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Business/Tourist Visas

Business/Tourist Visas (B-1/B-2 visas)

OVERVIEW
The most common type of U.S. visa is the B-1/B-2, which permits travelers to go to the U.S. for short periods of time for business and tourism.  The following page explains how to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. Summer camp, summer school and English language study in the U.S. may require a different type of visa: click here for more information.

APPLYING FOR A VISA

  1. Please follow the steps listed on the “How to apply” page to submit your application and prepare the required documents.  

  2. Under U.S. law, every person who applies for a business, tourist, or student visa to visit the United States is presumed to be an intending immigrant until the applicant shows otherwise.  To qualify for a nonimmigrant visa, applicants must present evidence of strong ties to Taiwan that will compel them to leave the U.S. after their visit.  If required, an officer may ask to see documentation proving your situation in Taiwan.  Although no specific documents are required, you are encouraged to bring in items available to you from the following list.  These may be helpful in establishing your eligibility for a visa.

    Useful documents might include:
    • Financial records such as bank books showing several months’ transactions (not simply a bank statement showing your current deposit), tax records, or property deeds
    • Certificate of employment or company issued photo identification
    • Student transcripts
    • Income tax return
    • Information about the planned trip
    • If it is a business trip, a letter of invitation from the U.S. Company
    • If you own your own business, your company registration, license, and recent tax receipts
    • Marriage certificate
    • Children's applications might include household registration record, original birth certificates, school reports, the parents' financial documents and travel documents.
    • A parent/ legal guardian must accompany a child under the age of 18 to his/her interview and must electronically sign the child’s application form.  If parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have difficulty accompanying the child to the interview, they should write a letter authorizing a representative to accompany the child.  However, the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may still need to come for an interview if a consular officer decides their appearance is required.  AIT strongly recommends that applicants under the age of 18 submit US visa information for accompanying adult travelers.  AIT also strongly recommends that parent(s)/legal guardian(s) submit a letter authorizing their minor child to travel with a non-custodial parent, relative or friend.

  3. Documentation Needed - When Seeking to Travel for Medical Treatment

    In addition to all of the documentation requirements explained above, the following documentation is also required, for persons seeking medical treatment in the U.S.: 

    • Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason the applicant requires treatment in the United States.

    • 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).

    • Persons traveling to the U.S. for medical treatment should have a statement from a doctor or institution concerning proposed medical treatment.

    • Statement of financial responsibility from the individuals or an organization that will pay for the patient’s transportation, medical and living expenses.  The individuals guaranteeing payment of these expenses must provide proof of ability to do so, often in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns.

  RELATED LINKS AND INFORMATION 

 

How to apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa

Non-Immigriant Visa Category