:: B-1/B-2 Visa
The B-1/B-2 visas are issued for visitors for either pleasure or business.

:: B-1/B-2 Eligibility Requirements
First, applicants must enter the U.S. to stay only for a short duration of time. Second, applicants must intend to depart the U.S. before the expiration of their authorized stay. Third, while in the U.S., applicants must maintain their foreign residence which they have no intention of abandoning. Fourth, applicants must have an adequate financial arrangement to support themselves in the U.S. Fifth, applicants must engage only in legitimate activities relating to their business or pleasure.

:: Bona Fide Nonimmigrant Intent
In order to demonstrate bona fide nonimmigrant intent for B-1 Visitors, they will need a letter from the company setting forth a legitimate business reason for the trip, setting specific dates during which the business will be transacted, and including supporting documentation of the trip arrangements. For B-2 Visitors, they must show financial arrangements for the trip, or other factors showing financial sufficiency of the applicant, specificity of trip plans, ties to the applicant's home country, and ties to the United States. The applicant can establish ties abroad by demonstrating steady employment, substantial business or property interests abroad, and/or family ties.

:: Legitimate activities for B-1 Visitors for Business
Examples of permissible activities are soliciting sales, negotiating contracts, procuring goods, components, or raw materials for work that will be performed outside the U.S., and attending professional or business conferences. B-1 Visa holders may not receive payment by an organization within the U.S. and legitimate B-1 business activity should be associated with international trade or commerce.

:: Legitimate activities for B-1 Visitors for Pleasure
Examples of permissible activities are tourism, amusement, visiting friends and relatives, coming to marry, and arranging academic plans.

:: Studying while in B-2 status
B Visitors cannot engage in studies. However, a tourist in B-2 status can engage in a short course of study, lasting a maximum period of 2-3 months, that is secondary to the main purpose of his/her trip.

:: When to Apply for Extension of Stay
It is safe to extend the existing visa at least 45 days before the expiration date. If the visa is already expired, applicant must have a special reason to apply for extension of stay. If the applicant is without a reason, he/she must obtain a new B visa from a U.S. consulate abroad. It is important to note that if the applicant has lived in the U.S. illegally for at least 180 days, he/she cannot be granted a visa for three years, and if he/she has lived in the U.S. illegally for at least one year, he/she cannot be granted a visa for ten years. However, in some cases, applicants who lived in the U.S. illegally for a long period of time may be able to get a waiver to re-enter the U.S.