B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa 2026: DS-160, ESTA, the 10-Year Visa & Immigrant Intent
Published 2026-08-11 · Sources: Department of State — DS-160, CBP — ESTA, USCIS
Photo: Global Residence Index via UnsplashThe B-1/B-2 visitor visa is the most-issued U.S. visa in the world — the business-and-tourism workhorse. Many travelers never touch it because they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) instead. For everyone else, the path runs through Form DS-160, an embassy interview, and — for many nationalities — a 10-year multiple-entry visa. The catch that trips up the most applicants is the immigrant-intent rule. Here is how it fits together in 2026.
B-1 vs B-2
| Category | Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|---|
| B-1 (business) | Meetings, conferences, contract talks, short training | Local employment, running a business, being paid by a U.S. source |
| B-2 (tourism) | Vacation, family visits, medical care, short recreational study | Enrolling in a full course of study, working |
Most issued visas are the combined B-1/B-2, so the holder can do either.
Visa Waiver Program & ESTA
Citizens of roughly 40 participating countries can visit for business or tourism (up to 90 days) without a visa if they have an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). ESTA currently costs $21 and is valid for two years or until the passport expires. ESTA does not guarantee admission — a CBP officer still decides at the port of entry. Travelers who have visited certain countries, or who don’t meet VWP rules, must use a regular B visa instead.
The 10-year visa and admission length
For many nationalities the issued B-1/B-2 visa is valid for 10 years, multiple entry. That is the visa’s validity, not the stay: at the border, a CBP officer typically admits the traveler for up to six months per visit (annotated on the I-94). A long-validity visa mainly means you don’t reapply each trip.
The 214(b) immigrant-intent rule
Every B applicant is presumed to have immigrant intent. To overcome it (section 214(b)), you must show ties to your home country you intend to return to: employment, family, property, or a business. Unlike H-1B or L-1, the B visa has no dual-intent protection — you cannot use it to enter planning to stay. Entering on a B visa with a preconceived plan to adjust status (for example, to marry and file I-485) can be treated as misrepresentation; adjusting after a genuine, unforeseen change of plans is possible but fact-sensitive and should be reviewed with an attorney.
Extending your stay
If you need more time, file Form I-539 (Change/Extend Nonimmigrant Status) before your I-94 expires. The verified 2026 fee is $470 by paper or $420 online (USCIS Form G-1055, Edition 02/17/2026, verified 2026-08-11). Initial admission is usually up to six months and an extension can add more, but total B status is generally capped around one year. File early — USCIS must receive the I-539 before your current stay ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between B-1 and B-2?
B-1 is for business activities that don't involve local employment (meetings, conferences, contract negotiation). B-2 is for tourism, visiting family, medical treatment, and short recreational study. Most applicants receive a combined B-1/B-2 visa covering both purposes.
Do I need a visa or just ESTA?
Citizens of about 40 Visa Waiver Program countries can visit for business or tourism (up to 90 days) with an approved ESTA instead of a visa. Everyone else applies for a B-1/B-2 visa through Form DS-160 and an embassy interview. ESTA currently costs $21 and is valid for two years.
Why do B visa applications get refused?
The most common refusal is section 214(b): the officer is not convinced the applicant has a residence abroad they intend to return to (i.e., suspected immigrant intent). B visas are nonimmigrant with no dual-intent protection, so strong home-country ties — job, family, property, business — are the central evidence.
How do I extend a B-1/B-2 stay?
File Form I-539 (Change/Extend Nonimmigrant Status) before your authorized stay expires, with the $470 paper / $420 online fee (USCIS Form G-1055, Edition 02/17/2026, verified 2026-08-11). Initial admission is usually up to six months; an extension can add more time but total B status is generally capped around one year. File early — USCIS must receive it before expiry.