Planning a trip to the United States for business, tourism, or family visits? The B1 B2 visa is the most common nonimmigrant visa for temporary visitors. This comprehensive guide covers the 2026 requirements, application process, interview preparation, and the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee that significantly increases total costs. Whether you're attending business meetings, exploring tourist attractions, or visiting relatives, this guide provides everything you need for a successful application.
Understanding the US B1 B2 Visa in 2026
The B1 B2 visa is a combined nonimmigrant visa that allows temporary entry to the United States for both business (B1) and tourism/pleasure (B2) purposes. This dual-purpose visa is the most commonly issued US visa category, providing flexibility for travellers whose trips may involve multiple activities. The visa is issued by US embassies and consulates worldwide after successful completion of the DS-160 application and a consular interview.
What is the Difference Between B1 and B2 Visa?
The B1 visa is for temporary business visitors (meetings, conferences, contract negotiations), while the B2 visa is for tourists, medical patients, and those visiting family or friends. The combined B1/B2 visa covers both purposes, allowing you to engage in business and leisure activities during the same trip. Most applicants receive the B1/B2 combination visa.
B1 Visa: Business Activities
The B1 component covers legitimate business activities that do not constitute employment or labour for hire. Permitted B1 activities include attending business meetings and conferences, negotiating contracts, consulting with business associates, settling estates, and participating in short-term training programmes. You cannot receive payment from a US source for work performed while on a B1 visa.
B2 Visa: Tourism and Personal Travel
The B2 component permits tourism, vacation travel, visiting family or friends, receiving medical treatment, participating in social events, and attending amateur sporting or musical events (without payment). Many B2 applicants visit to see relatives who are US citizens, permanent residents, or long-term visa holders.
What Are the B1/B2 Visa Requirements in 2026?
B1/B2 visa requirements include a valid passport, completed DS-160 application, proof of ties to your home country, evidence of sufficient funds, and a clear travel purpose. You must demonstrate that your visit is temporary, you can financially support yourself, and you intend to return home after your authorised stay.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a B1/B2 visa, you must meet specific eligibility criteria established by the U.S. Department of State:
- Temporary visit purpose: Your trip must be for business, tourism, medical treatment, or visiting family/friends
- Intent to depart: You must intend to leave the US at the end of your authorised stay
- Strong ties to home country: Evidence of employment, family, property, or other commitments abroad
- Financial means: Sufficient funds to cover all expenses during your stay
- Valid passport: Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
Documents Required for B1/B2 Visa Interview
- DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Visa fee payment receipt ($185 MRV fee)
- Recent passport photo (51mm x 51mm, white background)
- Interview appointment confirmation
- Financial documents: Bank statements (3-6 months), employment letter
- Travel itinerary: Flight bookings, hotel reservations (if available)
- Purpose evidence: Business invitation letter or family sponsor details
How Do I Apply for a B1/B2 Visa?
Apply for a B1/B2 visa by completing the online DS-160 form, paying the $185 MRV fee, scheduling an interview at your nearest US embassy or consulate, and attending the interview with your supporting documents. Processing time varies by location but typically takes 2-4 weeks after your interview.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The B1/B2 visa application process involves several steps. Follow this guide to ensure a smooth application:
What Questions Are Asked in a B1/B2 Visa Interview?
Common B1/B2 interview questions focus on your travel purpose, itinerary, ties to your home country, financial situation, and intent to return. Expect questions like "Why are you visiting the US?", "Where will you stay?", "What is your occupation?", and "Do you have family in the US?" Answer honestly, briefly, and confidently.
Common Interview Questions and Sample Answers
Preparation is key to a successful visa interview. Here are common questions with guidance on how to answer:
Q: Why do you want to visit the United States?
Be specific and concise. For tourism: "I want to visit New York and Washington DC for two weeks as a holiday." For business: "I'm attending a technology conference in San Francisco from March 15-18."
Q: How long will you stay in the US?
State your intended duration clearly: "I plan to stay for 10 days" or "Two weeks from April 5th to April 19th."
Q: Who will pay for your trip?
"I will pay for my trip from my personal savings" or "My employer is sponsoring my business trip" or "My brother who lives in Texas will cover my accommodation."
Q: What do you do for work?
State your job title, employer, and how long you've worked there: "I'm a software engineer at ABC Company in London. I've been with them for four years."
Q: Do you have family in the United States?
Answer truthfully. If yes, explain their status: "Yes, my brother is a US citizen living in Houston. I'm visiting him and his family."
How Much Does a B1/B2 Visa Cost in 2026?
The B1/B2 visa costs $435 total in 2026. This includes the $185 MRV (Machine Readable Visa) application fee paid when scheduling your interview, plus the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee introduced in October 2025 that is collected only upon visa approval. The MRV fee is non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
B1/B2 Visa Fee Breakdown
UK citizens and other Visa Waiver Program nationals who only need short visits (up to 90 days) can use ESTA for just $40—significantly cheaper than the B1/B2 visa. However, a visa is required for longer stays, certain travel histories, or if ESTA has been denied.
How Long is a B1/B2 Visa Valid?
B1/B2 visa validity varies based on your nationality, typically ranging from 1 to 10 years. A 10-year multiple-entry visa is common for UK citizens and many other nationalities. However, visa validity is different from length of stay—regardless of how long your visa is valid, each visit is typically limited to a maximum of 6 months, determined by the CBP officer at entry.
- Total cost: $435 (MRV $185 + Integrity Fee $250 upon approval)
- Visa validity: 1-10 years depending on nationality
- Maximum stay: 6 months per visit (determined at entry)
- Strong ties to home country are crucial for approval
- UK citizens may use ESTA ($40) for short visits instead
For information about visa denials, see our guide on US visa refusal reasons and rejection rates by country. Check current visa interview wait times on the State Department website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a B1 and B2 visa?
The B1 visa is for temporary business visitors (meetings, conferences, contract negotiations), while the B2 visa is for tourism, visiting family or friends, and medical treatment. The combined B1/B2 visa allows both purposes during the same trip and is what most applicants receive. You cannot work for a US employer on either visa.
How much does a B1/B2 visa cost in 2026?
The B1/B2 visa costs $435 total in 2026. This includes the $185 MRV application fee (paid when scheduling your interview) plus the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee (paid only upon visa approval). The MRV fee is non-refundable even if your visa is denied, but you only pay the Integrity Fee if approved.
How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
The maximum stay on a B1/B2 visa is typically 6 months per visit. The exact duration is determined by the CBP officer at your port of entry and stamped in your passport. You can request an extension by filing Form I-539 with USCIS before your authorised stay expires if you have valid reasons to remain longer.
How long is a B1/B2 visa valid for?
B1/B2 visa validity ranges from 1 to 10 years depending on your nationality and reciprocity agreements. UK citizens typically receive 10-year multiple-entry visas. The visa validity determines how long you can use it to enter the US, but does not affect the length of each stay, which is always determined at entry.
What documents are required for a B1/B2 visa interview?
Required documents include your DS-160 confirmation page, valid passport (6+ months validity), visa fee receipt, recent passport photo, and interview appointment confirmation. Supporting documents should include bank statements (3-6 months), employment letter, travel itinerary, and evidence of ties to your home country such as property documents or family relationships.
Can I work in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
No, you cannot work for a US employer or receive payment from a US source while on a B1/B2 visa. The B1 visa allows business activities like meetings and conferences, but not employment. Working illegally on a visitor visa can result in visa revocation, deportation, and future travel bans. For work, you need an appropriate work visa such as H-1B or L-1.
Do UK citizens need a B1/B2 visa to visit the US?
Most UK citizens do not need a B1/B2 visa for short visits. They can travel using ESTA ($40) for stays up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program. However, a B1/B2 visa is required for stays longer than 90 days, if ESTA has been denied, if you have certain travel histories (visits to Iran, Iraq, Syria since 2011), or some criminal records.
What if my B1/B2 visa application is denied?
If denied, review the refusal reason (usually Section 214(b) indicating insufficient ties to home country). You can reapply immediately if circumstances have changed or you have additional evidence to address the denial reason. Common reasons include weak ties to home country, insufficient funds, or unconvincing travel purpose. Professional immigration solicitors can assist with complex reapplication cases.