B Visas

frenchchateau · Newbie Joined: Oct 26, 2008 Posts: 13 Location: France

I'm looking at a B visa route but wonder how many days I may stay in total in the US. Does the B2 visa give me up to 180 days?
Is that total number of days to be used up all in one trip or can I return as often as I like so long as I don't go over 180 days in a year?

Is this visa easy to obtain? (we'll be visiting family and friends in US).

Kirstie · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:44 pm Post subject: Re: B Visas

frenchchateau

The B2 visa allows for up to 180 days in every 12 months and can be taken over as many trips/visits as you wish as long as you don't overstay. It's easy to get. You apply at the Embassy or Consulate in your home country and its valid for a total of 10 years. You will have to show at CBP, on each entry into the US, that you have sufficient funds to cover your trip.

Just to be clear; there are 2 derivations of the B - the B1 and the B2. The B1 is for business purposes and is valid for the length of trip required to do the business in the USA that you state on your application. You cannot earn any money directly from the business you conduct here - it is meant as a visa for seminars, training courses etc.

The B2 is a tourist version and allows up to 180 days but you need to show your ability to support yourself during your stay financially, and you may be asked to prove a need to be here - family etc. You absolutely cannot work or do anything related to work.

Hope that helps!
Kirstie