iVisa | 3 min read | Updated on Dec 19, 2023
The B-1/B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to foreign nationals seeking to enter the U.S. for temporary business (B-1) or tourism, pleasure, or medical treatment (B-2). The duration and validity period of these visas varies depending on multiple factors.
US B1/B2 Visa Validity Period
The validity period of a B-1/B-2 visa ranges from 1 month to 10 years. This period determines how long the visa may be used to enter the U.S. The validity period depends on the reciprocity agreement between the U.S. and the country of the visa applicant. For instance:
1 month for Papua New Guinea (with no issuance fee)
1 year for Vietnam
2 years for Algeria
3 years for Russia
5 years for Nigeria
10 years for China, India, Israel, the Philippines, and most countries in the Americas and Europe
For some countries, longer validity periods are available for higher issuance fees or for B-1 or B-2 only1.
Apply for a US B1/B2 Visa here!
US B1/B2 Visa Duration of Stay
The duration of stay refers to the length of time the visa holder is permitted to remain in the U.S. after each entry. The period of stay is recorded by the Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry on the individual's form I-94.
For B-1 visas, the period of stay may be granted initially for a duration long enough to allow the visitor to conduct their business for up to a maximum of 6 months. Extensions are possible, provided the individual has not violated the conditions of admission. Stays with B-1 visas are usually granted for three months or less.
For B-2 visas, stays are generally granted for six months. Extensions are also possible under the same conditions as B-1 visas12.
US B1/B2 Visa Multiple Entries
Both B-1 and B-2 visas allow for one, two, three, or multiple entries into the U.S. during the validity period of the visa. This means the visa holder can leave and re-enter the U.S. multiple times until the visa expires12.
Special Case: Border Crossing Card (BCC)
A Border Crossing Card (BCC), also known as a laser visa, has a 10-year validity and functions as both a BCC and a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. However, the BCC is only issued to nationals of Mexico who apply for a visa inside Mexico1.
Apply for a Border Crossing Card (BCC) here!
Please note that the duration of stay and validity period is subject to change and may be influenced by factors such as the current immigration policy of the U.S. government, the specific circ*mstances of the visa holder, and the discretion of the immigration officials at the port of entry. It's always important to stay updated with the latest information from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. embassies or consulates in your country.
