Business/Tourist Visa

Overview
The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is for people traveling to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or
medical treatment (B-2). Generally, the B-1 visa is for travelers consulting with business associates, attending
scientific, educational, professional or business conventions/conferences, settling an estate or negotiating
contracts. The B-2 visa is for travel that is recreational in nature, including tourism, visits with friends or relatives,
medical treatment and activities of a fraternal, social or service nature. Often, the B-1 and B-2 visas are combined
and issued as one visa: the B-1/B-2.
Qualifications
If you apply for a B-1/B-2 visa, you must demonstrate to a consular officer that you qualify for a U.S. visa in
accordance with the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Section 214(b) of the INA presumes that every B1/B-2 applicant is an intending immigrant. You must overcome this legal presumption by showing:
That the purpose of your trip to the U.S. is for a temporary visit, such as business, pleasure, or medical treatment
That you plan to remain in the U.S. for a specific, limited period of time
Evidence of funds to cover your expenses while in the United States
That you have a residence outside the U.S., as well as other binding social or economic ties, that will ensure your
return abroad at the end of your visit
Personal or domestic employees and crew members working aboard vessels within the Outer Continental Shelf
may qualify for B-1 visas under certain circumstances.
Some foreign nationals may be ineligible for visas according to The Immigration and Nationality Act. You can read
more about The Immigration and Nationality Act and visa ineligibility here.
Application Items
If you apply for a business/tourist visa, you must submit the following:

A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 webpage for more information about
the DS-160.
A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period
of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is
included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
One (1) 2"x2" (5cmx5cm) photograph. This page has information about the required photo format.
A receipt showing payment of your US$160 non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, paid in
local currency. This page has more information about paying this fee. If a visa is issued, there may be an additional
visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on your nationality. The Department of State's website can help you find
out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is.
In addition to these items, you must present an interview appointment letter confirming that you booked an
appointment through this service. You may also bring whatever supporting documents you believe support the
information provided to the consular officer.
How to Apply
Step 1
Pay the visa application fee.
Step 2
Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
Step 3
Schedule your appointment on this web page. You will need three pieces of information in order to schedule your
appointment:

Your passport number

Your MRV fee payment receipt number

The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page
Step 4
Visit the U.S. Embassy/Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. You will need to bring a printed copy
of your appointment letter, your DS-160 confirmation page, one recent photograph, your current passport and all
old passports. Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.

Supporting Documents
Supporting documents are only one of many factors a consular officer will consider in your interview. Consular
officers look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural and other factors during
adjudication. Consular officers may look at your specific intentions, family situation, and your long-range plans and
prospects within your country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration
under the law.

Caution: Do not present false documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in permanent visa ineligibility. If
confidentiality is of concern, the applicant should bring the documents to the Embassy in a sealed envelope. The
Embassy will not make this information available to anyone and will respect the confidentiality of the information.

You should bring the following documents to your interview. Original documents are always preferred over
photocopies and you must bring these documents with you to the interview. Do not fax, email or mail any
supporting documents to the Embassy.

Current proof of income, tax payments, property or business ownership, or assets.

Your travel itinerary and/or other explanation about your planned trip.
A letter from you employer detailing your position, salary, how long you have been employed, any authorized
vacation, and the business purpose, if any, of your U.S. trip.
Criminal/court records pertaining to any arrest or conviction anywhere, even if you completed your sentence or
were later pardoned.
Additionally, based on your purpose of travel, you should consider bringing the following:

Students
Bring your latest school results, transcripts and degrees/diplomas. Also bring evidence of financial support such as
monthly bank statements, fixed deposit slips, or other evidence.
Working adults
Bring an employment letter from your employer and pay slips from the most recent three months.
Business visitors and company directors
Bring evidence of your position in the company and remuneration.
Visiting a relative
Bring photocopies of your relative's proof of status (e.g. Green Card, naturalization certificate, valid visa, etc).
Previous visitors to the U.S.
If you were previously in the United States, any documents attesting to your immigration or visa status.
Supporting Documents for Applicants Seeking Medical Care
If you wish to travel to the U.S. for medical treatment, then you should be prepared to present the following
documentation in addition to the documents listed above and those the consular officer may require:

A medical diagnosis from a local physician explaining the nature of your ailment and the reason you require
treatment in the United States.

A letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States expressing a willingness to treat this specific
ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors' fees, hospitalization fees, and
all medical-related expenses).
A statement of financial responsibility from the individuals or organization paying for your transportation, medical
and living expenses. The individuals guaranteeing payment of these expenses must provide proof of their ability to
do so, often in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns.

DS-160 Information

ON THIS PAGE:
Overview
Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form
More Information

Overview
Each applicant - including children - must have their own Form DS-160 visa application. The Form DS-160 must be
completed and submitted online prior to your interview at the Embassy or Consulate. The barcode number on the
Form DS-160 confirmation page is required in order to book your interview. The Form DS-160 must be submitted
online and the printed confirmation page must be brought to the interview. The Embassy or Consulate will not
accept handwritten or typed applications and you will not be permitted to attend your interview without a Form DS160 confirmation page.
When you sign your DS-160 electronically, you are certifying that all the information contained in it is true and
correct. Misrepresenting any facts could render you ineligible to enter the United States. Please double-check that
all your answers are accurate and that every question is answered completely.
Note: Any
inquiries
on
completing
the
DS-160
will
be
addressed
on
the
following
website:http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/forms/ds-160--online-nonimmigrant-visaapplication/frequently-asked-questions.html. We are unable to answer any questions or provide guidance on
this process.
Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form

Complete and submit your DS-160 after reviewing the nonimmigrant visa application process. You must
submit your DS-160 application online prior to making an appointment for an interview at the U.S.
Embassy/Consulate.
The interview post you select at the beginning of the DS-160 form must be the same post where you

schedule your interview appointment.

All questions must be answered in English using English-language characters only, except when you are

asked to provide your full name in your native alphabet.

The DS-160 "times out" after 20 minutes without user activity, and your data will be lost. To safeguard

against data loss, click the "Save" button frequently and download the file to your local computer. Select a place on
your computer to save the DS-160 file, browse to that location, and click the "Save" button in the "Save As"
window.
You are required to upload a photograph as a part of the DS-160 process. Detailed guidelines for taking and

submitting a quality photograph are on the U.S. Department of State website here.
The completed DS-160 application form will generate an alpha-numeric barcode confirmation page. The

printed confirmation page is required for the interview at the Embassy/Consulate.

Once you have printed the barcode confirmation page, hit the "Back" button on your web browser and then

email yourself a backup copy of the DS-160. The emailed file will be in PDF format, which requires Adobe
Acrobat to view or print.
A new DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form and associated barcode must be submitted with
each and every new visa application. A DS-160 and barcode from a prior visa interview or drop-off service will be
rejected and result in a delay of your visa application.

Photos and Fingerprints

ON THIS PAGE:
Overview

Fingerprinting
Digital Photo Requirements
7 Steps to Successful Photo
More Information

Overview
When applying for a nonimmigrant visa, you are required to upload a digital photograph as part of completing and
submitting the DS-160 visa application form. You should also bring a copy of your photograph to the U.S.
Embassy/Consulate on the day of your interview. You will also be fingerprinted when you arrive for your interview
at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
Fingerprinting
Visa applicants are fingerprinted by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate as part of the visa interview. During the visa
application process, usually at the interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken. There are
some applicants whose fingerprints are not required, including:

Applicants traveling on official government business

Applicants under the age of 14 or over the age of 79
Digital Photo Requirements
Your visa application photo must meet certain criteria regarding size and content. Submitting photos that do not
meet these criteria can delay the visa application proces. Digital photos uploaded with your DS-160 must meet the
guidelines shown in the image below:

Head
Size
Your head height, measured from the top of your head, including the hair, to the bottom of your chin, must be
between 50% and 70% of the photo's total height. Your eye height, measured from the bottom of the photo to the
level of your eyes, should be between 55% and 70% - or roughly 2/3 - of the photo's height.
Photo
Dimensions
Your photo must be 5cm x 5cm and square-shaped, meaning the photo's height must be the same as its width. The
minimum dimensions for your photo are 600 pixels x 600 pixels (height x width). The maximum dimensions are
1200 pixels x 1200 pixels (height x width).
7 Steps to Successful Photo
Head Orientation
Head orientation is important when taking your visa photo. Frame yourself within the photo so that your full face
shows. Face directly toward the camera and make sure your eyes are open.
Fill the Frame
Your photo must show your entire head, from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin. In a good photo, the
height of your head will measure 1-1-3/8 inches (25 to 35mm), or fill between 50%-70% of the photo, like this:

Stay Centered
Center your head within the frame.
Show Your Eyes
Make sure your eyes are open. Your eyes should be 2/3 of the way up the photo, or between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3/8
inches (28 mm and 35 mm) - about 60% - from the bottom of the photo.
Background
The area behind you in the photo should be uncluttered and either white or off-white. Sit in front of a plain white or
off-white background for best results.
Eliminate Shadows
Sit so that your face is fully-lit and there are no distracting shadows across your face or in the background.
Relax and Look Natural
Be sure to have a natural expression on your face when you take your photo, like those shown here:

Overview
Visa applicants, including children, are required to pay a non-refundable, non-transferable visa application fee,
sometimes referred to as the MRV fee, before applying for a nonimmigrant visa. The visa application fee must be
paid whether a visa is issued or not. The type of visa for which you apply determines the fee amount. This
webpage lists visa application fees associated with each nonimmigrant visa type.
Please note that only the application fees for nonimmigrant visas are listed here. Information about other visa fees
that are paid directly to the National Visa Center, to the U.S. Embassy, or to the Department of Homeland Security,
can be found here.
Payment Information
Although fees are listed in U.S. dollars, payment must be made using local currency. You can pay your fee at Bank
of the Philippine Islands (BPI) or, if you are an account holder at Bank of the Philippine Islands
(BPI) or BancNet, you can pay online. More information about payment options is here. To find a Bank of the
Philippine Islands branch, click here.
Restrictions
Your visa application fee is non-refundable and you cannot transfer it to another person. You will receive a receipt
after paying the application fee. This receipt is valid for one year from the date of payment and allows you to
schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. You must schedule your interview while the receipt is valid,
which means your interview must be booked within one year of paying your fee. If you do not schedule an
interview within a year of payment then your receipt will expire, you will not be able to schedule an interview, and
you must pay the fee again and begin the process anew.

Remember: Applicants are limited to the number of times they can reschedule their appointments. Please plan
accordingly so that you are not required to make another visa application fee. Visa application fees are
nonrefundable.

Visa Types and Application Fee Amounts

The application fees shown below are listed in U.S. dollars and apply to one visa application. The application fee for
the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas.
Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are $190.00. K visas cost $265.00 and the fee amount
for E visas is $205.00. Following the tables is a short list of nonimmigrant visas which do not require payment of an
application fee.
Current Consular
Exchange Rate:

47.00 PHP = 1 USD

Current Rate Valid

Through:

31/10/2015
Exchange Rate

Fee
Amount
(USD)

Fee
Amount
(PHP)

Visa
Type

Description

$160

7520.00

Business/Tourist

$160

7520.00

C-1

Transit

$160

7520.00

Ship/Airline Crew

$160

7520.00

Student (academic)

$160

7520.00

Journalist and Media

$160

7520.00

Exchange Visitors

$160

7520.00

Student (vocational)

$160

7520.00

Victim of Human Trafficking

$160

7520.00

TN/TD NAFTA Professionals

$160

7520.00

Victim of Criminal Activity

$190

8930.00

CW

Transitional Workers CNMI

$190

8930.00

Temporary/Seasonal Workers
and Employment, Trainees

$190

8930.00

Intracompany Transferees

$190

8930.00

Persons with Extraordinary

Ability

$190

8930.00

Athletes. Artists & Entertainers

$190

8930.00

International Cultural Exchange

$190

8930.00

Religious Worker

$265

12455.00

Fianc(e) or Spouse of U.S.

Citizen

Treaty Trader/Investor,
Australian Professional
Specialty

$205

9635.00

Current Consular
Exchange Rate:

47.00 PHP = 1 USD

Current Rate Valid

Through:

31/10/2015

Visa Types and Application Fee Amounts - Sorted by Fee

Class
Visa
Type

Description

Fee Amount
(USD)

Fee Amount
(PHP)

Business/Tourist

$160

7520.00

C-1

Transit

$160

7520.00

CW

Transitional Worker CNMI

$190

8930.00

Ship/Airline Crew

$160

7520.00

Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional

Specialty

$205

9635.00

Student (academic)

$160

7520.00

Temporary/Seasonal Workers and Employment,

H

Trainees

$190

8930.00

Journalist and Media

$160

7520.00

Exchange Visitor

$160

7520.00

Fianc(e) or Spouse of U.S. Citizen

$265

12455.00

Intracompany Transferees

$190

8930.00

Student (vocational)

$160

7520.00

Persons with Extraordinary Ability

$190

8930.00

Athletes. Artists & Entertainers

$190

8930.00

International Cultural Exchange

$190

8930.00

Religious Worker

$190

8930.00

Victim of Human Trafficking

$160

7520.00

TN/TD

NAFTA Professionals

$160

7520.00

Victim of Criminal Activity

$160

7520.00

Visa Types and Application Fee Amounts - Sorted by Visa Type

Visa Types and Conditions with No Fee Required

Applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas (as defined in 22 CFR 41.26)
Applicants holding J visas and who are participating in certain official U.S. Government-sponsored

educational and cultural exchanges

Replacement of a machine-readable visa when the original visa was not properly affixed or the visa needs

to be reissued through no fault of the applicant

Applicants exempted by international agreement, including members and staff of an observer mission to

United Nations Headquarters recognized by the UN General Assembly, and their immediate families
Applicants traveling to provide certain charitable services
U.S. Government employees traveling on official business
A parent, sibling, spouse or child of a U.S. Government employee killed in the line of duty who is traveling
to attend the employee's funeral and/or burial; or a parent, sibling, spouse, son or daughter of a U.S. Government
employee critically injured in the line of duty for visitation during emergency treatment and convalescence

Other Fees
Blanket
L
Fees
(Fraud
Prevention
and
Detection
Fee)
The principal applicant of a blanket L petition must pay a Fraud Prevention and Detection fee of US$500.00. The
U.S. petitioner pays the Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee for individual L, H-1B, and H-2B petitions when the
petition is filed with USCIS