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B1 is for short-term business activities like meetings, negotiations, conferences, or contract signing; B2 is for tourism, visiting family, medical treatment or social activities. If your trip mixes business and tourism, apply for a combined B1/B2 and be prepared to explain the primary purpose at the interview and entry.

Most B1/B2 admissions are granted for up to six months per entry, though the CBP officer at the port of entry sets the authorized period in each case; some travelers receive shorter periods. You can file Form I-539 to request an extension before your authorized stay expires, but approval is discretionary and requires strong supporting evidence of temporary intent.

No—B1/B2 does not permit gainful employment in the U.S. You may attend meetings, consult, or give unpaid presentations, but performing labor for U.S. employers or receiving U.S.-sourced wages requires a work visa such as H-1B or L-1.

Bring a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, one photo that meets requirements, evidence of strong ties to home country (employment, property, family), and trip-specific docs: invitation letters, conference registration, or medical appointment. Tailor the packet to the stated purpose—sample itineraries, return tickets, and proof of funds reduce refusal risk.

214(b) refusals mean the consular officer was not convinced you have sufficient nonimmigrant intent—ties to your home country like stable employment, family, or assets were not persuasive. For reapplication, address the specific weaknesses from the prior interview with new, stronger evidence, updated documentation, and a clear, consistent travel purpose; waiting several months and changing application strategy often helps.

You can file to change or adjust status from within the U.S. in some cases, but B2 entry with the preconceived intent to immigrate can trigger fraud issues. USCIS scrutinizes timing—filing for adjustment shortly after a tourist entry increases risk of denial or referral for fraud review, so consult counsel and document legitimate change-in-circumstances.

ESTA is faster and cheaper but limits stays to 90 days and is available only to citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries; B1/B2 allows longer stays, multi-year validity, and is required for nationals not covered by VWP. Choose ESTA for short business or tourism trips under 90 days; choose B1/B2 if you need flexibility, longer stays, frequent travel, or are not VWP-eligible.

Paid speaking where the payment comes from a foreign source or where honoraria are incidental may be allowed; receiving U.S.-sourced payment, long-term teaching, or performing labor generally requires a work visa. Each scenario has nuances—get a written invitation specifying who is paying and consult guidance because improper payment can be treated as unauthorized employment.

Scheduling an interview varies by embassy—from same-week slots to several months during peak seasons; consular decisions are often made within days, but administrative processing can add weeks to months. Track local embassy wait times and plan at least 2–3 months lead time for routine cases, longer for complex files or high-season travel.

Administrative processing is typically triggered by security, name checks, prior immigration violations, or when an applicant’s background requires additional vetting. You can minimize the chance by providing complete, truthful applications, consistent biographic histories, and prompt responses to consular requests, but some triggers are outside applicant control.