Required materials
A checklist of required application materials, listed one item at a time for easy prep and review.
Editor's noteSame source as the Apply checklist; always follow the current embassy or consulate requirements.
Visa Wiki
Country-by-country guide — what each visa is, who it is for, and what you can do with it. Sourced from official immigration authorities.
United States B1/B2 Visitor Visa — Wiki
US short-stay visitor visas include B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism / family / medical), and the combined B1/B2 — all nonimmigrant visas for temporary entry.
The following notes are Htex's supplementary commentary based on public sources, not the official positions of any immigration authority. Always defer to the official source.
What is the B-1 / B-2 visa?
B-1 is for business activities (meetings, conferences, short-term training, negotiating contracts). B-2 is for tourism, visiting family / friends, or medical treatment. Most applicants apply for the combined B1/B2 visa.
Editor's noteThis is the bread-and-butter US short-stay visa: tourism/visiting family = B-2, business/meetings = B-1, and most people apply for them combined as B1/B2 on a single document.
Who needs a U.S. visa vs. who can use ESTA / Visa Waiver
Most European passport holders and around 40 other countries can travel visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA required, $40 USD since 2025-09-30). People's Republic of China passport holders must apply for a B1/B2 visa and complete EVUS enrollment.
Editor's noteAbout 40 countries get visa-free entry to the US (VWP). Mainland Chinese passports are not on that list—you must apply for B1/B2, and even with a 10-year visa you still need EVUS enrollment.
B1/B2 validity vs. length of stay
Validity (visa expiration) can be up to 10 years multiple-entry for PRC nationals. Length of stay at each entry is decided by CBP at the port — typically up to 6 months. The two concepts are independent.
Editor's noteVisa validity is "how long the visa itself is good for"; it is NOT how long you can stay. A 10-year visa does not mean 10 years of continuous stay—CBP at the border decides your actual stay length each time.
EVUS for PRC passport holders
PRC citizens with a 10-year B1/B2 (or B-1 / B-2) visa must enroll in EVUS at www.EVUS.gov before each trip. Fee $30 USD per enrollment since 2025-09-30. Valid 2 years, until passport expires, or until visa expires — whichever comes first.
Editor's noteEVUS is a free-but-mandatory enrollment for Chinese B1/B2 holders: refresh every 2 years, or whenever you get a new passport or new visa. Forgetting to update will get you denied boarding.
Section 214(b) — most common refusal ground
Section 214(b) (immigrant intent presumption) is the single most common refusal ground. If refused, the applicant may reapply at any time if circumstances have changed — there is no mandatory wait period.
Editor's note214(b) is the law that says "prove you will come back." It is not an accusation of lying—it is the default assumption, and you counter it with strong ties (job, family, property). No mandatory wait after a 214(b) refusal; reapply with stronger evidence any time.
Section 222(g) — overstay auto-voids the visa
Under INA 222(g), if you overstay your authorized period of stay, your visa is automatically voided. Any multiple-entry visa voided for overstay is not valid for any future travel to the United States.
Editor's note222(g) is the harshest overstay consequence: even if you leave, that visa is permanently voided, and it hurts future applications. Always double-check your I-94 authorized stay before flying home.