment or compensation allowed. For immigration purposes, "visitor" and "B-1/B-2" mean essentially the same thing.
Written by Robin-Catmur Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center
Last updated: April 2025
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa overview
Business vs. pleasure
• Business (B-1): activities for a foreign employer — meetings, investments, signing contracts, litigation, buying/selling property, taking orders for goods produced abroad, conferences, public speaking. It does NOT allow working for a U.S. employer, or working while in the U.S. for a foreign employer.
• Pleasure (B-2): tourism, visiting friends/family, receiving medical treatment, and non-work conferences. It does NOT allow working for a U.S. employer, or working while in the U.S. for a foreign employer.
Eligibility
You must keep a foreign residence you don't intend to abandon, enter for a specific limited time, come only for the business/pleasure purpose, and show funds to cover your visit without needing to work.
Study on a B visa
You cannot study or enroll in school on a B visa. You may visit prospective schools or attend admission interviews on a B-2, and you may take an occasional avocational/recreational (non-degree) classes — but to enroll, you must change status from B to F after admission, and wait for USCIS approval. → /faq/studying-on-a-b-visa
The ESTA / Visa Waiver Program
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) clears travel to the U.S. without a visa interview, under the Visa Waiver Program, for citizens of approved countries for visits of 90 days or less.