How Long Can We Stay in the US with a B1/B2 Visa?
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Every traveller wishing to visit the United States is probably wondering how long does a B1 visa last/how long does a B2 visa last. The validity of the B1/B2 visa may differ for each visitor. The consular officer will define the final time that each visitor will be allowed to stay in the US after completing the application process.
All travellers applying for the B visas need to make sure to have a passport valid for at least six months from the arrival in the US.
What is the B1/B2 visa?
The B1/B2 visas are regular visas handled at an Embassy or a Consulate. These non-immigrant visa permits allow travel to the United States for tourism and business purposes, including even undergoing medical treatment in the US.
How long are the B1/B2 visas valid for? B1/B2 visas are valid for 10 years from the date of its issue. Both usually allow each stay to be as long as 6 months (180 days). Being a B1/B2 visa holder enables you to visit the United States numerous times, as it is a multiple-entry visa document.
Please note that these time frames may vary between each case.
Is it possible to get an extension on a B1/B2 visa?
Yes, it is possible to get an extension on a B1/B2 visa. B1/B2 visas may typically be extended up to 6 months. Applications for extension may be made from within the US and should be made in advance of your stay's expiration. It is also essential that travellers applying for an extension have not violated the terms of admission.
Another critical fact to remember is that extensions cannot be made indefinitely. Typically, only one extension will be granted for a B1/B2 visa.
Who doesn't need a B1/B2 visa?
Every traveller who wants to visit the US and comes from a country that takes part in the Visa Waiver Program can apply for an electronic visa permit to stay in the United States.
Countries whose citizens are eligible for ESTA:
| Andorra | Hungary | Norway |
| Australia | Iceland | Poland |
| Austria | Ireland | Portugal |
| Belgium | Italy | San Marino |
| Brunei | Japan | Singapore |
| Chile | Latvia | Slovakia |
| Czech Republic | Liechtenstein | Slovenia |
| Denmark | Lithuania | South Korea |
| Estonia | Luxembourg | Spain |
| Finland | Malta | Sweden |
| France | Monaco | Switzerland |
| Germany | Netherlands | Taiwan |
| Greece | New Zealand | United Kingdom |
Citizens whose home country is one of the above-listed, can apply online for ESTA.
What is ESTA?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a facility for all countries taking part in the US Visa Waiver Program. Applications are filed online within just a few minutes. The process can be completed from home or any other place. All you need is a working device with a stable internet connection.
ESTA beneficial characteristics:
- e-Visa is valid for 2 years from the date of issue
- the entire process can be completed online
- The average processing time is just 24 hours!
- ESTA costs only 49 Euro
- each stay can be as long as three months (90 days)
- it allows numerous entries to the USA
Please remember that your passport has to be valid for at least 6 months to apply online for ESTA.
How is ESTA different from the visitor visa?
The B1 and B2 Tourist Visa main disadvantage is the lengthy, complicated, and often stressful application procedure. The visa validity in the case of B1/B2 visas may be 10 years, but it also may be less than that. Once the validity period is over, you have to apply for a new visa.
The main ESTA advantage is the fact that applying can be done within 24 hours! ESTA arrives at the applicant's e-mail address in a PDF form and is connected directly to your passport. You can stay in the United States for up to 3 months at a time within the 2-year validity.
There is no need to visit the US Embassy nor a Consulate to apply for ESTA. You don't have to talk to the consular officer and go through the visa interview. The validity and the length of the stay are granted to each applicant in the same way with ESTA. Once you make a US visa application, ESTA is directly linked to your passport.
Final Words
Enter the United States through any port of entry in a much easier way and use an electronic visa: ESTA. Don't worry about the control of the officer at the port. ESTA is in usage since 2009 and facilitates the process maximally. Stay in the U S to visit your friends/family, handle your affairs with business associates, or go on a relaxing holiday!
Use our website to benefit from the much easier ESTA visa policy. Make sure that your passport will be valid for the next 6 months from the planned arrival to the US date and apply online today!
