USA Visit Visa From Dubai & Visa Appointment

What is the B-1/B-2 Visa: Business and Tourist Visa?

The B-1/B-2 visa is a combination visa for individuals traveling to the United States for business (B-1) or tourism (B-2) purposes. It allows travelers to engage in a variety of short-term activities while visiting the U.S. With this visa, a person can travel, see the sights, visit family or friends, and get medical care in addition to engaging in business-related activities.

What activities can B-1 (Business Visitor) Visa holders do?

The B-1 visa is intended only for people who are visiting the United States on business, including:

• Participating in conferences, and seminars
• Business meetings
• Attending conferences or conventions related to science, education, or the workplace.
• Managing investments or settling an estate

What activities can B-2 (Tourist Visitor) Visa holders do?

The B-2 visa is intended for people traveling to the United States for leisure or private purposes, including:

• Travel, sightseeing, or recreational activities
• Visiting family members or friends
• Undergoing medical treatment (for certain medical conditions)
• Participating in social or cultural events like holidays, weddings, and family reunions

The B-1/B-2 Combined Visa allows for both business (B-1) and tourism (B-2) activities during a visit to the US, providing flexibility for individuals.

The typical stay for a B-1/B-2 visa is up to six months, however the exact duration is decided by the CBP officer at the port of entry and may vary based on conditions.
Extensions are available for an additional six months (for a total of up to 12 months) if the visitor can demonstrate that they still match the eligibility requirements and have not broken the restrictions of their visa.

U.S Visa Application Process & Interview:

• Fill out the DS-160 form: This is the typical online nonimmigrant visa application form.

• Pay your visa fee: It is necessary to pay a non-refundable visa application fee.

• Schedule an Interview: Choose a date and time for your interview at the U.S. Embassy in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

• After scheduling, print the appointment confirmation.

• During the processing of visa application, all applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must appear for a US visa interview. It applies to UAE residents as well. You can lose your appointment if you don’t show up for the interview on time. Your biometrics will be taken prior to the interview. Before you go to your interview, Consulate staff will check all of your documents. For your interview for a US visa, the consular officer will ask you questions about your trip to the U.S. and evaluate your eligibility for a visa. Make sure the answers you provide are accurate and correspond to the ones you filled out in your application.

Wait for Visa Processing

• If your visa is approved, your passport will be sent to you via courier service after a few days or weeks, depending on processing times.

• You will receive instructions on how to track the status of your visa application.

Important Points to Remember:

1. Not for long-term employment: People who plan to work or immigrate to the United States are not eligible for the B-1/B-2 visa. Since it’s a temporary visa, exceeding the allotted time could have a negative impact on your ability to apply for another one in the future.
2. Changing Status: If you visit the United States on a B-1/B-2 visa and later decide to study, work, or stay longer, you must apply for a change of status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).