US B1 & B2 visa rules: What’s allowed & what isn’t

• US Embassy India clarifies B1/B2 visa rules via animated series.
• B1 for meetings/training, no US employment; B2 for tourism/medical.
• Visa applicants interview in country of residence, starting in 2025.

New Delhi: The United States Embassy in India has informed American visa seekers and holders regarding the importance of specific rules of holding a B1

or B2 visas adding that it's visitors responsibility to know what each of these permits mean while traveling to the country. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, US embassy informed people to join their animated series this month to explore and gain knowledge regarding two specific US visas including B1 and B2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRCzB-tE6Nw

"Not sure what your B1/B2 visa allows? You are not alone. Every US visa has specific rules and following them is your responsibility. Join Nick and Neha this month in an animated video series as they explain the essential B1/B2 visa rules, so you can use your visa correctly and avoid problems at the port of entry," the US Embassy post on X reads.

What Is A B-1 Visa?

• A B-1 is a short-term non-immigrant US visa that allows a person to visit the United States for attending conferences, negotiating contracts, consulting, or short-term training.
• However, the B-1 visa does not allow employment or receiving payment from a US source. While accessing this visa, one is required to show a strong proof that the person would return back to his home country.

ALSO READ | Minneapolis ICE Shooting: Why Is The Tragic Incident Dividing Americans

What Is A B-2 Visa?

• While B-1 visa is for attending temporary business conferences or meetings excluding employment opportunities, the B-2 is also a non-immigrant visa that allows a person to visit the United States for tourism, vacation, pleasure, and medical treatment, allowing temporary entry for activities like sightseeing, visiting family/friends, or getting medical care.
• People also use these visas --- B1 and B2 --- combined that expands its flexibility and allow them to attend business meetings or tourism visits with stays up to 180 days and validity up to 10 years.

ALSO READ | 500% Tariff Threat on India: Should Delhi Be Worried After Trump’s Approval?

What is a US Visa?

A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to travel to the United States generally must first obtain a US visa. Visas are placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.

Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel

Where to Apply for US Visa

Effective November 1, 2025, all immigrant visa applicants will be scheduled for their interview in the consular district designated for their country of residence or alternatively, may apply in their country of nationality if requested, with limited exceptions.

Effective September 6, 2025, all nonimmigrant visa applicants should schedule their interview at the US embassy or consulate in their country of residence or nationality.