Non-Immigrant Visas

Business/Tourist (B1/B2) Visas

The information on this site is applicable to visa applications made at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin. Those making applications at other U.S. Embassies or Consulates should consult the websites for those missions. If you reside in Northern Ireland, visit the U.S. Consulate General, Belfast, web site for information about applying for a visa in Northern Ireland.

Citizens of a foreign country who wish to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a Nonimmigrant Visas for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Travelers for temporary visits from certain eligible countries may be able to visit the U.S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program.

The "visitor" visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons entering the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for tourism/pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). The definition of "business" in this instance is limited, and does not generally allow for gainful employment or productive activity such as operating a business or consultancy work. Specifically, in the applicable U.S. law the term "business" is limited to the negotiation of contracts, consultation with business associates, and participation in scientific, educational,professional or business conventions, conferences or seminars and other legitimate activities of a commercial or professional nature. It does not include employment or labor for hire.

Persons planning to travel to the U.S. for a different purpose such as students, temporary workers, exchange visitors, crewmen, journalists, etc., must apply for a different visa in the appropriate category. Please check Nonimmigrant Visas for additional information.

Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The presumption in the law is that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:

• The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment;
• That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit;
• That they plan to remain for a specific, limited period; and
• Seek admission for the sole purpose of engaging in legitimate activities relating to business or pleasure.

To apply for a temporary business (B-1)or holiday (B-2) visa, please check How to Apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa for additional information.

Unless previously canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration date (maximum validity --10-year, multiple entry from date of issue). Therefore, if the traveler has a valid U.S. visitor visa in an expired passport, he or she may use it along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore, final travel plans or the purchase of nonrefundable tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued.

If the consular officer should find it necessary to deny the issuance of a visitor visa, the applicant may apply again if there is new evidence to overcome the basis for the refusal.

U.S. Port of Entry

Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) of the Department of Homeland Security has authority to deny admission. Also, the period for which the bearer of a visitor visa is authorized to remain in the United States is determined by the USCBP, not the consular officer. At the port of entry, (in Ireland, the USCBP maintains a preclearance facility at both Dublin and Shannon airports which are considered U.S. Ports of Entry) a USCBP official must authorize the traveler's admission to the U.S. At that time Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure, which notes the length of stay permitted, is validated. Those visitors who wish to stay beyond the time indicated on their Form I-94 must contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) in the United States to request Form I-539, Application to Extend Status. The decision to grant or deny a request for extension of stay is made solely by the USCIS.

Visa-Free Travel to the U.S.

Travelers coming to the U.S. for tourism or business for 90 days or less from qualified countries may be eligible to visit the U.S. without a visa. Visitors entering on the Visa Waiver Program cannot work or study while in the U.S. and cannot stay longer than 90 days or change their status to another category.