<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="visitor-visas" data-vt-code="B-1"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/visitor-visas">Visit & tourism</a><span>›</span><span>B-1</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Nonimmigrant</span><span>Visitor</span><span>No employment</span><span>DS-160</span><span>Often issued as B-1/B-2</span><span>Visa bond may apply</span></div> <h1><span>B-1</span> Business Visitor</h1> <p class="vt-lede">For short business trips — meetings, conferences, contract negotiations and similar activities — without being employed or paid by a U.S. source.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: USCIS · Department of State · eCFR</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/b-1">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Purpose</dt><dd>Temporary business activities — not employment</dd></div><div><dt>Typical admission</dt><dd><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-visitors-for-business/b-1-temporary-business-visitor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1 to 6 months</a>; regulation allows <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">up to 1 year</a></dd></div><div><dt>Extensions</dt><dd><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 6 months</a> at a time on Form I-539</dd></div><div><dt>Visa application (MRV) fee</dt><dd><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$185</a></dd></div><div><dt>Interview</dt><dd><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Required</a> for most applicants</dd></div><div><dt>Visa bond</dt><dd><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/03/2026-15726/visas-visa-bond-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to $20,000</a> for nationals of designated countries</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>Visa bonds for nationals of designated countries.</strong> Since Aug. 20, 2025, consular officers may require B-1/B-2 applicants from designated countries to post a bond. A <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/03/2026-15726/visas-visa-bond-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">final rule effective Aug. 3, 2026</a> made the program permanent with bonds of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 (up to $20,000). Bonded visitors must enter and leave only through commercial airports, including CBP Preclearance. The State Department’s <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/countries-subject-to-visa-bonds.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">country list</a> (last updated May 13, 2026) names 50 countries; check it before applying.</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">The B-1 visa lets foreign nationals enter the United States temporarily for business activities of a commercial or professional nature. The State Department’s examples include <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">consulting with business associates, attending a scientific, educational, professional or business convention or conference, settling an estate and negotiating a contract</a>. B-1 visitors may not take employment, receive a salary from a U.S. source, or do work that a U.S. worker would be hired to perform.</p> <p class="b">B-1 is usually issued together with B-2 as a combined B-1/B-2 visa. Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries can often make the same trips with ESTA instead of a visa, for up to 90 days.</p> <p class="b">CBP decides the length of each stay at entry. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-visitors-for-business/b-1-temporary-business-visitor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS describes B-1 admissions as 1 to 6 months, with 6 months the maximum initial period</a>; the regulation allows admission for up to one year, and extensions of up to six months at a time may be requested on Form I-539.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">The applicant must show</h3> <ul class="b"><li>A legitimate, temporary business purpose, such as meetings, conferences, negotiations or settling an estate</li><li>A residence abroad they do not intend to abandon, and plans to leave the United States at the end of the trip</li><li>Sufficient funds for the trip, with no U.S.-source salary for the activity</li><li>Admissibility under U.S. law (no disqualifying criminal, immigration or security grounds)</li></ul> <h3 class="s">Not permitted on B-1</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Employment or paid work for a U.S. employer</li><li>Study for credit</li><li>Paid performances or professional performance before a paying audience</li><li>Work as foreign press, radio, film or other media</li><li>Arrival as a crewmember</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Admission at entry</th><td>Set by CBP; <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-visitors-for-business/b-1-temporary-business-visitor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">generally 1–6 months</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Regulatory maximum per admission</th><td><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Not more than one year</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Extensions</th><td><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Increments of up to six months</a> via Form I-539, filed before the I-94 expires</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Visa validity</th><td>Set by reciprocity with each country; a visa bond visa is valid 3 or up to 12 months</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Interview waiver</th><td><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Possible for renewals</a> within 12 months of a prior full-validity B visa’s expiration, if issued at 18 or older</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Visa bond holders</th><td>Must enter and depart through commercial airports only</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">Fees for a B-1 (or B-1/B-2) visa applicant.</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Visa application (MRV) fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$185</a></td><td>Applicant</td><td>Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa; some nationalities also pay a reciprocity issuance fee</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa Integrity Fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-119publ21/html/PLAW-119publ21.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$250 (statutory minimum)</a></td><td>Applicant</td><td>Created by <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-119publ21/html/PLAW-119publ21.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pub. L. 119-21, sec. 100007 (8 U.S.C. 1806)</a>: at least $250, required by statute at visa issuance, not waivable, possibly reimbursable after the visa expires if all conditions are met. The State Department’s fee page did not list it as of Oct. 1, 2026; follow the embassy’s payment instructions.</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa bond (designated countries only)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/03/2026-15726/visas-visa-bond-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$10,000, $15,000 or $20,000</a></td><td>Applicant or obligor</td><td>Only if the consular officer requires it; paid via Pay.gov after interview; returned when bond conditions are met</td></tr> <tr><td>Expedited interview appointment (pilot)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/niv-visa-expedited-appointment-pilot-program.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$750</a></td><td>Applicant</td><td>Optional, non-refundable; offered at pilot posts listed by the State Department (Mission Mexico since July 21, 2026 and Mission Canada since Aug. 18, 2026) through Dec. 31, 2026</td></tr> <tr><td>EVUS enrollment (nationals of China with 10-year B visas)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20185/certain-dhs-immigration-related-fees-required-by-hr-1-fiscal-year-2027-adjustments-for-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$30.75</a></td><td>Traveler</td><td>Required by Pub. L. 119-21 for PRC nationals holding 10-year B-1, B-2 or B-1/B-2 visas; rises to $31.75 on Oct. 16, 2026</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-539 extension or change of status</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$420 online / $470 paper</a></td><td>Applicant</td><td>Only if extending stay or changing status inside the U.S.</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">Amounts from the State Department fee page, the Federal Register (visa bond rule; DHS FY 2027 fee notice) and USCIS Form G-1055 (edition 10/01/26) as of Oct. 1, 2026.</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Expedited appointment pilot</dt><dd>Within 10 business days</dd><dd class="n">$750 optional fee at selected posts, through Dec. 31, 2026</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">Interview wait times vary widely by embassy and consulate and are published on each post’s scheduling site. Applicants should generally apply in their country of nationality or residence; appointments elsewhere may face longer waits and fees are not refunded.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Complete Form DS-160</div><div class="tx">Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application and print the confirmation page.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">Pay the fee and schedule an interview</div><div class="tx">Pay the $185 MRV fee and book an interview at the embassy or consulate in the country of nationality or residence.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">Gather evidence of the trip</div><div class="tx">Prepare an invitation or conference registration, employer letter, itinerary and proof of funds and home ties.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Attend the interview</div><div class="tx">Most applicants must interview in person. If the officer requires a visa bond, the applicant pays through Pay.gov before the visa is issued.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Travel and enter</div><div class="tx">CBP decides admission and the I-94 end date. Leave by that date or file Form I-539 before it expires.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>For the interview</h3><ul><li><span>Valid passport</span></li><li><span>Form DS-160 confirmation page</span></li><li><span>MRV fee receipt</span></li><li><span>Photo meeting State Department requirements</span></li><li><span>Letter from the employer abroad describing the trip and who pays</span></li><li><span>Invitation, conference registration or meeting agenda from the U.S. party</span></li><li><span>Evidence of ties abroad (employment, property, family)</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">There is no dependent B-1 classification. Family members traveling along apply for their own B-2 visas.</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">B-1 is a temporary visitor classification without a path to permanent residence, and entering with an undisclosed intent to stay can be treated as misrepresentation.</p> <p class="b">Anyone planning long-term work should pursue an appropriate work classification (such as H-1B, L-1 or E-2) or an immigrant petition from abroad.</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/b-2"><div class="c">B-2</div><div class="n">Visitor for Pleasure</div><div class="tx">Tourism, family visits and medical treatment.</div></a><a href="/visa/vwp"><div class="c">VWP</div><div class="n">Visa Waiver Program</div><div class="tx">ESTA travel for up to 90 days for eligible nationals.</div></a><a href="/visa/e-2"><div class="c">E-2</div><div class="n">Treaty Investor</div><div class="tx">For running a substantial investment in a U.S. business.</div></a><a href="/visa/l-1a"><div class="c">L-1A / L-1B</div><div class="n">Intracompany Transferee</div><div class="tx">For actually working in a U.S. office of the employer.</div></a><a href="/visa/h-1b"><div class="c">H-1B</div><div class="n">Specialty Occupation Worker</div><div class="tx">For U.S. employment in a professional role.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Can I work on a B-1 visa?</summary><p>No. B-1 covers business activities such as meetings, conferences and negotiations; <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">employment is not permitted</a> on a visitor visa.</p></details><details><summary>How long can I stay?</summary><p>CBP sets the period at entry. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-visitors-for-business/b-1-temporary-business-visitor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS says initial B-1 admissions run 1 to 6 months</a>, and extensions of up to six months at a time may be requested on Form I-539.</p></details><details><summary>Do I need an interview?</summary><p>Usually yes. Since Oct. 1, 2025, interview waivers are limited mainly to <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B-1/B-2 renewals within 12 months</a> of the prior full-validity visa’s expiration, for applicants who were at least 18, and who meet other conditions.</p></details><details><summary>Which countries are subject to visa bonds?</summary><p>As listed on the State Department’s <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/countries-subject-to-visa-bonds.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Countries Subject to Visa Bonds</a> page (last updated May 13, 2026): Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyz Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Countries can be added with 15 days’ notice and removed immediately.</p></details><details><summary>Is the B visa affected by travel restrictions?</summary><p>Yes. Under <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Proclamation 10998</a>, effective Jan. 1, 2026, B-1/B-2 visas are suspended for nationals of 38 listed countries and for Palestinian Authority document holders, with limited exceptions and waivers.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-visitors-for-business/b-1-temporary-business-visitor" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · B-1 Temporary Business Visitor</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · Visitor Visa</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 214.2(b) — Visitors</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · Fees for Visa Services</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/03/2026-15726/visas-visa-bond-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Federal Register</strong> · Visas: Visa Bond Program (final rule, 2026-15726)</span><span>federalregister.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/countries-subject-to-visa-bonds.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · Countries Subject to Visa Bonds</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · Interview Waiver Update (Sept. 18, 2025)</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>White House</strong> · Proclamation 10998</span><span>whitehouse.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Aug 3, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Visa bond program made permanent.</strong> Final rule (effective Aug. 3, 2026) makes the B-1/B-2 visa bond program permanent. Consular officers may require a bond of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 from nationals of designated countries; bonded travelers must enter and leave through commercial airports. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/03/2026-15726/visas-visa-bond-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jul 15, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Apply in country of nationality or residence.</strong> Nonimmigrant visa applicants should schedule interviews at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence; fees paid for applications made elsewhere are not refunded or transferred. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jul 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>$750 expedited B-visa appointment pilot.</strong> Temporary final rule (effective July 1, 2026) created an optional, non-refundable $750 fee to book a B-1/B-2 interview within 10 business days at selected posts; the pilot runs through Dec. 31, 2026. The State Department lists Mission Mexico (from July 21, 2026) and Mission Canada (from Aug. 18, 2026) as pilot locations. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/09/2026-11513/schedule-of-fees-for-consular-services-department-of-state-and-overseas-embassies-and" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Expanded travel restrictions take effect.</strong> Proclamation 10998 fully suspends entry for nationals of 19 countries and holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents, and suspends B-1/B-2, F, M and J visas (plus immigrant visas) for nationals of 19 more countries. Visas issued before Jan. 1, 2026 were not revoked. <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Oct 1, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Interview waivers narrowed.</strong> Nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those under 14 and over 79, now require an in-person interview. Waivers remain mainly for diplomatic/official classes and certain B-1/B-2, BCC and H-2A renewals within 12 months of a prior full-validity visa’s expiration. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Aug 20, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Visa bond pilot begins.</strong> A 12-month pilot (temporary final rule, 90 FR 37378) allowed consular officers to require $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 bonds from certain B-1/B-2 applicants; Malawi and Zambia were the first covered countries. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/countries-subject-to-visa-bonds.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 9, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Travel restrictions on 19 countries take effect.</strong> Proclamation 10949 suspended entry for nationals of 12 countries and suspended B, F, M and J visas (plus immigrant visas) for nationals of 7 more, effective 12:01 a.m. EDT June 9, 2025. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and-other-national-security-and-public-safety-threats.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/b-1">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Visit & tourism", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visitor-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "B-1", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/b-1"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Can I work on a B-1 visa?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "No. B-1 covers business activities such as meetings, conferences and negotiations; employment is not permitted on a visitor visa."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "How long can I stay?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "CBP sets the period at entry. USCIS says initial B-1 admissions run 1 to 6 months, and extensions of up to six months at a time may be requested on Form I-539."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Do I need an interview?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "Usually yes. Since Oct. 1, 2025, interview waivers are limited mainly to B-1/B-2 renewals within 12 months of the prior full-validity visa’s expiration, for applicants who were at least 18, and who meet other conditions."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Which countries are subject to visa bonds?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "As listed on the State Department’s Countries Subject to Visa Bonds page (last updated May 13, 2026): Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyz Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Countries can be added with 15 days’ notice and removed immediately."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Is the B visa affected by travel restrictions?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Under Proclamation 10998, effective Jan. 1, 2026, B-1/B-2 visas are suspended for nationals of 38 listed countries and for Palestinian Authority document holders, with limited exceptions and waivers."}}]}]</script> <script>(function(){var l=[].slice.call(document.querySelectorAll('.vt-toc a'));if(!l.length||!window.IntersectionObserver)return;var m={};l.forEach(function(a){m[a.getAttribute('href').slice(1)]=a});var cur=null;function on(id){if(cur)cur.classList.remove('on');cur=m[id];if(cur)cur.classList.add('on')}on(l[0].getAttribute('href').slice(1));var io=new IntersectionObserver(function(es){es.forEach(function(x){if(x.isIntersecting)on(x.target.id)})},{rootMargin:'0px 0px -70% 0px'});Object.keys(m).forEach(function(id){var el=document.getElementById(id);el&&io.observe(el)})})();</script>