Explore, Connect & Conduct Business

Whether you’re planning to visit the United States for leisure, business meetings, or temporary work assignments, navigating the visa process requires precision and expertise. Our team specializes in tourist and business visas, ensuring smooth entry for travelers, entrepreneurs, and companies looking to expand their reach in America. From B-1/B-2 visas to specialized business categories, we make international travel and commerce accessible.

Visa Assessment →

Visitor Visa Application Process

From preparation to approval – streamlined guidance

1

Consultation

Determine appropriate visa category and eligibility

2

DS-160 Form

Complete online visa application accurately

3

Fee Payment

Pay visa application and processing fees

4

Interview

Attend consular interview with documents

5

Decision

Receive visa approval or additional processing

6

Travel

Enter U.S. with proper documentation

Tourism & Business Visa Categories

Multiple visa options for temporary visits, business activities, and professional engagements.

We’ll identify the best visa type based on your travel purpose and duration.

B-1

Business Visitor (B-1)

For business meetings, conferences, negotiations, and consultations. Cannot engage in employment or productive work for U.S. entity.

Up to 6 months initial stay
B-2

Tourist Visitor (B-2)

Tourism, vacation, visiting friends/family, medical treatment, or participation in social events hosted by fraternal organizations.

Typically 6 months authorized
B1/2

Combined B-1/B-2

Most common visitor visa combining business and tourism purposes. Allows flexibility to engage in both activities during single trip.

Multiple entry, 10-year validity
ESTA

Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)

Electronic authorization for citizens of 41 qualifying countries for tourism or business visits up to 90 days without visa.

2-year validity, 90-day stays
C-1

Transit Visa (C-1)

For immediate and continuous transit through United States to another country. Cannot leave international transit area.

Maximum 29 days
WB/WT

Border Crossing Cards

For Mexican nationals to visit U.S. border regions for business (WB) or tourism (WT) purposes within 25 miles of border.

10-year validity for adults

WHY CHOOSE ATLAS

Expert Tourism & Business Visa Services

INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Comprehensive mock interviews and document preparation to ensure confident presentation at consular interviews.

DOCUMENT STRATEGY

Strategic document compilation demonstrating strong ties to home country and legitimate travel purposes.

DENIAL PREVENTION

Proactive approach addressing potential red flags and common denial reasons before application submission.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Specialized assistance for corporate travelers, including invitation letters and business documentation coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common tourism and business visa questions

It depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit:

Visa Waiver Program (ESTA):
  • Eligible Countries: Citizens of 41 countries can visit for tourism or business up to 90 days without a visa
  • Requirements: Valid passport, ESTA authorization ($21 fee), return/onward ticket
  • ESTA Countries Include: UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, most EU countries
  • Apply Online: At least 72 hours before travel (recommended 2 weeks)
  • Valid for: 2 years or until passport expires
B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa Required For:
  • Citizens of countries not in the Visa Waiver Program
  • Visits longer than 90 days
  • Previous visa denials or immigration violations
  • Certain criminal history or security concerns
  • Travel on emergency or temporary passports
Process: Complete DS-160 form, pay fees, schedule interview at U.S. consulate, attend interview with required documents.
While both are visitor visas, they serve different purposes and have distinct activity restrictions:

B-1 Business Visitor:
  • Permitted Activities: Business meetings, negotiations, consultations, conferences, trade shows, contract discussions
  • Prohibited: Employment, paid work, productive labor for U.S. entity, selling goods/services to U.S. public
  • Payment Source: Foreign employer continues paying salary; no payment from U.S. sources for services
  • Examples: Meeting suppliers, attending board meetings, consulting on technical matters, training foreign employees
B-2 Tourist Visitor:
  • Permitted Activities: Tourism, vacation, visiting friends/family, medical treatment, amateur sports/music competitions
  • Social Events: Weddings, graduations, family reunions, cultural events
  • Medical Treatment: Elective procedures, consultations, treatment not available in home country
  • Recreation: Sightseeing, attending concerts, visiting national parks
Combined B-1/B-2: Most common visa type allowing both business and tourism activities during the same trip. Provides flexibility but each activity must comply with respective restrictions.

Duration: Both typically granted for 6 months initial stay, with possible extensions.
Demonstrating “nonimmigrant intent” is crucial for visa approval. You must prove strong ties to your home country that will compel your return:

Employment Ties:
  • Employment Letter: From employer confirming position, salary, approved leave dates, return date
  • Business Ownership: Business registration, tax returns, employee records, contracts
  • Professional Licenses: Medical, legal, or other professional credentials requiring your presence
  • Unpaid Leave: Documentation showing job will be waiting upon return
Financial Ties:
  • Property Ownership: Deeds, mortgage statements, property tax records
  • Bank Accounts: Statements showing substantial funds remaining in home country
  • Investments: Stock portfolios, retirement accounts, business investments
  • Credit Obligations: Loans, mortgages requiring regular payments
Family Ties:
  • Immediate Family: Spouse, children, elderly parents requiring your care
  • School-Age Children: Enrollment records, school letters
  • Family Business: Role in family enterprises
Social Ties:
  • Community Involvement: Religious organizations, volunteer work, social clubs
  • Educational Commitments: Ongoing studies, teaching positions
  • Medical Treatment: Ongoing care requiring your presence
Red Flags to Avoid: Selling all assets, resigning permanently, bringing excessive luggage, one-way tickets, insufficient funds for stated visit purpose.
The consular interview is typically brief but crucial for visa approval. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare:

Interview Format:
  • Duration: Usually 2-5 minutes (can be longer if questions arise)
  • Language: Conducted in English or local language with translation
  • Setting: Behind protective glass at consular window
  • Documentation: Officer reviews your DS-160, supporting documents
Common Questions:
  • Purpose: “Why are you traveling to the United States?”
  • Duration: “How long will you stay?”
  • Ties: “What is your job?” “Do you own property?”
  • Travel History: “Have you been to the U.S. before?”
  • Finances: “Who is paying for your trip?”
  • Return Plans: “What will you do when you return home?”
Preparation Tips:
  • Be Concise: Answer only what’s asked – don’t volunteer extra information
  • Be Honest: Never lie or provide false documents
  • Stay Calm: Nervous behavior can raise suspicions
  • Organize Documents: Have everything easily accessible
  • Dress Professionally: First impressions matter
  • Speak Clearly: If you don’t understand, ask for clarification
Documents to Bring:
  • Valid passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, appointment letter
  • Employment verification, bank statements, property documents
  • Travel itinerary, hotel bookings, invitation letters
  • Previous visas, travel history documentation
Decision: Most decisions made immediately. If approved, passport returned with visa within 1-2 weeks.
Yes, but extensions and status changes have specific requirements and limitations:

Extending B-1/B-2 Status:
  • File Form I-539: Must apply before current authorized stay expires
  • Filing Fee: $370 (as of 2025)
  • Apply Early: File at least 45 days before expiration
  • Maximum Extensions: Usually 6 months, total stay generally shouldn’t exceed 1 year
  • Valid Reasons: Medical treatment, family emergency, business delays
Required Documentation:
  • Form I-539: Completed application with explanation of delay
  • I-94 Record: Proof of current legal status
  • Financial Support: Evidence of funds for extended stay
  • Compelling Reason: Documentation supporting need for extension
  • Nonimmigrant Intent: Proof of ties to home country
Change of Status Options:
  • B-1 to B-2: Change from business to tourism (or vice versa)
  • To Student (F-1): If accepted to SEVP-approved school
  • Limitations: Cannot change to H-1B or most work visas from visitor status
  • ESTA Restriction: Cannot extend or change status if entered on Visa Waiver Program
Important Warnings:
  • Overstay Consequences: Can bar future visa applications
  • Processing Time: 8-12 months currently – apply early
  • Premium Processing: Not available for visitor extensions
  • Travel Restrictions: Cannot travel while extension pending without risk
Visa denials are disappointing but often not permanent. Understanding the reasons and next steps is crucial:

Common Denial Reasons:
  • Section 214(b) – Immigrant Intent: Failed to prove strong ties to home country (90% of denials)
  • Inadequate Documentation: Insufficient financial, employment, or relationship evidence
  • Previous Immigration Violations: Overstays, unauthorized work, false claims
  • Criminal History: Certain crimes make applicants inadmissible
  • Public Charge: Likely to become dependent on government assistance
  • Security Concerns: Background check issues
Understanding the Denial Letter:
  • Specific Reasons: Letter indicates which sections of law apply
  • INA Section 214(b): Most common – insufficient ties to home country
  • Permanent Bars: Some criminal or fraud issues create permanent ineligibility
  • Temporary Issues: Most 214(b) denials can be overcome with better documentation
Next Steps After Denial:
  • Wait Period: No mandatory waiting period for reapplication
  • Address Issues: Strengthen ties to home country, improve documentation
  • Significant Changes: Need substantial change in circumstances for approval
  • Professional Help: Consider attorney consultation for complex cases
  • Alternative Options: ESTA if eligible, different visa categories
Strengthening Future Applications:
  • Enhanced Documentation: More comprehensive proof of ties
  • Changed Circumstances: New job, property purchase, family obligations
  • Different Consulate: Sometimes helpful if legitimate reason for change
  • Shorter Trip Duration: Request shorter stays initially
When to Consult an Attorney: Multiple denials, complex immigration history, criminal issues, or unclear denial reasons warrant professional assistance.
This is a common source of confusion. The answer depends on the specific activities and how they’re compensated:

Permitted Business Activities on B-2/ESTA:
  • Meetings: Attending business meetings, negotiations, conferences
  • Consultations: Providing expertise to existing clients (foreign-paid)
  • Conferences: Industry events, trade shows, professional seminars
  • Training: Training employees of foreign company’s U.S. subsidiary
  • Contract Discussions: Negotiating agreements, reviewing contracts
Strictly Prohibited Activities:
  • Employment: Any work for U.S. employer or entity
  • Productive Work: Manufacturing, construction, direct service provision
  • Payment from U.S. Sources: Receiving money from U.S. companies for services
  • Selling to U.S. Public: Direct sales, marketing to American consumers
  • Long-term Projects: Extended assignments, ongoing work relationships
Gray Areas Requiring Caution:
  • Installation/Repair: Setting up equipment may be considered “work”
  • Training Americans: Teaching skills to U.S. workers often prohibited
  • Remote Work: Working for foreign employer while visiting may be problematic
  • Commission Sales: Earning money from U.S.-based activities
Documentation Recommendations:
  • Business Letters: Clearly state purpose, duration, payment source
  • Contract Language: Specify work performed outside U.S.
  • Payment Records: Show compensation from foreign sources only
  • Meeting Agendas: Document business meeting purposes
When in Doubt: If activities could be interpreted as work, consider applying for appropriate work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.) or consult immigration attorney for guidance.
While not legally required, travel insurance is highly recommended due to expensive U.S. healthcare costs:

Why Travel Insurance is Important:
  • Healthcare Costs: Medical treatment extremely expensive in U.S.
  • Emergency Room: Basic ER visit can cost $1,000-$5,000+
  • Hospital Stays: Can reach $10,000+ per day
  • Specialist Care: Procedures, surgeries can cost tens of thousands
  • Prescription Drugs: Medications much more expensive than many countries
Types of Coverage to Consider:
  • Medical Emergency: Accident, sudden illness, emergency surgery
  • Medical Evacuation: Air ambulance to home country if needed
  • Trip Cancellation: Reimbursement if trip cancelled due to emergency
  • Trip Interruption: Coverage if trip cut short due to emergency
  • Baggage Loss: Compensation for lost or stolen luggage
  • Travel Delays: Accommodation/meal costs due to flight delays
Coverage Recommendations:
  • Medical Coverage: Minimum $100,000-$250,000
  • Emergency Evacuation: At least $500,000
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Coverage if you have medical history
  • Adventure Sports: Special coverage for skiing, hiking, etc.
Where to Purchase:
  • Travel Insurance Companies: Specialized providers
  • Credit Card Benefits: Some cards include travel coverage
  • Home/Auto Insurers: May offer travel insurance products
  • Comparison Sites: Compare policies and prices online
What to Look For:
  • Direct Pay: Insurance pays provider directly vs. reimbursement
  • 24/7 Assistance: Phone support for emergencies
  • Coverage Period: Matches entire trip duration
  • Exclusions: Understand what’s not covered