Business and Tourist Visas
(B-1, B-2 Visas)

To obtain a visa for tourist or business travel to the United States, the applicant must be able to demonstrate his or her intention to enter the United States for a temporary period, solely for the purpose of tourism and/or short-term business. The applicant must also provide evidence of financial ability to cover his or her travel expenses to and stay in the United States, and sufficiently strong social, economic, and other ties in the applicant's home country to compel the applicant's return after a temporary and lawful visit. Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended, a visa may not be issued to any applicant who is unable to overcome the legal presumption that he or she is an intending immigrant by demonstrating the above factors to the satisfaction of the interviewing consular officer.

Visa Specific Information and Documentation:

• "B-1" VISA: The B-1 visa is intended for temporary business travel. This includes travel for negotiating contracts, attending exhibitions and conferences, short-term training, and consultations with suppliers and customers. The B-1 visa is not valid for employment in the United States. Applicants for B-1 visas should bring to their interviews documents concerning their anticipated business activities in the United States including detailed letters from U.S. business partners indicating the purpose of the trip; copies of contracts or other agreements with U.S. business partners; and information on machines, software or other equipment to be examined, tested or purchased in the United States, such as brochures or product catalogues. Applicants also should bring documentation proving strong ties to China that include, but are not limited to, bank statements, letters confirming employment, evidence of property ownership, marriage certificates, family photographs and proof of prior travel to the United States.
• "B-2" VISA: The B-2 visa is intended for tourist activities, such as sight-seeing, visiting friends and relatives, obtaining medical treatment, and attending conferences and meetings. Visitors are not permitted to accept employment during their stay in the U.S. Applicants for B-2 visas may wish to bring to their interviews letters of invitation from friends or relatives in the United States, information confirming participation in a tour group or conference, and documentation demonstrating the applicants ability and intention, or that of friends or relatives in the United States, to support his or her travel and other expenses. Documentation establishing the applicants personal status, such as marriage certificates, letters confirming employment, bank statements, pay slips, etc. is also useful.

For additional information please visit the Department of State's web site at www.travel.state.gov or contact the Visa Information Call Center. People calling from within China may dial toll free number 4008-872-333 or Shanghai local phone (021) 3881-4611 while those calling from overseas should dial (86-21) 3881-4611. Please note that charges for domestic or international long-distance calls are solely the responsibility of the caller. Press here for more detailed information on the Visa Information Call Center.