International Scholars

B Visa Holders

B-1 = Temporary visitor for business
B-2 = Temporary visitor for pleasure
WB = Temporary visitor for business entering under the visa waiver program
WT = Temporary visitor for pleasure entering under the visa waiver program

EVEN IF THERE IS A COMBINATION B-1/B-2 VISA STAMP IN THE PASSPORT, THE PERSON CAN BE ADMITTED IN ONLY ONE STATUS (B-1 OR B-2) DEPENDING UPON THE PURPOSE OF THAT ENTRY.

Length of stay

Extensions

B status/studying/student

B-1

B-2

The B-2 category is appropriate for those coming to the US temporarily for pleasure, such as tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives, medical treatment, activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature. Employment is not permitted for those in B-2 status. However, individuals may receive "academic honoraria" and payments for associated incidental expenses for usual academic activity lasting not longer than 9 days. The B-2 visa may be issued to enter the U.S. as a "prospective student" or "prospective exchange visitor". The appropriate designation must appear on the visa at the time it is issued. Once in the U.S., individuals must change status to F-1 or J-1. Because the intention was stated in advance, "preconceived intent" is not an issue in the change of status process.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Visa Waiver Program - Participating Countries
Andorra Hungary New Zealand
Australia Iceland Norway
Austria Ireland Portugal
Belgium Italy San Marino
Brunei Japan Singapore
Czech Republic Latvia Slovakia
Denmark Liechtenstein Slovenia
Estonia Lithuania South Korea
Finland Luxembourg Spain
France Malta Sweden
Germany Monaco Switzerland
Greece The Netherlands United Kingdom

 

*NOTE: Starting January 12, 2009, all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) participants are required to obtain travel authorization prior to coming to the U.S. This authorization can be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA™), a free Internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). There will not be a fee for using the ESTA. Visitors need to apply at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.