A B-1 visa is issued to an alien seeking to enter the U.S. for business purposes, while a B-2 visa is interested to an alien seeking to enter for tourism purposes. In practice, the two visa categories are usually combined together and issued as a "B1/B2" visa valid for a temporary visitor for either business or pleasure or a combination of the two.
Under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, an alien must prove to the satisfaction of the Consular officer his/her intent to return to his/her home country after visiting the U.S. The act specifically states:
"Every alien (other than a nonimmigrant described in subparagraph (l) or (v) of section 101(a)(15), and other than a nonimmigrant described in any provision of section 101(a)(15)(H)(i) except subclause (b1) of such section) shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for a visa, and the immigration officers, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)"
In practice, this means that Consular officers have wide discretion to deny a visa application. Once refused, there is no judicial or other means to review a visa decision. The alien, however, is free to apply a visa again, particularly if circumstances have changed that might show to the Consular officer that the applicant overcomes the presumption of being an intending immigrant.
Uses of a B1/B2 visa
Business or pleasure cover a wide variety of possible reasons to visit the U.S. Under the category of temporary visitor for business, it can be used to:
- Negotiate and sign contracts
- Purchase supplies or materials
- Hold business meetings or attend/exhibit at a convention
- Settle an estate
Under the category of temporary visitor for pleasure, a B2 visa can be used to:
- Travel within the US
- Visit family or friends
- Participate in activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature
- Obtain medical treatment
