US Visa – Nonimmigrant – Visitor – B1

and B2

– converts the inactive form of vitamin D to its active form
– functions in bone metabolism, regulation of calcium and phosphorus levels, and immune system health
– deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults

1. What are the eligibility requirements for a B1/B2 visitor visa?

To be eligible for a B1/B2 visitor visa, you must meet the following requirements:

– You must have a legitimate purpose for your trip, such as tourism, business, medical treatment, or attending a conference or event.
– You must plan to stay in the United States for a temporary period of time, typically no longer than 6 months.
– You must have a residence outside of the United States that you have no intention of abandoning.
– You must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the United States.
– You must maintain strong ties to your home country and show that you have no intention of immigrating to the United States.

2. How can I apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa?
You can apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa by following these steps:

1. Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application (Form DS-160).
2. Pay the necessary visa fees.
3. Schedule an interview appointment at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
4. Gather and bring all required documents to your interview, including a valid passport, proof of financial support, and any other supporting documents related to your purpose of travel.
5. Attend the interview and answer all questions truthfully and accurately.
6. Wait for a decision on your visa application.

3. Can I work in the United States with a B1/B2 visitor visa?
No, you are not allowed to work in the United States while on a B1/B2 visitor visa. This type of visa is strictly for temporary purposes such as tourism or business activities.

4. Is there an age limit for applying for a B1/B2 visitor visa?
No, there is no specific age limit for applying for a B1/B2 visitor visa. However, applicants under 18 years old are advised to have their parent or legal guardian’s permission before applying.

5. Can I extend my stay in the United States on a B1/B2 visitor visa?
It is possible to request an extension of your stay in the United States on a B1/B2 visitor visa, but it is not guaranteed. You must apply for an extension before your current status expires, and you must have a valid reason for needing to extend your stay, such as medical treatment or unforeseen circumstances. The decision to grant an extension ultimately lies with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

2. How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?


You can typically stay in the US for up to 6 months on a B1/B2 visa. However, the specific duration of your stay will be determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. They will typically grant an initial stay of 6 months and you may be able to apply for an extension if needed. It is important to note that the maximum duration of stay allowed on a B1/B2 visa is usually 1 year.

3. Can I use a B1/B2 visa for both business and tourism purposes?


No, a B1/B2 visa does not allow for dual purposes. It is a non-immigrant visa that allows for temporary business or tourism travel to the United States, but it does not allow for both activities at the same time. You must declare your main purpose of travel when applying for the visa and stick to that purpose during your stay in the US.

4. Do I need to provide any financial proof for my B1/B2 visa application?


Yes, you will need to provide financial proof or evidence of your ability to financially support yourself during your trip to the US. This may include bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, employment verification letters, or a sponsorship letter from a family member or friend if they are providing financial support for your trip. The exact documents required may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the visa officer’s discretion. It is important to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover all expenses during your stay in the US.

5. Can I work or study on a B1/B2 visa?


You can engage in certain work activities on a B1/B2 visa, but only with limitations. The main purpose of a B1/B2 visa is for short-term business or tourism travel, so working and studying are not allowed without proper authorization. However, you may be eligible to engage in certain business activities such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or consulting with business associates. Additionally, you can enroll in recreational or short-term courses that do not award academic credit. If your intention is primarily to work or study in the United States, you will need to obtain the appropriate work or student visa.

6. What documents do I need to submit with my B1/B2 visa application?


The documents required for a B1/B2 visa application may vary slightly depending on the specific embassy or consulate where you will be applying, but typically they include:

1. A completed and signed DS-160 visa application form.

2. A valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States.

3. One 2×2 inch (5×5 cm) photograph taken within the last six months.

4. Proof of payment for the non-immigrant visa application fee.

5. Evidence of strong ties to your home country, such as proof of employment, property ownership, or family ties.

6. Documents related to your purpose of travel, such as a letter from your employer outlining the purpose of your trip or proof of conference registration.

7. Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the United States.

8. A copy of your travel itinerary and/or round-trip ticket if you have already made travel arrangements.

9. For those traveling to the United States for medical treatment, a letter from a medical provider indicating the nature and duration of the treatment along with any potential costs involved.

10. Any other documents that may support your application and show strong ties to your home country, such as bank statements, letters from friends/family members inviting you to visit, etc.

It is always best to check with the specific embassy or consulate where you will be applying for any additional document requirements before submitting your application.

7. Is there an age limit for applying for a B1/B2 visa?


No, there is no specific age limit for applying for a B1/B2 visa. However, applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a visa on their own. Minors under the age of 18 must have a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult accompanying them during the application process.

8. Can I extend my stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?


It is possible to request an extension of your stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa, but it is not guaranteed. You must submit an application for an extension to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your authorized period of stay expires. The USCIS will review your application and make a decision on whether or not to grant the extension. It is important to note that you are not allowed to stay in the US past your authorized period of stay while waiting for a decision on your extension application. If you overstay your visa, you may face penalties such as being barred from re-entering the US in the future. It is best to plan and apply for an extension well in advance of your current authorized period of stay expiring.

9. Can I enter the US multiple times with a B1/B2 visa?


Yes, a B1/B2 visa allows multiple entries into the US during the validity period of the visa. However, each entry must be for a specific purpose stated in your visa application and your stay in the US must not exceed the allowed duration given by the immigration officer at the port of entry. It is important to note that having a B1/B2 visa does not guarantee entry into the US and you must still meet all requirements set by immigration officials at the time of entry.

10. How long does it take to process a B1/B2 visa application?


The processing time for a B1/B2 visa application can vary depending on the individual circumstances of each applicant. On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to process a B1/B2 visa application. Factors such as the completeness of the application, the applicant’s country of residence and the current workload at the U.S. embassy or consulate can all affect processing times. It is recommended to apply for a B1/B2 visa well in advance of any travel plans to allow for sufficient processing time.

11. Will having family members in the US affect my chances of getting a B1/B2 visa?


Having family members in the US could potentially affect your chances of getting a B1/B2 visa. The consular officer reviewing your application may consider this as a factor when determining if you have strong ties to your home country and are likely to return after your temporary stay in the US. If they believe you are attempting to use the visa to immigrate, it could result in a denied application. However, if you can demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country such as a job, property, or family obligations, and that you have no intention of immigrating, having family members in the US may not have a significant impact on your application. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the individual circumstances of each applicant.

12. What are the reasons that may lead to denial of a B1/B2 visa application?


Reasons that may lead to denial of a B1/B2 visa application include:

1. Failure to meet the eligibility requirements: To qualify for a B1/B2 visa, an applicant must demonstrate strong ties to their home country and show that they plan to return after their visit.

2. Incomplete or inaccurate application: It is important to fill out the visa application accurately and completely. Any missing information or discrepancies can result in a denied application.

3. Lack of financial stability: The consular officer will want to see evidence that the applicant has enough funds to cover their expenses while in the United States, such as bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letters.

4. Previous immigration violations: If an applicant has overstayed a previous visa, entered the country illegally, or violated any other immigration laws, it can negatively impact their current visa application.

5. Criminal history: Certain criminal convictions can make an individual ineligible for a US visa depending on the nature of the offense and how recently it occurred.

6. Suspected intention to immigrate: B1/B2 visas are not meant for people who intend to live permanently in the US. If the consular officer suspects that an applicant intends to immigrate, they may deny the visa.

7. Insufficient ties to home country: If an applicant cannot demonstrate strong ties and reasons for returning to their home country after their trip, they may be seen as high risk for overstaying their visa and denied.

8. Lack of travel history: Applicants who have never traveled before or have limited travel history may face additional scrutiny from consular officers in determining whether they will return home after their visit.

9. Consular officer’s discretion: Ultimately, consular officers have discretion in making decisions on visa applications and may deny a visa if they believe there are any reasons that raise concerns about the applicant’s intentions or eligibility.

10. Failure to provide required documents: It is important to provide all necessary documents for the visa application, such as a valid passport, previous visas, and supporting financial and travel documents. Failure to provide these can result in a denied application.

11. Inconsistencies in information: Consular officers compare information provided on the visa application with information found on social media or other public records. If any inconsistencies are found, it can lead to a denial of the visa.

12. Current US government policies: Changes in immigration policies and regulations may also impact the outcome of a B1/B2 visa application. It is important to keep up to date on any changes that may affect your specific situation.

13. Can I apply for both a B1 and a B2 visa at the same time?

Yes, you can apply for both a B1 and B2 visa at the same time. However, it ultimately depends on your specific travel needs and plans, as well as the decision of the consular officer during your visa interview. Additionally, if you are eligible for a combination B1/B2 visa (known as a B1/B2 Blanket Visa), then you may be able to apply for both purposes of travel in one application. It is always best to fully disclose your intended travel plans to the consular officer during your interview.

14. Do I need travel insurance for my trip on a B1/B2 visa?


It is not a legal requirement to have travel insurance when traveling on a B1/B2 visa, but it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, lost baggage, and other unforeseen events while you are in the United States. It can also give you peace of mind during your trip.

15. Are there any countries whose citizens are exempt from applying for a US visitor visa?

Yes, there are a few countries whose citizens are exempt from applying for a US visitor visa under the Visa Waiver Program. These countries include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia

16. Will I be interviewed as part of the B1/B2 visa application process?


It is possible that you will be interviewed as part of the B1/B2 visa application process. Consular officers have the discretion to interview visa applicants if they deem it necessary. The purpose of the interview is for the consular officer to assess your qualifications and intentions for obtaining a B1/B2 visa.

17. Are there any restrictions on activities that can be performed on a B1 or B2 visa?


Yes, there are restrictions on activities that can be performed on a B1 or B2 visa. These visas are primarily for temporary visits for business or tourism purposes, and do not allow the visa holder to work or study in the United States without obtaining appropriate authorization. Additionally, some specific activities such as performing labor for hire, working as a foreign press representative, or engaging in any type of paid performance or entertainment may require a different type of visa. It is important to carefully review the limitations of the B1/B2 visa before entering the United States to ensure compliance with immigration laws.

18. What should be included in an invitation letter for someone applying for a US visitor visa?


– The purpose of the trip and the specific dates or estimated duration of stay
– Details about the person issuing the invitation (full name, relationship to the applicant, and their own immigration status in the US)
– Proof of financial ability to support the visitor’s expenses during their stay, such as bank statements or a letter from an employer
– Address and contact information of where the visitor will be staying in the US
– An offer to cover any necessary travel expenses, if applicable
– Any relevant family ties or connections that may serve as incentives for the visitor to return to their home country after their trip
– A clear statement of responsibility, ensuring that the visitor will abide by all US immigration laws and leave before their authorized period of stay expires
– The writer’s signature at the end.

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11/19/2019

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, is an American politician, diplomat, lawyer, writer, and public speaker.Hillary Clinton was born on October 26, 1947. She ran for President in the United States’ 2016 election, an election she unfortunately did not win.She served as a United States Senator from New York from January 2001 until January 2009 when she resigned to become U.S. President Barack Obama’s Secretary of State.

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11/26/2019

Thanksgiving takes place on Thursday 28th November every year.Thanksgiving Day is traditionally celebrated in the USA and Canada as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest.

November in many ways really celebrates family values. Veterans day kicks off November with a day dedicated to honoring those who have served their country in uniform.

Then Thanksgiving offers us the opportunity to celebrate thankfulness for all that we have been blessed within our lives.

For my family this holiday season will be extra special as we remember my dad who passed away last May surrounded by his children and grandchildren he has left us with so many amazing memories that I still don’t know how life will continue without him …

November is also Native American Heritage Month. A time to celebrate rich culture while recognizing current challenges faced by indigenous people.

”Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

~ Melody Beattie

Another beautiful way to honor what has come before us: could be by celebrating All Souls’ Day (El Dia de los Muertos) on Nov. 1st and give respect to those loved ones we lost .

“Those we love remain with us for love itself lives forever”

with gratitude & thankfulness ,

Brigitte & Emmanuel

Creative Linens Brings FIRST EVER Flashed Mosaic Plate in US Holiday Collection

The only stepped up traditions I had around the Holidays was to watch Christmas with Paulette Goddard and Singing for supper, where Crosby sang with horses. Well our Gingerbread houses were VERY homespun (you don’t want to look to closely at them) and the stockings, well we will save all that for another post……

November´s flavor

Immigrants Falling Wall in millions still breaking dough!

And Pascalerose’s Family’s First Thanksgiving

Fried Won Ton Function