Traveling on B1/B2 to attend summit along with tourism
I am traveling under B1/B2 to attend my company's summit which is of 5 days. I have an invitation letter which states than I'll be staying in Texas for approximately 2 weeks and everything will be borne by the company
However I wish to visit NY for 5 days(stay would be my friend's place) and then return back to my country. My total stay would be 2 week 3 days including the NY trip.
My concern is about Port of Entry questions - As you may have noticed I'll be on tourism & business purpose even though my letter clearly says I'll be visiting Texas for the summit(Business) for approximately 2 weeks. Will this be a concern ? If yes, what would be the correct way ? My return flight is from NY. Will I be questioned about why am I traveling back from NY or to show my domestic flight from Austin to NY ?
Best Answer
This is fine. Visitors to the US are classified either as visitors for business, B-1, or for pleasure, B-2. (The analogous status codes for those who have entered under the Visa Waiver Program are WB and WT.) Although there is a dual-purpose visa, the B-1/B-2 visa, there is no combined B-1/B-2 status. Because of this, you should be admitted to the US in B-1 status.
Nonimmigrants who have entered the US for one purpose may generally apply to change their nonimmigrant status for another purpose. It is not necessary for a business visitor to do this, however, when combining pleasure travel with a business visit. The US page on change of nonimmigrant status explains:
You do not need to apply to change your nonimmigrant status if you were admitted into the United States for business reasons (B-1 visa category ) and you wish to remain in the United States for pleasure before your authorized stay expires.
Business travelers frequently use their paid business travel as a springboard to personal travel on their own expense. This is incredibly common, and is highly unlikely to cause any concern at your immigration interview.
I'll be on tourism & business purpose even though my letter clearly says I'll be visiting Texas for the summit(Business) for approximately 2 weeks.
The letter serves as evidence of the main purpose of your trip; it shows what you'll be doing during the first two weeks. There's no reason to hide the fact that you're planning to stay longer in the US (indeed, the officer is most likely looking at your airline reservation while he is interviewing you). If the officer asks, just explain your plans. It's all perfectly legitimate.
Furthermore, invitation letters are not generally required to enter the US. They are useful to support your assertions about your travel plans (for example, that you're attending a summit in Texas at your employer's expense), but it is certainly not necessary that they describe details of your itinerary that do not concern your employer.
Will I be questioned about why am I traveling back from NY or to show my domestic flight from Austin to NY ?
It's possible, but if this happens there is no cause for worry. It is also possible that the officer might want other evidence relating to the latter portion of your trip. For example, he may want to know more about your friend, or to speak with your friend on the phone to confirm that he is expecting your visit. This is, however, very unlikely unless the officer becomes suspicious that you are lying about something or otherwise planning to do something improper.
To reiterate, mixing business and pleasure in a single visit is perfectly normal, and having an invitation letter that mentions only the business travel in your itinerary is not a problem.
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Can B1 B2 visa be used for tourism?
A US B1/B2 Visa is a traditional visa that can be used for business or tourism.What is B1 B2 tourism?
B1 and B2 visas are generally referred to as \u201cB visas\u201d, and they are the most common types of visa issued for a wide range of uses in the United States. The B1 visa is issued mainly for short-term business trips, while the B2 visa is issued mainly traveling for tourism purposes.How many times can you enter the US on a B1 B2 visa?
If you have a B1/B2 visa, you can visit the United States whenever you want to \u2013 as long as your passport is valid. The B visa is a multiple entry visa, which means you can use it to enter the United States more than once.What does a B1 B2 visa allow?
B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrant visas are for individuals, from countries for which the United States requires a visa, who wish to enter the United States temporarily for any of the following purposes: for business (B-1) such as consulting with colleague, presenting a lecture, attending a conference, a job interview, or an ...B1 / B2 is Tourist / Visitor Visa NOT Good for Working or Doing Business in USA | Don't Abuse Visa
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