15

(NOT a duplicate of Tourist Visa B1/B2)

Earlier last year, I went to the US for a business trip. In preparation for it, even though I applied for a B1/B2 visa, I was granted a (seemingly rare) straight B1 visa.

That visa was granted for 3 years and is going to be valid for a long time. Right now, however, I'm looking to make another trip to the US, this time to visit a friend (so, no business intentions). Does this mean I have to explicitly apply for another, B2, visa all over again? Or, if I do travel with my current B1, I can avoid the problem somehow?

Community
  • 1
Arnold
  • 253
  • 1
  • 7

1 Answers1

11

There would be no point in having B-1 and B-2 were there no difference between them. Strictly speaking I believe you are supposed to apply for a B-2 visa if you (a) have left USA since visiting on your B-1 visa, (b) you wish to revisit but for tourism and similar purposes and (c) your circumstances have not meanwhile materially changed.

However, there may be some common sense in all this. It seems your visa qualifies you to return on business (quite a broad category*) and having had that reason before it may not be difficult for you to find a further such requirement. The point being, that you arrive with the intention of doing some business.

Once there:

You do not need to apply to change your nonimmigrant status if you were admitted into the United States for business reasons (B-1 visa category) and you wish to remain in the United States for pleasure before your authorized stay expires.

* UCIS.

  • Conduct Negotiations.
  • Solicit sales or investment.
  • Discuss planned investment or purchases.
  • Make investments or purchases.
  • Attend Meetings, and participate in them fully.
  • Interview and hire staff.
  • Conduct research.

That last entry looks promising.

pnuts
  • 28,474
  • 3
  • 81
  • 175