US Immigration Visas : Non Immigrant Visas

Visitor Based

Most non-immigrant visa applications are for tourism or business travel and are visitor visas. U.K. citizens are eligible to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days for purposes acceptable in the B1 and B2 visa categories (set out below), without needing to obtain a visa. If you are not a U.K. citizen or a citizen of another country eligible for the visa waiver program, or if you wish to visit the U.S. for a period in excess of 90 days but less than six months, you will need to apply for a visitors visa. Once in the U.S., extensions are possible, but too many may be considered as not "temporary."

It is presumed that every visitor is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:

• The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment; 
• They plan to remain for a specific, limited period; and 
• They have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit.

Where the purpose of the trip is for pleasure or medical treatment, the visa sought would be the B2 visa.

B1 visas are for business purposes, and include such things as consulting with business associates, negotiating contracts, buying goods or materials, settling estates, appearing in court trials, interviewing potential new employees, and participating in business or professional conventions or conferences. It also includes traveling to the United States on behalf of a foreign employer for training or meetings. The individual may not receive payment (except for incidental expenses) from a United States source while on a B1 visa.